CHB Eco Custom Homes

Price Per Square Foot is Misleading for Real Estate Values

2010-09-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

Price Per Square Foot is Misleading for Real Estate Values

Thomasville, Georgia Real Estate Agents Boycotting Green Homes and green home builders.

2010-09-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Small town does not embrace green building, but some agent’s listings are fast to misrepresent their listings as Energy Efferent.

It is the twenty first century and the concept of green building—which may have sprouted as a trend from a select group of forward thinkers—is slowly becoming standard practice. If going green is the future, it seems that the future has arrived. And it is here to stay.

According to McGraw-Hill Construction’s 2009 Green Outlook, “The overall green building market (both non-residential and residential) is likely to more than double from $36-49 billion in 2009 to $96-140 billion by 2013.”

The report says that 70 percent of consumers report they would be more inclined to purchase a green home in a down market.

“It is likely that green will reach the mainstream of the global marketplace and achieve critical mass.”

So why is green building growing so rapidly?

It seems the awareness of climate change, with eyes also focused on other pressing environmental issues, is driving society to find a sustainable way of living, and fast.

This heightened consciousness, coupled with the facts—that green building saves on energy costs while creating a durable, healthy and higher quality home—draws many closer to the green building industry.

It doesn’t hurt that architects and design companies are catching on and creating attractive options for consumers, such as prefab homes, green communities, and apartment complexes.

While some of these projects may first seem costly, they not only offer a high quality of construction, but also help save on long term energy costs—which in the end balance out with original overheads.

Additionally, green rating systems, such as LEED for Homes and Energy Star, have become more prevalent, making it easier for those interested in meeting green standards to succeed in their mission.

Today, the demand for green building is high and continues to rise, growing simultaneously with society’s dependence on fossil fuels, elevating again and again with each bump up in fuel prices.

So, yes, green building is good, but what exactly is it?

Energy wasted

While this question requires a thorough answer, this article can only highlight the basics:

Green building implies a process of designing and constructing a home that is energy efficient, one that uses fewer materials while making better use of the materials purchased. The building shell, or envelope, is the most important factor as this determines most of the energy flow.

“We waste 50 to 90 percent of energy in our buildings,” award-winning architect Michael McDonough said. “Energy use per square foot has gone up 14 percent per year in buildings over the past 10 years.”

Green building needs to result in a highly durable home that saves on energy costs, provides a healthy life for those inside it, while minimizing the home’s footprint on the environment.

A green home strives to have high indoor air quality; what is inside the home—from building materials to furniture—should not add toxins to the air. Products that do not emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) should be used as much as possible.

A green home should save on energy and resources such as electricity and water. If the building envelope is constructed properly, the energy needs of a resident can decrease up to 80 percent. McDonough recommends autoclaved aerated concrete for the shell.

It is airtight; and with its thermal properties, it can save up to 50 percent of energy used for heating and 75 percent in air-conditioning energy use.

Solar power for hot water is also a great advantage. Water consumption should be minimized by using low-flow shower heads, high-efficiency toilets, and high-efficiency or tankless water heaters.

Recycled materials or materials that can be recycled should be used, as should products that are locally made. Products should be resilient to avoid unnecessary replacement and repair.

Whether building a home or remodeling, there are many ways to go green. It begins by thinking green—understanding the advantages of life inside a green home as well as its benefit to the environment all around.

By Adam Miller

HOW WELL IS YOUR HOME INSULATED?

2010-09-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

99% OF ALL THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA BUILDERS USE CELLULOSE INSULATION IN ALL NEW AND OLD HOMES. ALWAYS ASK WHAT’S BEHIND THE WALLS.

Disadvantages

• lower R-value per inch than most other insulation products in use today
• losses it R-value when wet and does not recover well if saturated wet
• tends to settle in attics and when blown into walls without binders (glue), losing R-value
• does not provide an integral vapor barrier

According to the University of Massachusetts Building and Construction Technology department, wet cellulose takes a long time to dry. While fiberglass may be faced with drywall as soon as the insulation is installed, wet cellulose must lose at least 75 percent of the water in it before installing drywall. Depending upon humidity, spray cellulose insulation may take weeks to dry, and professional sprayers will use space heaters to speed up the drying. From what I have seen in Thomasville, Georgia the day after insulation is applied the drywall goes up.

We spray Icynene and occasionally lose jobs to wet spray cellulose. I've used an infrared camera to look at walls of two existing homes that had wet spray cellulose applied. There were many cold spots, some apparent voids, and some settling. We have "dumped" a stud cavity of freshly applied wet spray cellulose onto poly, weighed the material, and dried it. There was approximately 0.9 gallon (ca. 7 pounds) of water in the cavity. We have been on a job site the day after the application of wet spray cellulose and have seen the sagging, settling, and falling out of the cavity. Sheet rock is typically applied within a day of application of the wet spray cellulose. I cannot comprehend the use of a wet product in a wall (wet things tend to shrink, settle, and sag) and then covering it up immediately (probably good practice from the perspective of the wet spray cellulose applicator). I would like your perspective/experience with wet spray cellulose and would like to find some "science based" studies on wet spray cellulose and other insulation products.

Concerns that have been raised about wet-spray cellulose Insulation and its effectiveness.

Are Bigger Homes a thing of the past?

2010-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran explains why the average size of a new American home has shrunk by 300 square feet and discusses what this shift away from the opulent means in the housing. NOT in Thomasville, GA. You can get a really cheap home with big square footage and a big electrical bill too.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Buying and Selling a Green Home in Thomasville

2010-05-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

A greener world is not just a dream like some people in the real estate industry seem to think. Building codes have changed and continue to change towards a more energy-efficient method that includes the way a home is constructed, type of windows and even the type of insulation used. Consumers, now more than ever are more aware on what amenities are available to them besides just buying the biggest home on the block.

The problem arising in the real estate industry, especially in small towns like Thomasville where a limited amount of knowledgeable Green professionals realize how the real estate industry has changed. Real estate agents and firms that once thought that the introduction of green, energy efficiency, and smart home technology construction by Capital Home Builders, Inc. ( a local builder) was just an outsiders sales gig. This innovative and insight of an unheard type of construction was not well received by the local real estate industry.

Nevertheless, as overwhelming news media embraced the necessity of a more sustainable way of life came to light these real estate agents and firms find themselves now jumping on a bandwagon they know nothing about or care to admit is a reality. But in order to be competitive, and with the gaining consumer knowledge on green or energy efficiency of a home these agents & firms are resorting to (GREENWASHING) by misrepresenting their property listings calling them energy-efficient when in reality they are not in order to compete with a true green Energy Star home which is only being built by Capital Home Builders, Inc. But what is the advantage they are trying to push? The answer is simple, square footage, square footage and more square footage with misleading claims.

What does this all mean to buyers looking for energy-efficient homes in Thomasville?

Simply this: Buyers looking for green or energy-efficient homesin Thomasville soon will be surprised to find limitations to their request because only one home is truly Energy Star Qualified in Thomasville, GA. With this limited selection, buyers are presented with larger square footage homes that are misrepresented by their listing agents and real estate firms as energy-efficient when in fact they are not. Buyers are being misled by their agents that are not qualified to advise their clients of the difference between the two.

Professionals lacking the knowledge of the meaning of energy-efficient homes will argue that qualified green or energy efficient homes should be comparable with other homes, and why would they be?

This is the simple analogy: For every $1.00 saved annually by the homebuyer results in a $20.00 increase in home value. So, how in the world would an Energy Star Qualified home be comparable to any standard run of the mill spec home?

Energy-efficiency and green homes are not a fairly new market like some people seem to think. Home efficiency has been around since 1996. It has only become popular in recent years because the United States has encountered astronomical energy price increases on a daily basis and has become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers. So, this market is by no means considered new or a niche.

An Energy Star Qualified home affect prices because qualified homes are worth more than a standard spec home and appraises higher and qualifies buyers with more buying power by large lenders. Spec homes and existing homes that only offer consumers heavy millwork and more square footage are priced at a lower rate, and appraise lower.

Green Buyers

Buyers find themselves with a dilemma in their search for a green home in Thomasville. With the lack of availability of qualified green or energy efficient homes, buyers end up with the untrained real estate agent pushing (steering) a home that is misrepresented as energy efficient at a lower price with more square footage and fewer amenities in order to compete with the Energy Star Qualified home. Agents will soon convince buyers that their investment would be better spent on a larger home because buyers get more for less but neglect to tell buyers that on resale they will loss between 10-20% from their purchase price simply because the only thing they have to compete with is square footage like every other house on the market.

Sellers will hold firm on their price for their Energy Star Qualified homes and the educated buyers will recognize the benefit that comes with the prestigious blue label logo because they will enjoy the following:

Lower utility bills

Stronger construction,

Healthier indoor quality

Lower maintenance

Quieter homes

More amenities

And most of all higher resale value because contrary to what other local real estate professionals may believe or think they know about green or energy efficient homes they are oblivious to the fact that qualified green or energy efficient homes do appraise higher and lenders will provide for higher buying power. You just need to talk to an Eco Certified Agent and with a lender that provides these types of mortgages for example like Bank of America.

Unlike statements made by others that green or energy efficiency has no weight on appraisals or on lenders are mistaken and misinformed and incorrect on their statements.

They may be speaking of homes that are misrepresented as green or energy-efficient that will appraise lower because they are homes that are not documented as being true Energy Star Qualified homes and the reason why statements are made that these features have no weight.

In other words, is a Mercedes Benz equal to a Ford?

So, why would you the buyer think or expect for an Energy Star Qualified home be equal to a minimum standard spec home?

Green Sellers

A seller that owns a qualified home (by qualified I mean a home that has been rated by an independent third-party verifier) trying to sell these type of homes would contact an appraiser that has the training for appraising qualified green or energy-efficient homes in order to incorporate these values into the appraisal.

Like everything else, these qualified green or energy-efficient homes are treated differently than standard minimum spec homes. A regular run of the mill appraiser that has no training on these types of homes would not be called upon by any lender providing green or energy-efficient financing. This type of financing is called EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgages), FHA EEM’s and VA EEM’s for information log on to www.EcoHomesGA.com/mortgages.html

A lender providing buyers seeking EEM financing provide buyers with additional monetary incentives for their purchase and a larger buying power. Unlike, local lenders will soon tell buyers they do not have any idea of what you, the buyer, are talking about and that there is no such thing.

The only difficulty a green seller may encounter in a small town like Thomasville with their qualified home is hiring a real estate agent in an agency that lacks the knowledge on green or energy-efficient homes. These professionals will soon tell you their famous words “they need to be comparable” and soon tell sellers what standard square footage pricing is in the area. In other words, if you insist and provide support to the value of the home and demonstrate to them that you know more on the subject you will soon find out the hard way as your property will lack the showings oppose to other homes in your area.

Unfortunately, some real estate professionals and agencies still believe that the old ways they use to sell real estate 20 years ago still works in today’s market and sadly become upset and maybe even stumped when a specialized Realtor designation is introduced by their own National Association of Realtors as a sign that in fact this is the future of real estate and a new form of home construction.

If you’re looking for a green or energy-efficient home in Thomasville or trying to sell a home that has energy efficient features contact your local Ecobroker Certified Agent. An Agent that is certified on green and energy efficient homes and can verify for you, the buyer, claims of homes advertised as being energy efficient and for sellers the proper way to market the energy efficient features. Remember distinguishing between the both can eliminate the utility bill shock for the buyer once already in the home and the seller avoid possible litigation for false advertising.

If you’re trying to find an environmentally friendly home and why these homes are superior to standard spec homes contact Marlene Bienes Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc (229) 289-0139. Buyers and Sellers take the risk of being mislead and misinformed when dealing with an uncertified professional in the Green arena.

Marlene Bienes-Ecobroker Certified Agent @ Rose City Realty, Inc.

May 1, 2010

Floor Plans by Influential Architects Built Right / Built Green By Capital Home Builders

2010-05-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

First Energy Star Homes - CHB Eco Custom Green Home Builders

2010-01-28T16:36:00.001-08:00

First Custom Eco Green Home Builder in South Georgia.....

What Does the Energy Star Indicate?

2010-01-28T16:19:00.001-08:00

First Eco Custom Green Home Builder in South Georgia

Solar Tube Lighting

2010-01-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

Solar tube lighting can be a great money saver, bringing natural lighting into your home or business. Installed lights range from approximately $350 to $600, but will pay for themselves over time as you save on electricity and standard light bulb costs. High grade aluminum seamless construction provides a highly reflective light pipe, which can be up to 18-20 feet long.

The diameter of the tube determines the coverage area - a 10 inch solar light will cover up to 150 sq feet, and provide the equivalent of up to 300 watts. Upgrade to a 13 inch tube, and the coverage doubles to 300 sq feet, with the comparison kicking up to 500 watts. A 21 inch light covers 700 sq feet and delivers up to impressive 1450 watts.

By providing natural sunlight, solar tube lights can improve your health and mindset as well as having zero impact on the environment. Studies even have shown that children test between 15-26% higher when they study in classrooms equipped with ‘daylighting’. Solar light is the natural alternative to standard lighting methods.

ENERGY STAR Homes Engineered Framing

2009-12-23T05:17:00.000-08:00

Value-Engineered Framing
An effective building envelope is a key element for an energy-efficient home. Value-engineered framing increases the thermal resistance of the building envelope without compromising structural integrity by eliminating unnecessary framing members. This can result in up to 25 percent reduction in the amount of wood used. With lumber prices high, optimizing the use of wood can significantly lower the framing cost and reduce the resource impact of new home construction.

Wood loses or gains heat more quickly than insulation. In frame construction, studs, joists and rafters are placed at regular intervals throughout the building envelope. The cavities formed by these framing members are filled with insulation. The unnecessary use of wood displaces insulation and degrades the thermal efficiency of the building envelope.
Standard construction practice places framing members at 16 inches on center. Most building codes allow this spacing to be increased to 24 inches by using deeper framing members (i.e. 2x6’s instead of 2x4’s). This also reduces labor costs.

The size and location of doors and windows has an impact on the thermal efficiency of the building envelope. Figure 1 shows a window opening in standard framed wall. The location of the window opening requires the installation of additional studs to support the frame. By utilizing value-engineered framing and adjusting the location of the window opening as shown in Figure 2, the unnecessary studs are eliminated.

At exterior corners and the intersection of interior partitions and exterior walls, additional studs are required to support the drywall. Figures 3 and 4 show how these studs create pockets that are difficult to insulate and air seal. By making the modifications shown in Figures 5 and 6, these pockets are eliminated. Using “drywall stops” can further increase the thermal efficiency at these locations.

Look for ENERGY STAR Homes to include value-engineered framing for improved thermal performance of the building envelope.

BENEFITS
Value-engineered framing can provide many benefits including:
Improved comfort. By increasing wall insulation and eliminating air spaces, value-engineered framing increases the overall R-value and integrity of the building envelope. This results in walls that are warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This is important because approximately 40 percent of our physical comfort is due to the radiant heat exchange between our bodies and the surrounding interior surfaces. Value-engineered framing reduces this radiant heat exchange, thus maintaining a more consistent level of comfort throughout a house.

Reduced construction cost. Value-engineered framing can reduce the amount of lumber and labor needed to construct a home. This results in construction cost savings.

Lower utility bills. Value-engineered framing reduces the amount of heat and air that flows through the building envelope. This results in lower utility bills, making homes less expensive to operate.

Finding The Right Realtor or Builder in Thomasville Georgia

2009-12-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

REALTORS TRYING TO BUILD HOMES
You would have to wonder the quality of a home when Realtors are involved in building homes, listing them and selling them all at the same time. Realtors should not be practicing builder duties. A builder has the experience, knowledge and the license to build solely homes verses an inexperience and with the lack of building knowledge a Realtor would. You would also have to wonder the loyalty of a realtor taking on listings from other home sellers and trying to sell his own built homes.

Misleading Realtors!:
GREEN WASHERS in Thomasville, GA. Area?
Unfortunately in this day and age there are companies and realtors that mislead customers by making false claims about a green product or service as an outlet to market and/or sell their product. The term for this practice is GREEN WASHING, also known as green sheen.

Do you know how to calculate square footage? A home listed for $196,900 / 1,312 Sq.Ft. = $150.00 Per Square Foot. Do you really know what you're getting for your investment? We give you a true energy efficient home with unmatched amenities for your investment.

Do You Have The Right Builder!:
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments a person will have and making the right investment is vital for future profits. Unfortunately, there are many who think they are home builders and some Realtors playing "Bob the builder" with no knowledge or concept of how to build or design a home nevertheless a subdivision. Let's not forget the imitation builder, the one that goes around looking into windows of other home builders to imitate interior design ideas. Do not become a statistic of buyers that realize after the fact that the bargain they were told about is really not a bargain after all. Do not be mislead with "Green washers" or substandard features come and compare the beauty, Superiority, of a true Energy-Efficient Custom luxury home from CHB Eco Custom Green Homes.

Our Eco Green Smart Luxury Custom Homes vs. Other Builders Spec Homes:
Other builders and franchise Builders like to use the word "custom and quality" on their website and on their newspaper Ad's and in their websites but CHB Custom Homes are the true and only first luxury custom eco home builder and we can prove it by offering any home buyer $4,500 if they can find a home with all of the same custom features as our homes in the South Georgia area. (Sustainable Architecture Development )

Solar Hot Water Units

2009-11-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Solar Hot Water Systems

The sun's heat has been used for decades to heat water for homes and businesses. At the turn of the 20th century, solar heated water systems were common in Southern California. Some countries have made their use mandatory. For example, all homes in Israel have solar hot water systems.

More than one-half million solar hot water systems have been installed in the United States, mostly on single-family homes. The majority of these systems are used to heat swimming pools.

Typically, a homeowner relying on electricity to heat water could save up to $500 in the first year of operation by installing a solar water heating system. The savings over time increases due to increasing electricity rates. The average solar heating system pays for itself in four to seven years.

After heating and cooling, water heating is the largest consumer of energy in U.S. residences, accounting for approximately 15% of electricity usage and 25% of gas usage. In general, factors impacting water heater energy consumption can be separated into two categories; factors affecting the amount of hot water used and those affecting the efficiency of the water heating system.

Factors impacting water usage are the use of water for bathing, showering, shaving, and other purposes as well as the use of clothes washers and dishwashers. The largest impact on water heating energy consumption is typically showering habits.

After heating and cooling, the next-largest use of energy in most homes is heating water. In the average home, heating water for cooking, bathing and other purposes accounts for about 15 percent of energy use. That's why taking steps to make more efficient use of hot water can have a significant effect on energy bills.

One of the most important steps is ensuring that your water heater is the right size for your family's needs. A water heater that's too small will constantly have to heat more incoming water. One that's too large will waste money keeping unneeded water in its tank warm. Newer water heaters tend to be better-insulated with foam. Keeping your water heater maintained - such as draining some water every month or two to flush out scale - can extend its life and improve its efficiency.

A newer technology considered by some homeowners is the tankless water heater. Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water, tankless heaters instantly warm water as it travels to the faucet. The concept is that you pay to heat only the water you're using. However, many tankless water heaters can only handle a limited amount of water, so they may not be able to provide enough hot water for two users at the same time. In addition, they use a tremendous amount of power when heating water. Some models place such a great demand on the home's wiring and panel, a separate 60- to 150-amp circuit may need to be installed for safe operation. Also, because of use of better foam insulation in tank models, "stand-by losses" are virtually eliminated.

Capital Home Builders - CHB Eco Custom Green Homes

2009-11-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

Benefits of the ENERGY STAR ® New Home Program

ENERGY STAR Homes: Many extra benefits mean more value!
Home buyers can expect much more value from their home purchase including:

Improved Comfort
Homes with additional insulation and high performance windows are blanketed in comfort because surrounding surface temperatures are warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Tightly-constructed homes will not experience annoying drafts and airborne dust. Better insulated walls, sealed ducts and properly sized efficient mechanical systems can deliver quiet performance year-round.

Improved Indoor Air Quality
Where ENERGY STAR homes and ducts are field verified to be tightly sealed, significant sources of indoor air pollution are effectively blocked from entering your home. These pollutants include moisture, dusts, pests, pollen and radon that could otherwise enter through leaks in attics, basements, and garages.

Quality Construction
Look for ENERGY STAR homes to have greater attention paid to many important construction details. Where provided, high-efficiency equipment, such as ENERGY STAR air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces may include quality features beyond improved performance, such as higher-grade heat exchangers, fans, motors, and longer-term warranties.

Higher Resale Value
ENERGY STAR homes are more likely to have a higher resale value regardless of how long you own your home. A typical ENERGY STAR home reduces utility bills by 30% per month or $1220 a year. A recent EPA study revealed that these savings can add $15,400 to the market value of an ENERGY STAR home.

Access to Preferred Financing
National and local ENERGY STAR mortgages can make it easier for home buyers to qualify for ENERGY STAR homes. In some cases, loan origination fees may be discounted along with easier loan qualification requirements. Call the EPA ENERGY STAR Hotline about ENERGY STAR mortgages.

Experience All These Benefits and Help the Environment Too!
It's a great feeling to know that you can have an important impact on helping the environment. American house-hold energy use contributes significantly to air pollution, including 20 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. By constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can make a difference. ENERGY STAR homes, built by the year 2012, are projected to lock in over $100 billion in utility bill savings and prevent pollution equivalent to removing more than three million cars from U.S. roads.

The Benefits of a Green Home

There are many very real benefits to living in a green home, and every day, more and more Americans are discovering those benefits. That’s why green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010, up from 2% in 2005, according to the 2006 McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Green Building Smart Market Report. Owning or renting a green home is good for your health, your wallet and our environment.

A Healthier Home
Green homes’ use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution, which can be much worse than outdoor pollution. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks for residents, including cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Such non-toxic materials include wheat-derived strawboard, natural linoleum made from jute and linseed oil, paints with little or no volatile organic compounds and toxin-free insulation made from soybeans, recycled paper or even old denim.
Green homes have far fewer problems with mold or mildew.

Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as use of mechanical ventilation systems to filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keep residents breathing easy.

A Cost-Efficient Home
The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to – or even cheaper than – owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don’t have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you’re getting the best-quality work possible.

Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings.

A healthier home means fewer expensive doctor’s visits and fewer days of missed work.

Soon, it will cost less to insure a green home than a standard home. The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company already offers a 5% discount to LEED-qualified commercial buildings.

A green home is more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.
The value of a green home is typically higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes continues to rise. The Solaire, a green residential high-rise in New York City, brings in rents 10% to 15% higher than market rates, and in Rocklin, Calif., the LEED-qualified homes in the Carsten Crossings development outsold the competition 2-to-1.

Local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home.
An Environmentally Friendly Home

Residential cooling and heating alone make up 40% of the United States’ yearly energy use. Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Most of that energy comes from greenhouse gas producers like oil and coal, contributing to global climate change. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes.
Some green homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass.

Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use, on average, 50% less water than standard homes.

Far fewer natural resources are used in the construction of a green home. Many green building materials have significant recycled content. Some companies, for example, now make carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Green homes can also be constructed with salvaged materials from demolished buildings. Green homes use materials made from rapidly renewable materials, like bamboo, hemp, agrifibers and soybean-based products. And the use of wood that is qualified by the Forest Stewardship Council helps promote socially and environmentally beneficial forestry practices.

Building a standard 2,500-square-foot home creates approximately 2 tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Construction of a green home, however, generates 50% to 90% less waste.

Read this article in its unmodified form: "Home Buying Just Got Simple"