Valdosta Georgia Green Home Builder

Smart homes go mass market

2010-10-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Builders aim to woo new buyers with high-tech habitats

Technologists have long promised the smart home, with automated lighting and intelligent climate control, whole-house audio-video and similar digital luxuries. Yet these high-tech habitats have mostly remained the province of either gadget-happy do-it-yourselfers or multimillion-dollar custom homes. But last week about 150 homebuilders from around the United States gathered at a posh resort in northern San Diego county — a hotbed of suburban construction—for a digital home conference. These were, moreover, mass-market home builders — the big firms that build hundreds or thousands of new homes each year with prices in the $250,000-$800,000 range.

Driving their interest isn’t so much technology — although that has indeed improved — as economics. As the recent housing boom slows down, new home builders need to find ways to compete with the used houses that are piling up on the market. Solution: the smart home.

“Digital features,” says Boyce Thompson, the editorial director of Hanley Wood, the building trade publisher that organized the conference, “are a big competitive advantage. Of the 8.2 million houses sold last year, seven million were existing homes with outmoded floor plans, obsolete home wiring and no home office space.”

While it’s possible to retrofit an older home with digital bells and whistles, it’s far cheaper and easier to trick out a new home. When the walls are open, additional wiring is relatively inexpensive to add and other amenities — such as a killer home theater system — can be painlessly financed over a thirty-year mortgage. What makes this strategy even more appealing is that home builders are now courting a new generation of younger buyers who consider technology a natural part of their lives.

Builders are already moving in this direction. Nearly 50 percent of the new homes sold in the U.S. last year had “structured wiring” — usually several Cat-5 wires for data and two coaxial cables for video distribution (and some builders add additional wires for audio). Even though wireless distribution of data, audio and video is rapidly improving, most experts agree that homeowners are better off having wires in place if possible. Whatever wireless is able to do, wires can do better and more cheaply, with the added benefit that there is no radio interference to worry about as the home airspace fills up with other wireless signals.

More important than technology, however, is the question of how home automation improves life for the homebuyer. One example: Mom drives home from shopping and when she presses a button on a remote control, the garage door opens, the house door unlocks, the thermostat turns up and the lights on the path to the kitchen turn on. No fumbling with keys or light switches when the arms are filled with groceries. Or Dad leaves the house and once outside realizes that lights have been left on upstairs — again, a touch of the remote control (which may actually be built into the car dashboard) turns the lights off. According to one speaker, that level of functionality can now be built throughout a new home for as little as $8,000, using a combination of wired and wireless components.

Another important new feature is the Web-enabled house — the idea that wherever you are in the world, you can call up a Web page that lets you check on the status of your home, lock or unlock doors, and adjust lighting and temperature. Or your house can send you messages. Door sensors can tell you when (or if) the kids have arrived home; a motion sensor can tell you whether Grandma got out of bed this morning. One speaker claimed that the most commonly stolen item in homes is prescription drugs, often by workers such as cleaners or baby-sitters. “Your house can text you,” he said, “that your medicine cabinet was opened at 10:45 this morning.”

Both Microsoft and Intel sent top executives to meet the home builders, Intel to push its Viiv brand of chips for home electronics and Microsoft to extol a vision of the smart home with the Media Center PC as the central control interface. Brands familiar to home builders — Leviton, Honeywell, Lutron — were also much in evidence, explaining how they will fit into this new digital world. The familiar names were important: building large residential developments is an assembly-line operation. Anything new or untested can throw off the schedule, so the mass-market builders are more comfortable with brands they know.

Nonetheless, some interesting startups showed up as well, such as SmartLabs and Lagotek, based around emerging wireless standards like Insteon, Z-Wave and ZigBee. Wireless is important, because even with plenty of wires in the walls, the homeowner is likely to buy additional lights and appliances over the years that need to be added to the home network. Wireless connections will be the easiest for consumers to integrate — in fact, some appliances and home electronics may soon come with wireless connections built-in. In the end, smart homes will probably end up with at least two networks — one predominately wired (but with some wireless elements) for audio, video, and data, and another wireless network carrying the control signals that adjust lights and thermostats. Sometimes the two networks will cross over, as when a wireless tablet or PDA is used to control lights or appliances.

If that’s all starting to sound a little complicated, you’re right. And that is perhaps the biggest challenge that the home builders face. In the end, they’re inheriting the technology of the computer industry, which has never managed to figure out that “easy to use” must mean easy to use. “Housewives,” said one speaker, “aren’t going to be happy if they have to reboot their houses.” There was a touch of chauvinism in his tone, but also some truth: the WAF, or “wife acceptance factor,” was frequently discussed during presentations. Until now, smart homes have been a predominately male preoccupation, motivated by geekdom or conspicuous consumption. But if smart homes are going to catch on among soccer moms, they’ll have to be more than just intelligent: they’ll also need to make home sweet home just a little bit sweeter.

© 2010 MSNBC Interactive. Reprints
Columnist
By Michael Rogers

Special to msnbc.com Special to msnbc.com
updated 4/10/2006 1:38:33 PM ET 2006-04-10T17:38:33

TLC Home "Smart Home Benefits"

2010-10-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

TLC Home "Smart Home Benefits"

TLC Home "How Smart Homes Work"

2010-10-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

CHB Eco Custom Homes is the first and only smart home builders in South Georgia.

TLC Home "How Smart Homes Work": "in the house? Or to get the coffee brewing from bed"

Price Per Square Foot is Misleading for Real Estate Values

2010-09-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Price Per Square Foot is Misleading for Real Estate Values

HOW WELL IS YOUR HOME INSULATED?

2010-09-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-09-03T06:22:00.001-07:00

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 market. 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

“Favorite Place' on Google! Congratulations! CHB Eco Custom Green Homes”

2010-06-25T05:53:00.001-07:00

Capital Home Builders is one of less then 250,000 businesses in the U.S. to receive this recognition; that's less then 1% of all U.S. businesses. Because we are so popular.

CHB Eco Custom Homes

Buying and Selling a Green Home in Thomasville

2010-05-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

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 energyefficient 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

Green Living in South Georgia

2009-06-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

Our Vision Building Greener Homes For Georgia Families
Our vision at Capital Home Builders is to provide you with a very special place to call home with luxury, efficiency and technology built, land preservation at heart. We take pride in being the cutting edge "eco green" home builders in Thomasville, Valdosta, South Georgia and Tallahassee Florida. We desire to serve our clients by keeping our commitments and staying flexible in the construction process to make your dream home a reality worth living in for many years. We provide an impeccable team that will effectively schedule and efficiently coordinate skilled contractors to provide you with the highest grade of construction materials and craftsmanship as desired. With energy prices skyrocketing, finding ways to cut down on your homes energy Usage not only helps the environment, but also makes great economic sense. No other national home builder matches CHB Custom Homes energy star standard features and commitment to energy efficiency and the U.S. Governments ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote the use of energy-efficient products and practices in the home. First Hybrid Custom Home Builders in South Georgia with Eco Smart technology. "The Only Custom Eco Green Builder in South Georgia"

We are Qualified Builders:
Since 2005 CHB Custom Luxury Home is bringing Energy conservation awareness to Thomasville, Valdosta, South Georgia and Tallahassee Florida areas and it has not been effortless. We are content that others in our community are slowly joining us and following our lead in bringing energy awareness and actions to our community and surrounding areas. We at CHB Custom Homes would like to thank those that have joined in our efforts for a greener future not only locally but in a bigger scale reaching out to our leaders urging them to take climate change seriously. Capital Home Builders is the first Georgia Builder to incorporate Hybrid home technology with energy efficient. We are the first to offer our buyers a luxury custom home at an affordable price. CHB Custom Green Homes is the pioneers in giving customers more then just a home. We are building Healthy Living homes in Georgia.

Committed to Energy Efficiency:
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 )

Capital Home Builders (CHB Custom Green Homes) is the only local builder "Building Smart Eco Green Homes" for the future. We bring the future of eco home building to Thomasville, Valdosta, South Georgia and Tallahassee Florida area. We are driven by a passion for building homes to exceed standard construction code and affordable home automation. See one of our dream homes for yourself and you'll agree. We are First in Luxury, First in Custom Built Homes, First in Smart Home Technology, and the only builder in providing certified homes. We deliver Green Homes with Outstanding Service in Thomasville, Valdosta and in the South Georgia area making our Planet Eco Green with one custom home at a time.

Expert Construction:
CHB luxury custom green homes have set a high standard in the construction industry in the South Georgia area. "Custom", one simple word, creates a different image to different people. When you walk into a CHB Custom Home by "custom" we mean a luxury home that features amenities that are unmatched by others. We invite you to compare the difference not only the visible features but also "behind the walls". A home that claims to be energy-efficient does not necessary mean that a home is. Buyers should not be deceived by "GREEN WASHERS" like builders, realtors, or retailers with their buzzwords on their advisements. Be an informed buyer and make sure the home you're buying is truly an energy efficient home? Just ask to see the Energy Star logo, LEED certificate, Earthcraft, Built Green certificate or any other organization that is guaranteeing the home you are buying is properly certified.

Committed to Efficient Engineering:
We can save customers more then 50% on their Energy bill when they purchase a new CHB Custom Home. No other builder can claim this kind of savings and home benefits associated with an Energy Efficient Certified home and if others do claim these benefits ask to see the Blue Seal. Eco Green homes are superior then conventional homes in all aspects of the construction development phase. While other builders are offering you more square footage, multi A/C's and water heaters, pared-down amenities and fewer choices and higher utility bills the minute you move in CHB Custom Homes is fulfilling buyer's desires for more custom features and more of everything including the added monthly savings of an
Energy Star certified home.

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 have to question who will warranty the construction if problem arises. Each Professional needs to stay within their field of expertise. 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.

NOTE:
The purpose of this post is merely informative and gathered information from various sources and licensing law from other states that band the practice to bring awareness in the industry. This is merely an exercise of freedom of speech and beliefs, if you as a reader do not agree you simply have to stop reading and move on. If you agree feel free to post your comments.