I recently had to travel to Georgia, both ways in a car with 4 kids.  I had lots of time to think and I decided I want to build the best home ever.  I want that to be my new marketing line, plain and simple, "We build the best house!"  I intend to take this little plan back to Savannah and target a section of the market, namely higher end custom work, condo/townhouse communities and larger scale middle cost subdivisions.  I want your thoughts.

Now, a couple of parameters:
1.  Everything is price sensitive, we have to compete in the marketplace.
2.  There is no one seriously using the marketing benefits of building green so there is to be some edcuating necessary.

That being said here are my plans:
1.  I will make my own SIP's do I want PU or EPS?  I currently manufacture and build with EPS SIP's but will set up a new manufacturing plant.  The weather is humid and summers are like a sauna.  which is better and why?  R value is not near as important as Maine but a concern nonetheless...
2.  I will use MgO board.  It is less suceptable to fire, mold and bugs.
3.  All interior wall are going to be steel.
4.  We will have radiant heat, tankless hot water and use some of the basic smart technology.

What are your thoughts?  On PU vs. EPS, use of MgO board and steel as a substitute for wood and what would you do differently?

Thanks,

Greg;

RE: Paramaters

1.    You stated you were going higher end/upscale, so you need to "sell" that! Highend is not as "price sensitive if you are selling value.
2.   The media is helping you right now . everthing is "green" talk

your plans:

1.   go with what you know ..EPS
2.   Steel panels make more sense being light weight and not limited in length like MgO
3.    your on the right track with steel, why switch to MgO on exterior?
4.    OK with tankless & smart tech, But why radiant?  in a hot climate its not worth the money. Put your money in high SEER heat pump.

Thoughts:

1.   All builders need to be licensed in Georgia as of July 1, 2008 .... better start to study now. Test is tough, and you will need to have verifiable - 4 years building experience in a management capacity, as well
2.   Rarely does contracting and manufacturing work well together the thinking processes are totally different. Only a person with mental problems would want to  be a contractor.
3.   Know your current competition . there are currently at least 3 steel SIPs and 2 OSB manufacturers within  2 hours of Savannah. If you think no one is doing SIPs there now you are wrong

PS .. I love Savannah too

Greg;

If you have no construction experience, you can also qualify to sit for the exam if you have a 4 year bachelors degree in:   engineering, architecture,
construction management or building construction.
 but, you will still need to pass the state exam,  show credit worthiness, show proof of gen. liability and workers comp insurance.  there is no reciprocity with other states. And if you were doing business in Georgia and did not get "grandfathered" in already, you need to take the test.

John;

I absolutely disagree, I believe as  seasoned building professionals we owe it to our clients, ourselves and the environment to offer what we perceive to be the best constructed house. All the while maintaining aesthetics, engineering, energy efficency, health and sustainability.
In years past we have not considered good stewardship of our natural resources.
By attempting to build the best house we are not imposing anything on anyone, people still have the right of choice.
The housing industry has been stuck in the "model T" mode for the last 500 years and has not seen any great advancements until just recently.
I enjoy hearing Greg's energized passion, I share in that passion, I enjoy being a part of pioneering new technologies.
If you think is all sounds cheesy, it is apparently not shared by organizations like: NAHB, PATH, Build America, USGBC and EnergyStar, as these organizations encourage builders to "think outside the box"
I never try to "hard sell" my ideas to a client, they either "get it" or they don't. I don't waste any time with them, as they obviously only want cheap and there are plenty of builders with the "used car" attitude that will give them what they paid for.
 .


Just my opinion, and you know we all have one!

John;

I don't think I have it all figured out, but I am thinking!

You are too thin skinned! where is your sense of humor! The Best house comment by me was tongue-N-cheek.

Never made any of the claims you are trying to put in my mouth?
 
I am a proponent of steel and try to point out its benefits and as steel may not work for someone that already has a closed mind, it probably wouldn't work for you either.

Guess the Used car lot comment was a compliment?