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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
GREEN CERTIFICATION ?
Can you rely on a green certified professional to design a green home? Is a green certified home less expensive to heat and cool? Who certifies professionals and homes?
I received my certification as a green professional from the National Association of Home Builders in May of 2008. To receive this certification I spent several three-day weekends away from home, plus full day classes taking courses in green design. Every home I design now is designed to be green, however, there is no guarantee that hiring a green professional will produce a green home. Nothing learned about green design must be included in every home and changes to a well designed home can be made during const.
A green certified home, however, must be inspected by a third party inspector (provider) through design, and during and after completion of the home. This costs money (a few hundred dollars) and can also be bypassed by an owner or builder. The difference being the process of inspections must be followed or the home will not receive a certification.
There are many rating systems for certification in addition to the NAHB program. LEED, and Green Globes are the most used national programs but cities, counties and states may have their own rating system. They are mostly point systems covering a wide range of construction practices, energy use, water conservation, indoor air quality and more. Designers and builders must comply with a certain percentage of each of the categories included and achieve a min. total score.
Energy conservation is only one of the areas of concern but the one that most impacts the cost of home operation by reducing fuel and electricity costs. It's generally understood that better insulation, control of air infiltration (leaks) and high quality equipment will result in lower energy costs for the homeowner. Water conservation can also reduce those costs but not as dramatically.
Labels: accessory residences, ADUs, Backyard Cottages, carriage homes, conservation, Granny Flats, Green Living, Saving energy, small homes, sustainability
posted by Custom Blogs @ 7:04 AM
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Denver Council Votes to Allow Granny Flats
In late June this year the City of Denver reversed a long standing ban on Granny Flats and included a provision allowing the building of new “Accessory Dwelling Units” in some neighborhoods.
Homeowners who have adequate space in their backyard can now build a small second home on top of a garage or completely on its own. Another family member or members can live there independently and, to make use of it when those people move on, these homes can be rented. It isn’t for everyone it seems, but only those whose property is zoned for a granny flat as a result of the new zoning ordinance.
The size of these homes is limited to less than 1000 square feet depending on the size of the lot down to as small as 650 square feet. There are other regulations governing location, setbacks, height and so on.
Sidekick Homes, a local purveyor of small homes, has seen a surge in the interest regarding granny flats in cities on the west coast and east all the way through Texas. City planners are realizing that the need for small affordable housing cannot be met through government funded projects and that ADUs are one way to allow individuals to house their own aging and less affluent family members.
Labels: ADUs, Granny Flats, Zoning
posted by Custom Blogs @ 12:15 PM
Friday, April 30, 2010
How small is small?
As you may know by now, the recent trend in housing is moving toward smaller and more efficient homes. The benefits of living in a smaller home are a simpler lifestyle, less costly construction costs, lower utility bills, less daily maintenance and less consumer waste.
Everyone’s idea of small is relative. Ask yourself how comfortable you would be downsizing to a smaller home and how you would feel with less furniture, storage space, and overall square footage. Some folks are finding making the change quite liberating.
Gregory Johnson, director of resourcesforlife.com, puts himself to the challenge and profiles his journey of living in 140 square feet house. Natural Home magazine features a great article highlighting Gregory’s pursuit for a more efficient and happier existence through owning less consumable products. http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Natural-Tips/Put-Your-Life-on-a-Diet.aspx
So, we’re interested in knowing what means small to you? Let us know at: info@kephartliving.com
Labels: ADUs, Green Living, Small Housing
posted by Custom Blogs @ 3:38 PM
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