Breatheindoorhealthy air
BUILT TO SAVE® high-performance vertified homes are tightly sealed to prevent infiltration of outdoor contaminants and allergens. The BUILT TO SAVE® program’s requirements also include a properly sized air-conditioning unit to ensure controlled humidity and whole-house comfort with superior indoor air quality.
Ask your builder if your home is BUILT TO SAVE® vertified. with a high-performance home
See page 14-15 for a list of BUILT TO SAVE® builder members or scan the QR code to visit www.BuiltToSave.org
SIERRA TITLE
CLOSE WITH PEAK CONFIDENCE
UPPER VALLEY TEAM
Valley roots back to 1928
and efficient Title Commitments and Closings
service, Valley owned and operated Only Guaranty Company based in the Valley
• 120 Shadow Mountain (915) 584-9451
• 8732 Alameda (915) 858-0665
• 1504 Montana (915) 228-3475
• 5001 N. Mesa, Ste. 2-C (915) 544-3322
• 1600 Lee Trevino, Ste. B-1 (915) 593-7200
• 3401 N. 10th St. (956) 682-8321
Edinburg
• 109 N. 10th Ave. (956) 383-7474
• 4740 S. Jackson Rd. (956) 720-4498
• 1225 Stuart Place Rd. (956) 412-0564
• 1902 E. Harrison (956) 428-8801
• 1765 E. Price Rd. (956) 541-9893 • 3311 Padre Blvd. Ste. E (956) 761-2104
ELCOMING LUXURY
Luxury Homes That Inspire the Soul and Enchant the HEART!
At Waldo Homes, building your dream home is a true labor of love. Every design, detail, and finish reflects their passion for creating beautiful, lasting spaces. From stunning architecture to luxurious interiors, Waldo Homes delivers the “Waldo Wow Factor” in every project. Led by Luis Waldo and his dedicated team, their honesty, skill, and heart shine through—creating homes that aren’t just built, but crafted for a lifetime of pride, joy, and unforgettable memories.
Trained to Verify High-Performance Superior Homes
A home energy Rater plays a vital role in ensuring that homes meet strict energy efficiency standards. You can trust that your home is energy efficient, but you should also verify by hiring these professionals.
These licensed professionals inspect homes during construction and perform detailed testing once construction is complete to evaluate the home’s energy performance. Using specialized equipment, such as a blower door and duct leakage tester, they measure the home's envelope and ductwork for air leakage. This testing is crucial in determining the home’s future energy usage.
During construction, these Raters conduct visual inspections at key stages, such as during framing, after insulation, and before drywall installation. Their independent oversight helps verify that builders comply with the energy code and the strict requirements of programs like BUILT TO SAVE® and ENERGY STAR®. By ensuring quality and energy efficiency, they contribute to the construction of high-performance homes that save energy and provide long-term savings, comfort, and value for homeowners.
Home by Villanueva Construction
ATTENTION BUILDERS DIY BUYERS DON’T MISS THE
BIGGEST CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EVENT IN THE VALLEY
The 2025 South Texas Builders Show is happening on Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. This one-day event brings together builders, contractors, building officials, vendors, and industry professionals from across the region for a full day of networking, learning, and business-building opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for new products, services, or partnerships, the South Texas Builders Show is your chance to connect with the best in the business. From handson exhibits to expert advice and educational seminars on energy-efficient construction, you’ll find everything you need to stay ahead in the rapidly changing home building industry.
ONE DAY ONLY – DON’T MISS IT!
Saturday, May 31, 2025 9AM - 4PM
ATTENDEES: PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT AND BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR A $500 CASH CARD GIVEAWAY*
PARTIAL EXHIBITOR LIST:
• AEP Texas / www.SouthTxSaves.com
• Bank of South Texas / www.BankofSouthTexas.com
• BUILT TO SAVE® / www.BuiltToSave.org
• Capital Insiders / www.capitalinsiders.financial
• Copy Plus / www.copyplusrgv.com
• Electi Cabinets / www.electicabinetsupply.com
• Environmental Innovations / roel.garza@eihvac.com
• FEPO Machinery / www.fepomachinery.com
• GBRO Trusses On Wheels / gbrotrussesonwheels@gmail.com
• Generator Supercenter of The Valley / www.generatorsupercenterofthevalley.com
• Habitat for Humanity of the RGV / habitatrgv.org
• IDI-Insulation Distributors Inc / www.idi-insulation.com
• KAUTSCH True Value / kautschtv.com
• Los Pinos Hardware Company / www.lospinoshardware.com
• Magic Valley Electric Cooperative / www.magicvalley.coop
• Materiales El Valle / www.materialeselvalleinc.com
• Matt’s Building Materials / www.mattsbuildingmaterials.com
• McCoy’s Building Supply / www.McCoys.com
• OJ Spray Foam Insulation / http:oj-spray-foam.square.site
• Puretap Water Systems / www.puretapwatersystems.com
• RGV New Homes Guide / www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com
• RGV Tech Institute / www.rgvtechinstitute.com
• Rio Bank / www.rio.bank
• Rockwool / www.rockwool.com
• Schluter Systems L.P. / www.schluter.com
• Seba Windows & Glass / sebawindowsglass@gmail.com
• SIGNS 2GO / www.signs2go.us
• South Texas Builders Alliance / sotxba@gmail.com
• South Texas College (STC) / www.SouthTexasCollege.edu
• Texrite / www.texrite.com
• Top Builders Supply / www.TopBuildersTexas.com
• Uniblock / www.uniblock.com.mx
• Valley Energy Specialist / www.InsulateRGV.com
Red denotes Show Sponsor
* Exhibitor list is current as of 5-1-25
ASK ABOUT AVAILABLE BOOTHS VENDORS, TITLE COMPANIES, BANKS, MORTGAGE COMPANIES, LUMBER, & OTHERS: CALL (956) 778-3590
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
To enter the giveaways, entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older. One entry per person only. All prizes are offered by individual exhibitors, not by the South Texas Builders Show. The South Texas Builders Show does not guarantee the condition, quality, listed values, or performance of any giveaway prize. Exhibitors are responsible for announcing the winners of their giveaway prizes and to arrange delivery of prizes to the winners. Terms & conditions subject to individual exhibitor’s policies.
Randy Plumlee IECC | HERS | LEED GR | BPI
We’re excited to welcome Randy Plumlee, Senior Manager/Building Performance for SPEER (South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource). SPEER is a non-profit organization focused on energy efficiency and building performance and on accelerating the adoption of energy efficient technologies and procedures in the Texas/Oklahoma region. Randy Is known for his engaging, nononsense presentations that bring useful insights into the best practices in building science, energy codes, and construction. Don’t miss his sessions—you will leave with valuable knowledge that you can put to work right away to succeed in today’s competitive housing market!
SHOW SPONSORS
Bedrooms: A Sanctuary of Comfort
Bedrooms should be more than just places to sleep—they should be restful, cozy, and beautiful. Spacious layouts, soft lighting, and peaceful color palettes help create an environment where relaxation comes naturally. Adding seating areas or custom touches like reading nooks makes the bedroom even more personal and inviting.
Spacious Closets: Beauty and Organization
Dream homes feature spacious closets that combine practicality with luxury. Walk-in closets with custom shelving, islands, built-in drawers, and plenty of lighting not only provide the room you need for your wardrobe but also add an element of everyday convenience and elegance to your lifestyle.
Dream bedrooms combine luxury, comfort, and restful design.
Walk-in closets provide storage, style, and convenience.
Home photos by Jose Mendez
ALSA CUSTOM HOMES
(956)460-3095
BELLISSIMO BUILDERS (956)222-0721
BLACK WOLF CONSTRUCTION (956) 230-5555
BRITO CONSTRUCTION (956) 540-5557
MONARCH HOMES (956) 215-4079
WALDO HOMES (956) 466-8590 / (956) 777-3677
Not all the homes in the Rio Grande Valley are built the same. A homebuyer’s best option to make sure their new home will be built to
standards is by finding a builder that is a member of a High-Performance Home Verification Program like BUILT TO SAVE®
the help of this program and third-party inspectors, builders are guided through the process of building homes of superior quality and energy efficiency.
www.alsacustomhomesllc.com
www.bellissimobuilders.com
www.blackwolfconstruction@hotmail.com
www.britoconstruction.com
www.monarchhomesrgv.com
www.waldohomesrgv.com
info@alsacustomhomesllc.com
bellissimobuilders@gmail.com
info@britoconstruction.com
info@monarchhomesrgv.com
luiswaldo@yahoo.com
At the top of the list of reasons for Materiales El Valle’s popularity is its millions of square feet of product inventory and thousands of square feet of showroom space with beautiful full-sized displays and samples of products including brick, ceramic tile, glass mosaic tile, handmade Saltillo tile, roof tile, porcelain, marble, Travertine, Cantera, engineered stone, and wood flooring. If a product makes your home stand out from the ordinary, the company almost certainly has it in stock—and in large supply.
And what could go better with the largest inventory? How about the best prices! The company’s long-standing history with name-brand manufacturers is a major part of its success. Because of those relationships, Materiales El Valle is able to not only offer lower prices; more importantly, the company is able to introduce the latest trending products, which may explain why so many builders win awards for homes that use materials that are often new to the market.
No matter how good products are and how inexpensive they may be, shoppers, however, tend to place greater value on how they are treated and whether they can rely on their vendor to be there for them. And that’s where the company excels—customer service. Combined with their many years of knowledge and experience, Materiales El Valle’s staff provides a friendly, personal service that makes buyers feel like family…because in the company’s eyes, they are. And that keeps customers coming back.
(956) 800-8889 • (956) 212-4132
www.VillanuevaHomes.com
info@villanuevahomes.com k @VillanuevaHomes Q Villanueva Construction E
Lagoon 8” X 48”
Sunken Ivory 8” X 48”
Sunken Ivory 8” X 48”
Martin Villanueva, Builder/Owner
Materiales El Valle provides incentives* to its builder customers who join the BUILT TO SAVE® High-Performance Home Program and verify that their homes are built to standards superior to minimum code requirements.
BUILT TO SAVE® awards “high-performance” certifications to new homes inspected, tested, and verified by a licensed, independent thirdparty Home Energy Rater.
PARTNER WITH MATERIALES EL VALLE TO BUILD HOMES THAT STAND OUT IN BEAUTY, PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND VALUE! JOIN BUILT TO SAVE®
Ask a Materiales El Valle representative for details about this WIN-WIN opportunity.
Est.
2025 Energy-Efficient LEADING BUILDERS
Villanueva Construction
(956) 800-8889 | rosendo@villanuevahomes.com www.VillanuevaHomes.com
Villanueva Construction, founded in 1985, is a trusted leader in energy-efficient homebuilding. With eight consecutive Outstanding Achievement Awards for building the most BUILT TO SAVE® verified homes every year, they’ve set the benchmark in building verified high-performance homes. Known for exceptional quality, energy savings, and value, their homes go beyond minimum standards—offering luxury as a standard feature. Guided by founder Martin Villanueva’s hands-on leadership, the company delivers long-term value through lower utility bills, healthier indoor air, and lasting durability.
Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.
(956) 687-6263 | info@ahsti.com www.ahsti.com
Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI), a 501c3 non-profit, has helped low-income families in the Rio Grande Valley own affordable, energy-efficient homes for nearly 50 years. Every home they build is verified as a high-performance home meeting ENERGY STAR® standards, and many are also BUILT TO SAVE® certified. AHSTI offers services like homebuyer education, bilingual counseling, emergency repair grants, and financing. Their dedication has earned EPA recognition and ensures families enjoy comfort, energy savings, and long-term homeownership stability.
Divine Custom Homes
(956) 467-1111 | olga@divinecustomhomes.net www.DivineCustomHomes.com
Led by Olga Treviño, DIVINE Custom Homes is a leading builder of high-performance homes in the Rio Grande Valley. Every home they build is ENERGY STAR® qualified and enhanced with the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS certification for superior indoor air quality—ideal for those with asthma or allergies. In Magic Valley Electric Cooperative communities, their homes are also BUILT TO SAVE® verified, ensuring energy savings and lasting value. With a strong focus on health, comfort, and quality, DIVINE has been delivering homes that go beyond efficiency to offer truly exceptional living since 1997.
CAZA Group
(956) 221-0992 • 435-2375 | build@cazaRGV.com
Since 2019, CAZA Group has built a strong reputation in the Rio Grande Valley for crafting BUILT TO SAVE®-certified high-performance homes. Led by builder Armando Castro, CAZA prioritizes transparency, energy efficiency, and quality craftsmanship. Armando’s hands-on approach ensures clear communication, precise construction, and a customer-first experience from start to finish. Each CAZA home reflects innovation, long-term value, and a commitment to healthier, more sustainable living. With a focus on integrity and after-sale support, CAZA Group continues to raise the bar in custom home construction.
The Hidden Costs of Homeownership—
And How to Avoid Them
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. While the sale price and mortgage are obvious costs, many new homeowners are surprised by hidden expenses that can quickly add up. From high utility bills to unexpected maintenance, these costs can impact your budget—and your comfort—if you’re not prepared. Here’s what to watch out for, and how to avoid them.
1 Energy Bills That Keep Climbing
One of the most common hidden costs of homeownership is your monthly energy bill. Heating and cooling make up the largest portion of energy use in most homes. If your home is not energy efficient, you’ll pay more every month—often hundreds more per year—than necessary.
Older homes or those built to only meet minimum building code standards typically lack proper insulation, have leaky ductwork, and include inefficient appliances or windows. These issues can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should, driving up your energy use.
2 Poor Insulation and Air Leaks
Many homeowners don’t realize how much insulation—or the lack of it— impacts their comfort and their wallet. Poorly insulated walls, roofs, and attics let conditioned air escape and allow outdoor temperatures to creep inside. Air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations also contribute to drafts and moisture problems, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills.
The cost of fixing these issues later— adding insulation, sealing air leaks, or replacing inefficient systems—can be
significant. It’s far better to invest in a well-built home from the start.
3 Built to Minimum Code Isn’t
Built for High-
Performance
Just because a home is “code compliant” doesn’t mean it’s built for long-term performance. Minimum code is just that—the lowest level of quality a home can legally have. These homes often meet the basics for structure and safety, but they don’t go above and beyond in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, or durability.
Over time, that can mean higher repair and utility costs, more frequent equipment replacements, and a less comfortable living environment.
4 How to Avoid These Hidden Costs
The best way to avoid surprise expenses is to invest in a verified high-performance home. These homes are inspected during construction and tested upon
completion by independent licensed energy raters to meet standards well above minimum code.
Programs like ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® certify that a home has better insulation, tighter construction, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and proper ventilation. Not only does this mean lower utility bills, but also a more comfortable, durable, and healthier home.
Before buying, ask the builder if the home is ENERGY STAR® or BUILT TO SAVE® certified. Request third-party verification reports and energy rating scores. These are your proof that the home was built to perform—and to save you money.
Bottom line: A home that looks good on the outside can cost you thousands more in hidden expenses if it’s not built right. Ask the right questions, choose a high-performance home, and enjoy lower bills, fewer surprises, and peace of mind for years to come.
DISCOUNTS FOR CO-OP ADVERTISING IN RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE For Developers
RGV New Homes Guide, a quarterly printed and digital magazine in the Rio Grande Valley, provides marketing opportunities for developers of new home communities in MVEC’s territory.
1) RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE COMMUNITY ADS
Developers with a community located in MVEC’s territory qualify for a rebate of $75 on their community ad in the RGV New Homes Guide. Community ads are ¼-page horizontal ads that provide an “at a glance” look at all of a community’s important information and provide traffic and sales leads.
2) RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE DISPLAY ADS
Developers advertising their MVEC community may qualify for a $300 rebate on their display ad available in half-page and full-page sizes. Distribution includes a digital and printed magazine as well as social media promotions on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit rgvNewHomesGuide.com /magazine for a look at the RGV New Homes Guide. Email: info@acrossmediamarketing.com for advertising information.
3) DRONE VIDEOS FOR MVEC COMMUNITIES
Drone videos will give potential buyers a bird’s eye view of a community and its surrounding area. These videos will capture the look and feel of a community, thus giving viewers a comprehensive view of the “lay of the land” and nearby attractions. MVEC will provide a complimentary drone video for qualifying communities located in MVEC’s territory.
4) SIGNAGE FOR MVEC COMMUNITIES
A community sign will make it easier to find a community and will assist by providing a 24/7 sales tool offering sales and contact information. MVEC offers assistance in producing entrance signage for communities in MVEC’s territory. Call for details.
QUALIFYING FOR MVEC OFFERS
To qualify for all of the offers shown here, builders and developers must be building or developing in a MVEC community. All offers are on a “funds available” basis and require pre-approval. See below for additional conditions.
BUILT TO SAVE® REBATES – The BUILT TO SAVE® program is responsible for determining the eligibility of builder rebates. The rebate amounts are determined by the home’s HERS score as documented and verified by the builder’s third-party Home Energy Rater.
RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE ADS – Co-op marketing rebates for advertising in the New Homes Guide requires branding with the “Powered by MVEC” logo. Artwork fees are not included.
DRONE VIDEOS – This is a one-time offer for new home communities that are under development or newly developed and includes the cost of production. Drone videos are to be produced by Across Media Marketing, LLC and branded with the “Powered by MVEC” logo. Existing new home communities must have 80% of lots still available for construction to qualify.
SIGNAGE – Artwork for community sign to be provided by MVEC in collaboration with Across Media Marketing, LLC. MVEC will provide a pre-determined amount based on the sign’s specifications to help cover the art fee. Installation of signage is the developer’s responsibility. Signage is required to be branded with the “Powered by MVEC” logo.
RISE ABOVE ALL THE REST
If you are building or buying a new home, don’t settle for minimum standards. Ask your builder if they build homes with any of these high-performance certifications. Ask for the certificate. You’ll enjoy savings on utilities and living in a healthier home.
DOE ZERO ENERGY READY HOME
This certification is awarded to homes that meet all of the criteria of the Department of Energy’s Energy Ready Home National Program. These homes are verified to be at least 40%-50% more energy efficient than a typical home. Zero Energy Ready Homes are so efficient that incorporating a renewable system can offset most or all annual energy consumption. Visit energy.gov for more information.
ENERGY STAR®
The ENERGY STAR® is a national program administered by the Department of Energy in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency. To earn the ENERGY STAR® certification, homes must meet strict construction and energy efficiency criteria verified by a third party. An ENERGY STAR® qualified home consumes less energy than a similar home built to code and provides better durability, more comfort, cleaner indoor air, and reduced maintenance costs. Visit energystar.gov for more information.
INDOOR AIRPLUS
The Indoor airPLUS is a program of the Environmental Protection Agency and is a companion label that can only be awarded to a home that has qualified for the ENERGY STAR® or Zero Energy Ready Home programs. The construction and system requirements of the Indoor airPlus program are designed to reduce contaminants in order to improve indoor air quality, including mold, moisture, radon, carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, and other detriments found in poor air quality. Visit epa.gov for more information.
BUILT TO SAVE® Best Value!
The BUILT TO SAVE® program is a regional energy efficiency program designed to identify a high-performance home that is “superior to code.” To receive the BUILT TO SAVE® certification, the builder must be a member of the program and the home must be inspected before drywall is installed, and tested at the completion of construction to verify that the air leakage requirements of the program are met. A BUILT TO SAVE® certification means: low utility bills, a properly sized A/C unit for a more comfortable home, better indoor air quality, and less maintenance–all with the potential for a higher resale value. Visit BuiltToSave.org for more information and to find a builder.
Blower door & duct leakage testing equipment.
LOWER UTILITIES BETTER AIR QUALITY MORE COMFORT
ENJOY
BUILT TO SAVE® high-performance home requirements are designed to ensure that the home’s construction provides energy efficiency and quality that will be superior to homes built only to minimum code requirements.
A home that receives a BUILT TO SAVE® certificate has been modeled, inspected, and tested by an independent licensed home energy Rater to verify that the home has complied with the requirements of the program.
DIVINE CUSTOM HOMES
MAGIC VALLEY ELECTRIC COOP IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BUILT TO SAVE® PROGRAM.
• Indoor Comfort
• Indoor Air Quality
• Whole-House Energy Efficiency
• Savings on Utilities
• Efficient, Long-Lifespan Lighting
• Quality Construction
• Enhanced Pest Control
• Lasting Peace of Mind
• Excellent Resale Value
• Superior Homebuyer Satisfaction
• Fees on Utilities
• Indoor Humidity
• Need for Repairs
• Maintenance Costs
• Air Leakage Out & In
• Outdoor Contaminants & Pests
• Moisture & Mold Problems
• Doubt of Superior Construction
• Worry About Improper Insulation
• Time on the Resale Market
