Go Green

Home buyers are increasingly more concerned about the environment. We use an environmentally friendly approach from the initial floor plans to the land preparation to the products used in building the home. Another major part of our focus is also energy efficiency. The less energy used the less pollution created. Well designed energy efficient homes and buildings have most of the following features.

1. Home Site Selection and Land Preparation: How the land is developed and the location of the home on the land will have not only a financial impact but an environmental one as well. We study the layout of the land to minimize land disturbance and to maximize the land use after the home or building has been completed. This planning saves the customer time and money as well.

2. Water Run off Management and Landscape Conservation: During the land preparation we save as much of the topsoil as possible. We encourage the customer to save as many trees as possible. When possible we use some of the site cleared wood and brush for mulch for some of the landscaping. We also place sod around the home to minimize dirt runoff. By preserving and reusing some of the natural features of the land resources are conserved and energy costs are reduced.

3. Radiant Reflective Roofing Materials: This improves heat deflection from the roof. Thereby making the home easier to heat and cool. Thereby saving energy.

4. Better Insulation: We insulate the floors, walls and attic. We use expanded foam insulation in conjunction with R-13 wall insulation, R-48 blown foam in the attic. We plastic wrap the exterior 7/16 OSB sheeting. We also wrap the windows with tape to improve interior insulation.

5. Efficient Windows: We use double thermo paned single or double hung windows. These windows have advanced frames and protective coatings to help keep heat in during the winter and heat out during the summer. They help block UV rays from sunlight that can discolor furniture and floor coverings. These windows are also easy to clean and remove without removing the window frames.

6. Quality Construction and Duct Work: Sealing cracks and holes during the foundation, framing, windows, doors, siding and sheetrock installation help reduce drafts. This also reduces moisture and pollen from the interior of the home. Insulation baffles and roof ridge vents help move air through the roof system for greater air circulation also.

7. Efficient Energy Star HVAC Equipment: Quality HVAC units use less energy, operate quietly and are safer for the environment. We suggest a Trane Energy Star System. Trane has over 90 years of leading innovation, precision engineering and manufacturing excellence. Greater reliability, better air, a healthier more comfortable home. This is what you can expect from a Trane. We also suggest using a programmable thermostat. This is ideal for people that are away from the home during set periods of time during throughout the week. A programmable thermostat can save you on average $150 every year in energy costs.

8. Manabloc Plumbing System.: The Manabloc is a home plumbing system. Similar to a home's electrical system, the Manabloc has individual PEX lines running from a central manifold to each plumbing fixture in the home. The control unit has individual shut off valves to allow the home owner to turn off a single fixture without effecting the rest of the home. The system distributes water efficiently and economically. By sizing the lines directly to each fixture hot or cold water is delivered much faster by traveling a shorter distance. This results in energy savings. The reservoir in the system also maintains more consistent supply of water pressure reducing drastic temperature changes.
9. Building Materials: Using locally produced, recycled materials whenever possible conserves energy and minimizes environmental waste. This can alsoReduce the building cost for the customer.

10. Efficient Products: Energy Star rated HVAC units, water tanks, appliances and lighting fixtures will also save energy, help protect the environment and help reduce monthly power bills for the customer.