What Is A Net-Zero Energy Efficient Home?

Energy efficient homebuilders are constantly improving on design and sustainability to offer solutions to consumers that really want the most efficient home on the planet. The balancing act that an green home builder must pull off is not an easy feat: they need to provide a home with the creature comforts we have all come to take for granted and, at the same time, they must also provide a measurably superior alternative in their offerings that the public will appreciate and be able to afford. Value is exceedingly important given our current economic situation in America.

In the past, energy conscious design was exceedingly expensive and, in turn, was not something the average consumer could afford even if they could appreciate the fact that energy saving homes are good for the environment. Now, building homes that are so efficient they can nearly power themselves is not only technologically possible, but consumers can obtain these superior products for the same price range as a standard, site built home. While these homes go by many names, manufacturers refer to affordable, efficient homes as "Net-Zero energy efficient homes."

Net-Zero energy efficiency aims at supplying the total electrical needs of a household. The goal of the Net-Zero home building process is two-fold: first, to supply the total energy needs of a home and second, to do so at the least possible expense. Some critics of the phrase "Net-Zero energy efficiency" claim they can achieve the same results of a Net-Zero home by merely by adding a large number of solar panels to any home they build. In all fairness, it is true that you can supply all of the electrical needs of a home by adding a lot more solar panels, but this is not nearly as efficient, effective or economical as designing a home and its various components as a system that seeks to reduce energy consumption from as many points of design as possible.

The goal of Net-Zero design should be, then, not to add as many expensive solar panels as required, but to reduce the overall electrical consumption of a home such that the least amount of expensive solar photovoltaic system components need be used.

The reason that many homebuilders are not moving in the direction of improving efficiency is because the research and development costs alone are enormous. However, the builders that do not match pace with efficient designers will, in the future, lose market share to more forward thinking homebuilders.

Owning a green home is possible. In fact, you can buy a custom, factory built home now for the same cost of many standard site built homes that you find in common residential tract neighborhoods. In residential tract neighborhoods, you can add an island in your kitchen, but you can't move entire walls or add to square footage significantly; you buy exactly what the developer offers in standardized plans. Custom, factory built homes differ in that you have far more control over design and the end product. Perform research online about Net-Zero homes and solar homes and you will come to find that there are a number of viable options available at a wide range of prices.

Luca Brammer is the Director of Business Development for Hallmark-Southwest Corporation. Hallmark-Southwest is a builder of California manufactured homes specializing in energy efficient home design and Net-Zero energy efficiency.

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Simple Homes and Green Construction Ideas

Have you ever dreamed about building a home of your own, only to be awakened to the reality that it would cost a fortune? Perhaps you don't want to drown in a sea of debt. There are ways to build a home of your own without breaking the bank.

For example, one of my relatives, who was visiting us in Texas after moving to Africa as a missionary with Youth With A Mission, got ahold of a book I had bought online, Homework: Handbuilt Shelter, by Lloyd Kahn. He was so inspired by the book that when he returned to Zambia, he bought a parcel of land and built a home out of a mixture of natural and man-made materials for around $1500, which is pretty impressive.

But how do you build one in N. America where land prices are so high and materials cost so much? If you do not own a piece of land, it is wise to make your dwelling portable so that you can move it as needed. Remember that here we have high prices, but we also have lots of things that people throw away or give away for free. There are also many areas where there are free materials found in nature that you can use.

If you are looking for a simple, affordable structure that is semi-portable, strong, well insulated, wind, water, and weather proof, then the yurt or ger, which is common in central Asia is the best. Most yurts and gers are designed to withstand high winds, freezing weather, rain, and cold. These have become popular in other parts of the world, and there are several places online where one can find instructions on how to build a yurt out of recycled materials, materials from nature, or store-bought materials. These are almost-free structures that any determined person could build.

The teepee of the plains Indians of N. America is another remarkable design for a portable, green shelter. The American Indians were able to stay warm in these simple structures by building a fire in the middle of the teepee. Be very careful if you build a fire inside a teepee. If the teepee cover is made out of a plastic material, it will melt when you build a fire inside it. Fire dangers and damage can be reduced if the teepee is made out of canvas and natural materials and to reduce smoke, it should be at least 12' high, and 14-18' is best.

Some of the indigenous tribes in N. America built wikiups to protect them from the elements. For a temporary shelter in emergency, the wikiup can't be beat. These can be made of saplings, sticks, grass, straw, tree branches, and leaves.

Moving on to more stable structures, if you plan to build a permanent, green home, it is wise to first secure the land where the home will sit. The best place to build an affordable, handmade, green home is in a rural area. Look for an area away from major cities and highly populated towns. Building officials in farming and rural areas will be less likely to harass you over your unique home. If you get to know the locals, you may find a farmer or property owner that is willing to sell you a parcel of land. Make sure that all agreements are put on paper and signed by both parties, and that a title to the property recorded in your name with the county clerk.

Straw bale houses are a popular method for building a simple, affordable and green home. Straw bales offer great insulation. It is common to place the straw bales on a platform that supports the walls to prevent them from getting wet, and the exterior and interior walls that the bales form can be protected with a stucco or mud plaster. It is important to add structural supports in the walls between the straw bales. Certain municipalities and counties limit the use of this type of construction, so check with the local building authorities before proceeding.

Cob is another method of green building that makes use of a mixture of clay, sand, and straw to form earthen walls. Cob buildings can be made that have unique shapes and character. If you are in a city or highly regulated county, there are building code guidelines and limitations about what you are allowed to do with cob construction.

Some have built their homes underground, such as the earthship. Many green home builders have manipulated and designed the earthen walls around them as a protective sheild, as part of an insulation design, and for the "conditioned cave" effect. Properly designed underground construction provides several advantages, including energy savings, security, and less visibility. The only main drawback to underground construction is the possiblity for moisture intrusion such as is common in basements. A properly built and situated underground home can withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, and even nuclear events. Building underground is also used as a way to hide the true size of a home.

Some have built ceramic domes, using earthbag construction. Nader Khalili, an Iranian-American architect perfected this art, and presented it to the West. Earthbag or Super Adobe construction can be strong, efficient, and useful for budget construction projects.

In addition to these more direct approaches to green building, there are construction products currently being developed that make use of used, recycled, and sustainably produced materials. Some of these materials are better and safer than others. It is wise to fully investigate the production process for these materials before using them to construct your home. Some contain chemicals that may be harmful to your family's health, so doing your homework on the manufacturing process is advised.

Whatever you desire to build, start small today and test your ideas. Remember to plan ahead, get the advice of professionals, and read up as much as possible before committing your time and finances to the project. It would also be wise to befriend several contractors who can give you advice on how to make things go forward without difficulty.

Paul Ferguson is a Licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector. TREC #6883
He specializes in home inspections, real estate inspections, commercial inspections, and other real estate related services. For a free estimate or phone consultation, or to schedule an inspection, please visit our website at http://www.inspec4.net/

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Energy Efficient Mortgages + Distressed Real Estate = A Match Made in Heaven!

The housing market crash resulted in a surge in foreclosures and bank owned properties, especially in the Miami market. Foreclosures and REO properties are typically considered distressed properties because of deferred maintenance. If you're thinking of buying one of these properties, you should know that these distressed properties will likely need some work, and will seldom be move in ready. Homeowners in foreclosure often neglect essential upkeep, or worse, may even vandalize/strip their properties down when they learn that the bank is coming in to take over.

According to RealtyTrac, about twenty-five percent of all residential sales for the fourth quarter of 2010 were either REO (real estate owned) or short sales. On average, these homes sold for roughly forty percent less than comparable (non-distressed) homes. The undesirable conditions of these properties make most buyers walk. Given the current depressed economic climate, most homeowners are not eager or able to complete high-end remodeling projects. However, through an energy efficient mortgage (EEM; aka energy improvement mortgage) program, remodeling and renovating can be very affordable, requiring minimal, if any, out of pocket costs. And with the help of an energy efficient mortgage, these distressed properties can be transformed into ideal green homes.

Distressed properties may require simple sustainable projects, like replacing older features or upgrading basic systems to take advantage of energy efficient improvements, or more involved projects such as complete kitchen renovation. Maybe the place needs a new roof, new flooring, or has an electric system that is not up to code. EEMs allow the homebuyer to obtain financing to purchase a house in need of such repairs or modernizations, and incorporate the additional funds needed for the rehabilitation into the mortgage. EEMs allow for renovations and sustainable improvements up to $45,000, which, when rolled into the mortgage would result in a payment increase in the ballpark of $270.* That's much easier to swing than fronting $45K!!! This program is perfect for those who are first time home buyers, or for those with limited cash for a down payment/closing costs/renovation expenses.

So, if you want to get a great deal on a house but don't have the money that may be needed to renovate a foreclosed/REO property, think twice before you pass on buying a distressed property. An EEM may be just the solution for you!

*based on a 6% interest rate, 30 year amortization schedule

Certified in Energy Improvement Mortgages
FHA 203k
Specializing in distressed properties offering borrowers an opportunity rehabilitate the cost of energy-efficient "green" improvements.

Original article