Go green, save $$$
Jake Alger
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
Parade of Homes showcases energy-efficient subdivision
“Green” living is more than just a rampant environmental trend. It’s a lifestyle that local builders are proving can be a lesson in duality, as it helps preserve our earth while at the same time lightening homeowners’ monthly energy expenses.
The Snake River Valley Building Contractors Association’s recent Parade of Homes showcased Cedar Crossing, the first subdivision in Caldwell where all the houses have garnered at least ENERGY STAR status. Cedar Crossing is located near Indiana Avenue and Karcher Road in Caldwell.
“ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Results are adding up. With the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.”
Cedar Crossing gives locals a chance to tap into some of the cost-cutting, resource-saving opportunities. The community is platted for about 294 lots spread over five phases, said Tracy Kasper, associate broker for Community, Land and Development Group, LLC, a division of Silverhawk Realty, realtor for this project. Six homes are finished; five were in the Parade of Homes and one already has been sold.
Kasper and some of the builders involved with Cedar Crossing recently answered some questions about Cedar Crossing and the practice of producing energy-efficient homes:
Why to build an Energy Star home in this community?
“I feel that pride and quality in ownership should continue after the project’s completion, and I want to support a community that believes in the same principles,” said Randy Neary of Solid Rock Homes, which designed the home titled “Simply Livable.”
Dan Bailey of Continental Custom Builders LLC pointed to the cost factor as an impetus for building “San Tan,” which also garnered LEED home certification — another “green” benchmark.
“We were trying to see if we could build it affordable,” he said, in hopes of proving naysayers wrong. “You can. It’s an affordable home. That’s why it sold” — at a price of $289,000 for the house itself.
Is building increasingly energy-efficient homes a risk amid the recent struggles in the housing market?
“For the developers, it is a huge risk that they are taking by making that restriction — only ENERGY STAR builders can build in Cedar Crossing. But Teleos Partners believes that being conscious of our limited resources and taking care of those resources is more important,” Kasper said.
“I actually think that building energy-efficient homes in today’s market and economy could be a helpful selling factor,” said Dan Stauffer of Wild River Construction, which built “The Lakeside.” “Many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating and cooling costs, thus reducing the cost to live in and maintain their home. It does add a little cost to building a home, but buyers can expect lower energy costs forever!”
What are some of the features that make these homes so energy efficient?
• 2x6 exterior walls
• Added insulation
• Sealed duct work for the heating/cooling system
• 50 percent or more energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the home
• 90 percent efficient furnace or better
• Low-E windows or other energy-efficient windows
• ENERGY STAR appliances
How much energy savings would the owners of these homes be able to expect?
“According to ENERGY STAR, these homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30 percent more efficient than standard homes,” said Phillip Mills of Tamarack Custom Homes Inc., which built “The Greyloch.”
“The estimated cost savings in power bills on a 2,000-square-foot home is about $30-$40/month,” Kasper said. “That truly comes in handy these days where every penny counts!”
Do you think Cedar Crossing will start a trend?
“Absolutely. A trend that is important now and for our future generations,” Kasper said. “We are just starting to ‘pay attention’ to our natural resources like we’ve never done before. In fact, I heard a comment that ‘green is NOT a fad’ — it is here to stay.”
On the Web:
• Lean more about the 2008 Parade of Homes homes in Cedar Crossing at the Snake River Valley Building Contractors Association’s Web site, www.srvbca.com. Once on the homepage, click on “Parade of Homes” and then choose individual houses from the map. Those numbered 4 through 8 are located in Cedar Crossing.
• For additional information on the ENERGY STAR program, go to www.energystar.gov/.
Is the price right?
The lots range in price from $55,000 to $65,000. The homes range from $265,000 to $350,000.
“Green” living is more than just a rampant environmental trend. It’s a lifestyle that local builders are proving can be a lesson in duality, as it helps preserve our earth while at the same time lightening homeowners’ monthly energy expenses.
The Snake River Valley Building Contractors Association’s recent Parade of Homes showcased Cedar Crossing, the first subdivision in Caldwell where all the houses have garnered at least ENERGY STAR status. Cedar Crossing is located near Indiana Avenue and Karcher Road in Caldwell.
“ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Results are adding up. With the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.”
Cedar Crossing gives locals a chance to tap into some of the cost-cutting, resource-saving opportunities. The community is platted for about 294 lots spread over five phases, said Tracy Kasper, associate broker for Community, Land and Development Group, LLC, a division of Silverhawk Realty, realtor for this project. Six homes are finished; five were in the Parade of Homes and one already has been sold.
Kasper and some of the builders involved with Cedar Crossing recently answered some questions about Cedar Crossing and the practice of producing energy-efficient homes:
Why to build an Energy Star home in this community?
“I feel that pride and quality in ownership should continue after the project’s completion, and I want to support a community that believes in the same principles,” said Randy Neary of Solid Rock Homes, which designed the home titled “Simply Livable.”
Dan Bailey of Continental Custom Builders LLC pointed to the cost factor as an impetus for building “San Tan,” which also garnered LEED home certification — another “green” benchmark.
“We were trying to see if we could build it affordable,” he said, in hopes of proving naysayers wrong. “You can. It’s an affordable home. That’s why it sold” — at a price of $289,000 for the house itself.
Is building increasingly energy-efficient homes a risk amid the recent struggles in the housing market?
“For the developers, it is a huge risk that they are taking by making that restriction — only ENERGY STAR builders can build in Cedar Crossing. But Teleos Partners believes that being conscious of our limited resources and taking care of those resources is more important,” Kasper said.
“I actually think that building energy-efficient homes in today’s market and economy could be a helpful selling factor,” said Dan Stauffer of Wild River Construction, which built “The Lakeside.” “Many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating and cooling costs, thus reducing the cost to live in and maintain their home. It does add a little cost to building a home, but buyers can expect lower energy costs forever!”
What are some of the features that make these homes so energy efficient?
• 2x6 exterior walls
• Added insulation
• Sealed duct work for the heating/cooling system
• 50 percent or more energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the home
• 90 percent efficient furnace or better
• Low-E windows or other energy-efficient windows
• ENERGY STAR appliances
How much energy savings would the owners of these homes be able to expect?
“According to ENERGY STAR, these homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30 percent more efficient than standard homes,” said Phillip Mills of Tamarack Custom Homes Inc., which built “The Greyloch.”
“The estimated cost savings in power bills on a 2,000-square-foot home is about $30-$40/month,” Kasper said. “That truly comes in handy these days where every penny counts!”
Do you think Cedar Crossing will start a trend?
“Absolutely. A trend that is important now and for our future generations,” Kasper said. “We are just starting to ‘pay attention’ to our natural resources like we’ve never done before. In fact, I heard a comment that ‘green is NOT a fad’ — it is here to stay.”
On the Web:
• Lean more about the 2008 Parade of Homes homes in Cedar Crossing at the Snake River Valley Building Contractors Association’s Web site, www.srvbca.com. Once on the homepage, click on “Parade of Homes” and then choose individual houses from the map. Those numbered 4 through 8 are located in Cedar Crossing.
• For additional information on the ENERGY STAR program, go to www.energystar.gov/.
Is the price right?
The lots range in price from $55,000 to $65,000. The homes range from $265,000 to $350,000.