... ...CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT EARTH CRAFT HOMES, and see the bottom of this story for links to more information about green building. In his career as a third-generation home builder, Brad Crawford has fielded his share of phone calls from recent homebuyers.
“The No. 1 thing they want to know is, ‘Why is my power bill so high?’” he said.
But Crawford predicts those days are over for him. He and business partner Bruce Stephens have begun a different kind of home construction in Floyd County — green or earth-friendly home building, aimed at making homes highly energy-efficient, cutting down on the landfill waste created by construction and improving indoor air quality.
Their plan includes having the homes inspected and certified through Atlanta organization Earth Craft Homes and the federal government’s Energy Star program. And if t
A new home at 33 Fieldstone Drive is one of two green homes that ABC Construction & Development is building. photo by Ken Caruthers, RN-T |
he green construction cuts the energy bills far enough, the builders can qualify for a $2,000 federal income tax credit per house.
“We’ve got to prove that this house costs 50 percent or less (than average) to operate,” Stephens said, referring to the electricity bill.
For the 2,400-square-foot home he and Crawford are building at 33 Fieldstone Drive, Stephens is estimating that the monthly electric bill will be $65 to $75, compared to $200 or more for a traditional home of its size. At $249,900 — just more than $100 a square foot — the house is priced comparably to traditional homes built without green building techniques.
It is one of two houses that the men are building now through their companies, Greenway Homes U.S. and subsidiary ABC Construction & Development. The other home, at 35 Fieldstone Drive, is about 2,000 square feet and priced at $219,000.
While green home building is catching on quickly in Metro Atlanta and other areas of the nation, ABC Construction is the first to build Earth Craft or Energy Star homes in Floyd County.
“A lot of builders have found that it’s a really strong marketing tool for them,” said David Ellis, executive director of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. “I believe it gives them a competitive edge.”
Not only is the idea getting more popular with Atlanta builders, Ellis added that buyers have caught on to the benefits of green-built homes, such as the Earth Craft model — and the price difference between traditional and green homes has shrunk to little or nothing.
“Years ago it was just the right thing to do,” he said. “Now it will pay you back very quickly.”
One nice boost for Earth Craft Homes — which is a program organized by the Greater Atlanta HBA and the nonprofit Southface Energy Institute — came in 2004 when Atlanta Habitat for Humanity began building all of its houses to Earth Craft standards.
“We’re glad they’re doing that, because one of the myths was that you couldn’t (build green homes) with affordable housing,” Ellis said.
As green building spreads through the nation’s metro areas, Ellis and others in the industry are optimistic that it will eventually grow strong in smaller communities such as Rome.
“Smaller cities like yours, while they may not have any buildings right now, they will soon,” said Taryn Holowka, communications manager with the U.S. Green Building Council. “I think that green building is the way the building industry is headed.”
Stephens shares her optimism, as he plans to build larger green developments in Floyd County soon. He also says he expects consumers will begin to demand the better-built homes as they learn more about them.
“I think this is the way of the future,” he said. “We want to be able to offer the public more for their money. (Buying a home) is the biggest financial decision of their lives.”
“The resistance is not coming from buyers,” Stephens added. “It’s coming from builders. The key to the future is education.”
Crawford and Stephens plan to have a Web site up soon at www.greenwayhomesrealty.com and can be e-mailed at info@greenwayhomesrealty.com.
GREEN TECHNIQUES
Here are some of the construction methods and features of the Earth Craft Homes that ABC Construction & Development is beginning to build in Floyd County:
Full sealing, insulation and air-conditioning of crawl spaces, basements and attics improves the efficiency of the heat and air system — the target is 50 percent or better. Construction waste material is ground up and recycled on site — scrap lumber and siding for mulch; scrap shingles and drywall for underlayment under the driveway. A vent pipe from the basement or crawl space carries radon or other harmful gases that might seep out of the ground up to the roof. A “hot water on demand” recirculation system reduces the waste that results from waiting for water to get hot. The use of foam insulation and “advanced framing” techniques at corners, T-walls and window and door frames make homes more airtight and energy efficient. At least 25 percent of trees on a lot are kept when developing for a home. The use of 30-year architectural shingles reduces the frequency of roof replacements, which cuts down on waste going into landfills. The total sealing of crawl spaces, basements and attics also aids in humidity control, reducing the potential for mold spores to grow. Houses are tested for air leakage in the ductwork and the home’s outer surface to ensure optimal energy efficiency. Homes are fitted throughout with Energy Star-approved appliances, fans, light fixtures and light bulbs.
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GREEN BUILDING:
U.S. Green Building Council
National Association of Home Builders' green building guide
The federal government's Energy Star program
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