Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Indoor Environmental Quality

Breathing Better Air in Your New Raleigh NC Home

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, Energy Efficiency, and Water Efficiency. 

Section 5 of 7 Green Building Guidelines - Indoor Environmental Quality

A certified green home in the Raleigh NC area is different.  Indoor environmental quality is improved by builders who carefully follow these green building guidelines to:

Minimize potential sources of pollutants.

Manage potential pollutants generated in the home.

Manage moisture in the home from vapor, rainwater, plumbing, and HVAC systems

Offer innovative options

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, and incorporates features not found in standard homes  

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

Fireplaces

Either no fireplace, or a carefully sealed fireplace will help indoor air quality.  If there is a fireplace, it's probably a direct-vent, sealed-combustion gas fireplace, sealed wood fireplace, or sealed woodstove.

Sealing Between Garage and Living Areas

The door between the garage and living spaces should be tightly sealed, plus additional sealing should be used on any walls shared with a garage. 

"Green Label" Carpeting

Carpet, carpet pad, and floor covering adhesives noted as "Green Label" by the Carpet and Rug Institute's indoor air quality testing program or equivalent thresholds can help indoor air quality.

Kitchen Venting

The kitchen range should be vented to the outside.

MERV 9 Filters

Installing MERV 9 filters on central air or ventilation systems can also improve indoor air quality.

Moisture Resistant Materials

Installing moisture resistant backerboard behind showers and tubs can cut down moisture retention and possible mold.

Sealed Crawl Space

A sealed crawl space helps prevent moisture problems. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Installing carbon monoxide detectors near all combustion appliances or areas can offer an additional sense of security.  

Other Options Available

Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit!  Innovative options can include a central vacuum system, a detached garage in place of an attached garage, a sealed attic, carpet nap less than .5 inches, or an upgraded HEPA air filtration system. 

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 71 points in the Indoor Environmental Quality 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. 

You may also be interested in:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

New Homes Raleigh NC - Home Builders Raleigh NC

NC Architect Honored by BUILDER Magazine

30 Innovators, 30 Years of Building History

Sarah Susanka is famous for her book "The Not So Big House", in which she demonstrates how to get better use out of smaller spaces, rather than building as large a home as possible.  Some of Susanka's guiding principles to design are:

-  Favor quality of space over quantity

-  No formal dining (eliminate unused spaces)

-  Each room is used everyday (well planned living spaces)

-  Not a small house, but a smaller house

Look through photos of a Susanka design, and you'll find innovative woodwork and ceilings, built in furniture grade cabinetry in nearly every room, large overhangs, and living space that flows together smoothly. 

Susanka Floor Plans 

Susanka has some great advice on how to put together the home that best fits your own not so big needs:

"In a three-ring binder, start to assemble data about the places in your life that make you feel comfortable and those that make you feel uncomfortable. Document their size, take photos or make diagrams, illustrating what it is within the space that evokes the response. Images of other spaces can supplement your notes--magazines are a great resource for this."

--from The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka

Congratulations to Sarah Susanka for her well-deserved recognition!

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Susanka Designed Custom Home in the Raleigh, NC area?

Cost depends on the size of the home, the amenities desired, and other factors.  For a free building cost estimate, contact Stanton Homes, or call us at 919-278-8070. 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

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Custom Home Builders Raleigh NC

Green Homes - Continuing Education Classes

Building a Greener Future in Raleigh, NC

The Raleigh area's focus on a greener future is becoming apparent with the courses offered at local universities and community colleges.  Programs include the Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Program at NCSU.

A multitude of courses are offered at local community colleges.  Here are some great examples for Spring 2009:

Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro
Green Building and Renewable Energy Program
Continuing Education- Spring 2009 Classes
REGISTER NOW 542 6495 ext 223

Green Building Techniques - Carpentry, Electrical & Plumbing 

Introductory course with emphasis on sustainable and low impact building techniques and materials.   Tuesdays 7-9 pm January 20-April 7, two field trips. Instructor- Kevin Meehan, $56.25

Green Building Construction Strategies

This two-day course will introduce students to the various design and building strategies in new home construction. Tuesday and Thursday March 3&5, 1-5pm. Taught by
GreenPros. $150

Green Building Techniques - Introduction to Sustainable Building Design 

Architect-led course discussing sustainable site development, passive solar design considerations, green materials selection and other key elements of green architecture. Thursdays 6-9pm January 29-April 16 Instructor- Tim Watson. $61.25

Green Building Techniques - Living Roofs and Rain Gardens- Overview and Design

Learn about design and construction of green roof and rain water garden, which slow down stormwater runoff and conserve water to promote soil conservation. Mondays 6-9 pm February 9- April
25 Instructors- Rhonda Goolsby and Fred Royal. $61.25 ***Approved by North Carolina Association of Landscape Architects for 10 continuing education units.***


Green Building Techniques - Weatherization and Energy Efficiency

How to conserve energy in existing homes. Discover air leaks, research best insulation practices and easy upgrades to save energy. Wednesdays 6-8 pm February 2- March 11 Instructor Doug Dixon, $56.25

Green Building Techniques - Zero Energy Home

This class will follow the process of building a house, beginning with site evaluation and ending with
operational performance, to both reduce and generate electricity. Mondays 6-9pm, January 26 - March 30 Instructor-John Delafield, $56.25

Green Building Techniques - Solar PV Design and Installation

This class will describe and demonstrate the properties and uses of photovoltaic systems and components.  Students will be eligible to complete and perform well on the NABCEP-Entry Level
Certificate Exam and possess basic knowledge of photovoltaic systems, suitable for a supervised, entry level position with a dealer/installer or other PV industry company. Wednesdays. 6-9pm January 21- April 08. Instructor-David DelVecchio, $61.25


Green Building Techniques - Solar Thermal Technology

Learn how to size and install solar hot water systems and radiant floor heating. This course is offered on 3
alternating Saturdays with two evening classes allowing for abundant field training. March 21-April 18. Fred Stewart, Instructor. $56.25

Check the Central Carolina Community College class schedule here for more information on these and other courses.

Interested in Finding Out About Building a Green Home?

With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you.  Almost any floor plan CAN be built in a certifiably green manner, though there are some floor plans that are more conducive to green building than others. 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

 Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?              

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

As home builders in the Raleigh NC area, we are often asked for advice on what to include in a new home.

Ceiling Height in New Homes - 8 Ft or 9 Ft?

What Ceiling Height is Considered Standard?

"Which is better in the long run, 8 ft or 9 ft ceilings?  Many builders charge to increase ceiling height from 8 ft to 9 ft on the first floor.  Is it worth the investment, or am I better off spending that money elsewhere in my new home?"

Increased Ceiling Height is Worth the Investment

An 8 ft ceiling on the first floor has become outdated in today's market.

It's still common to see this ceiling height in entry-level homes, but most homes incorporate a more spacious 9 ft ceiling, and many popular plans also include at least one vaulted room.

A 9 ft ceiling also allows for unique ceiling treatments, like coffered or trey ceilings, that can even be added later if not included in the budget at the initial time of construction.

Don't Assume Ceiling Height - Ask For It In Writing

Most builders will assume 9 ft ceilings on the first floor, and 8 ft ceilings on the second floor, unless you request something else - but don't take that for granted.

If you don't see a height specified in your bid or other documents, be sure to ask that it be included in the written information. 

A full, written package of what is and is not included will help you better compare builders - and understand what exactly will be included in your new Raleigh custom home. 

And of course, be sure to walk through homes containing the same set of standards as is included in your quoted package BEFORE committing to a particular builder.  Model homes often have many, many options not included in "standard" packages, and these options can create a completely different home than the one you've been quoted.

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Building a Home - Raleigh NC

Construction to Perm Financing

How Does Construction to Perm Financing Work?

Five Easy Steps to Construction to Permanent Financing

Construction to perm programs can be advantageous to anyone considering building a home.  There's only one set of closing costs, and usually only one approval needed.  Here's the basics:

1.  Credit Qualification

-  A mortgage lender will review your credit, income and assets - same as they would for any kind of new home financing.

-  Total purchase price will be determined - this is the cost of the land and the cost of construction.  If your land is already paid for, the equity can be used as part or all of the down payment, in most situations.

-  Size of down payment is determined.

-  Duration of construction determined - will it take 6, 9, or 12, or 18 months to build your new home?  Work with your builder to answer this question. 

-  Decide to lock or float your interest rate.

2.  Builder

-  The builder will need to be registered and in good standing with the lender, or will need to register with the lender and provide any necessary back up documentation.

3.  Documentation

Your builder will provide:

- Architectural plans for your new home.

- A line item cost breakdown.

The lender will request:

- An appraisal of the proposed home and land combination.

4.  Closing

- Underwriting gives final approval.

- Construction Department gives approval.

- Funding department disburses initial draw.

5.  Construction to Permanent Department

Before the builder receives funds at each stage of construction, a formal inspection is scheduled through the lender. 

The lender's inspector visits the home site and verifies the stage of construction (framing, siding, cabinets, etc).  Once the inspection report is returned to the bank, a "draw" is disbursed to the builder.  These inspections protect the lender and the homeowner throughout the construction process.

When construction is complete, the builder will provide a "certificate of occupancy", which is applied for through the city or county inspections department, and the lender will complete a "final inspection".  At that point, the lender will work with you to convert to permanent financing.

Finding a Construction to Perm Lender

Not all lenders offer construction to perm programs.  Among those that do offer the program, downpayments can vary from 5% to 20% (compared to 3.5% to 20% for "standard" financing). 

When building a new Raleigh home, we'd recommend talking to:

Florica Hafiz at Suntrust Mortgage - 919-282-7075. 

Steve Thorne at Meridian Residential - 919-459-1313.

Lender requirements vary, so check to see what the latest requirements and standards are.

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