EnergyWise Homes - Save 50% to 70% on Heating and Cooling!

Would you like a guarantee that your heating and cooling bills won't exceed a set amount?  How about a guarantee that you will save 50% to 70% on heating and cooling, versus a conventional home?

That's what a home built with EnergyWise building technology will do for you.  Not only will your bills be lower every month, but your new Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC home will feature:

- Consistent humidity levels that eliminate mold and dust mites

- Healthy indoor air with less pollen and dust

- Relief from excess outdoor noises

- Elimination of hot and cold spots throughout the home

EnergyWise has engineered more than 40,000 homes and commercial buildings over the past thirty years.  And now Stanton Homes is one of a handful of Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill builders able to offer EnergyWise options in new homes.

Real Life Example - $38 Per Month!

This 2,542 square foot Texas home engineered by EnergyWIse is guaranteed at just $38 per month for the heating, cooling, and hot water bills!

Even when it's freezing outside, EnergyWise building techniques guarantee that the heating and cooling bill will average no more than $38 per month.

We don't know any other company that offers this kind of guarantee.

How can they do that?

Find out what makes an EnergyWise home different here.

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Green Building Certification - Water Efficiency

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 4 - Water Efficiency & Quality.   Read more here about Lot Preparation, Resource Efficiency, and Energy Efficiency.

Section 4 Green Building Guidelines - Water Efficiency & Quality

A Green Home in the Raleigh/Triangle Area might include green features to support water efficiency & quality, like:

- On demand water heaters

- Specially planned water heaters with minimum pipe length to point of service

- ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines

- Water efficient showerheads with flow rated less than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)

- Ultra low flow toilets

- Low volume, non-spray irrigation systems

- Weather-based irrigation controls

- Rainwater collection

- Greywater systems  

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

No matter what individual features are chosen, a certified green home has an integrated and comprehensive approach to energy-efficient design of building site, building envelope, and mechanical space conditioning systems. 

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see water-saving features like these:

ENERGY STAR Appliances

You should see a water-conserving dishwasher in the kitchen.  These models use approximately 40% less water than a conventional dishwasher.  An ENERGY STAR dishwasher can be chosen by the homeowner or builder, and comes in a variety of styles and colors. 

Water-Efficient Showerheads

Use less water in every shower by installing a low flow showerhead.  There are quite a variety of models available, ranging from entry-level to luxury, that offer a flow of 2.5 gallons per minute or less, without sacrificing the quality of your shower. 

Water-Efficient Sinks

An aerator installed at a sink faucet can reduce water waste during common activities.  These aerators must restrict the flow to less than 2.2 gallons per minute.  They can be installed into almost any faucet.

Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit!

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for a new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories. 

Bronze level certification requires 9 points in the Water Efficiency category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 100 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

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Building a Home in the Raleigh NC Area

Site Work is Essential When Building a Home - Here's What to Look For

Top Questions for Raleigh Custom Homes

"What does 'site work' mean?  I've seen some home prices that say 'does not include site work'.  What is it that's not included, and how much should I add to the total cost of the home?"

This is an essential question to ask for anyone looking at building a home. 

The Definition of "Site Work" Can Vary

You'll want to get specifics.  In some cases, "site work" can include quite a few costly items.   

• Lot Clearing
• Foundation Preparation
• Rough Grading
• Final Grading
• Landscaping
• Driveways
• Walkways
• Permits and Fees
• Septic or Sewer
• Well or Water

and even electrical hook up may all be considered "site work" by some builders.  

What's the Price Tag?

These costs can add up to 10% or more to the total construction costs - it depends on several factors.  Some counties cost more to build in than others.  A complex septic system can add to cost.  A sloped or heavily wooded lot will cost more to prepare than a flat meadow lot.

Include Site Work in Your Total Quote

In most cases, you're better off with a construction quote that includes these costs, rather than financing the actual "construction" portion (and paying a deposit), then financing these costs out of pocket.  

When you receive a bid, make sure that each of these items is included, AND is specific to your lot or piece of land, if you're already selected a location.  For example, it won't help you if your building permit allowance covers the costs for one inexpensive county - but not the county you're planning to live in.  Also, consider the allowance amounts. 

Most builders will set up excavation and site work as allowances, as there can be unforeseen challenges.  Take the allowance amounts into consideration when comparing bids.  Make sure the builder has seen your lot, and is familiar with the area you're building in.  If you like a builder who has low allowances, you may want to consider asking that the allowances be raised somewhat so that all costs are more likely to be covered.

Get all the Details in Writing

A valid bid should be detailed enough that you know exactly what is going in to your new home at each stage of construction, so that there are no surprises during or after the project.

We're happy to help homebuyers compare several different bids, and answer any questions on materials or allowances specified.  The more details your builder provides, the better informed your decision will be.

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