sunshine_4_jt
New Member
Posts:4
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| 25 Jun 2011 10:47 PM |
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Hello all,
This is my first post, though I have lurked for a bit on these threads. My hubby and I are in hopes to start construction on our new home in the upcoming months. We are working on a very tight budget, but want to make the house as green as possible and efficient as possible. The house will be two story on a walkout basement. We will be our own GC, and a family member who is a local builder will be building the home (minus the basement) We are considering superior walls for the basement, as quotes for cip and icf for our area were about 30k more. After reading many threads, we are now also considering sips, however, after requests for quotes, I haven't received anything back but information from the companies so far (has only been a week or two) My questions to you all are: In your opinion, where should we concentrate on being efficient and green? And for those of you who used PU SIPS - upfront, how much more than traditional framing and insulating are you talking. I realize the savings in the long run, however, in this economy there's only so much money the bank is willing to lend...
Other details:
We're in Northeastern NC, hot humid summers (100+ days) and cold winters (can get in the teens and single digits at times)
We're in a very rural area
House will have one long axis facing west southwest
Main floor = 1710 sqft
Upstairs = 1230sqft
Living/Dining/upstairs loft area is cathedral/vaulted ceiling
Basement will have 2 car garage and unfinished living area
Master suite - main floor
all other bedrooms upstairs (along with one bath) |
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jumpingspidermedia
Basic Member
Posts:104
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| 26 Jun 2011 09:39 PM |
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They are ways to introduce the consumer to the concepts of green building. However, I think that the qualification for these labels may miss the point.One thing that is happening in the market place is the concept of a green home is selling for more than other homes.Consumers want green, even though they may not understand what that means. |
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| <a href="http://www.londonccc.co.uk/">Carbon credits</a> | <a href="http://www.londonccc.co.uk/content/self-invested-personal-pension">Carbon investment</a> | <a href="http://www.londonccc.co.uk/content/what-are-carbon-credits">Carbon trader</a> |
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adi43d
New Member
Posts:87
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| 27 Jun 2011 10:39 AM |
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what might be budget friendly in my area might not be so budget friendly in yours. that being said - in my area - SIPS, ICFs and other systems like that rarely can compete from the budget point of view so here is an idea for you:
2x4 stick or 2x6 AF (whichever is cheaper) frame on your foundation of choice (read-cheapest- poured concrete, cinder block.....whatever is the cheapest, code approved and most used in your area). go to insulationdepot or similar website and buy a truck load of USED XPS/EPS/PUR insulation and cover your entire house with 4-6 inches (including foundation, roof and under basemnet slab). fill the walls with blown cellulose for even more insulation. look for documentation on REMOTE system to get the details right. buy the best windows you budget allows. if there is no room in the budget for good windows I'd say look into some good quality storm windows. that might save you some $ without compromising the efficiency.
it might not have the "cool factor" of an SIP, ICF or Superior Walls but it should easily beat any of them in terms of budget and if done right (I assume it will since you have a family member building it) I promise you it will beat any of them in terms of performance as well.
with so much insulation efficiency is a given (if build properly), by reusing all your insulation (reused XPS + celullose which has a high percentage of recycled paper in it) you'll probably have the greenest house on a 100 mile radius :-)
throw a wood stove with outside combustion air inside and you are close to carbon neutral as well if you want.
the house shoud be fairly airtight and proper provisions for good ventilation are a must. Ideally and ERV/HRV but if there is no budget for such a system there are other options out there.
READ as much as you can and I'm sure you find the right solution for you.
good luck,
Adi |
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| http://torontonetzerohouse.blogspot.com/ |
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Afton Allen
New Member
Posts:35
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| 06 Jul 2011 01:28 PM |
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Put in a storm shelter. Cheaper-easier now than later if in house. |
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| Afton |
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ChalmersAbrams
New Member
Posts:13
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| 07 Jul 2011 01:38 AM |
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My company is in VA, so we have similar climate conditions to you in Northeast NC. Definitely spend the money on windows, thicker walls and Insulation. Your energy savings during our hot humid summers and cold winners will be big. Another cheap way to go "green" is to use low flow toilets and energy star appliances. You can do this on a smaller budget and save water at the same time. Good luck to you! |
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sunshine_4_jt
New Member
Posts:4
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| 07 Jul 2011 03:53 PM |
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Thanks for the advice! Will look into the options further!
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cjbuild
New Member
Posts:50
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| 08 Jul 2011 11:39 AM |
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We're doing the same project. My advice is, price the project both way: higher-cost (green) and lower-cost (traditional). This will improve your information and create the parameters you can work within to make better decisions.
It's easy to get caught up in the marketing of high-tech green products. You can only get a clear view by also comparing them against traditional methods. Let's face it, the traditional methods are the 'traditional' methods because they work and have been vetted for years.
We're using this approach of comparison. Then we're cherry picking the green techs that are most cost effective. And we're accepting the fact that we can be happy with the 75% solution, rather than breaking the bank on the 99% solution. |
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robinnc
Advanced Member
Posts:586
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| 08 Jul 2011 07:05 PM |
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sunshine.....how many s/f is the exterior of the basement? The price you got for ICF seems waaaay off.
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SIPs of America
New Member
Posts:1
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| 09 Jul 2011 11:45 AM |
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Hi Sunshine,
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retired1
New Member
Posts:29
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| 09 Jul 2011 06:43 PM |
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adi43d
"Ideally and ERV/HRV but if there is no budget for such a system there are other options out there."
I'm starting a house with an ICF Ftd. and SIP walls & roof, so I would be interested in other good ventilation options. Could you please tell me just what the other options are, out there?
Thanks In Advance. |
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adi43d
New Member
Posts:87
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| 11 Jul 2011 10:40 AM |
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one has basically only 3 options as far as I know for properly ventilate a building: supply only, balanced (HRV/ERV) and exhaust only. depending on your climate, how tight is the house, what are the heating/cooling loads one system may prove to be more efficient or cheaper than other systems.
there are proponents for each of the above mentioned systems. read as much as you can about each of them, talk to your HVAC designer and I'm sure you'll find the right solution for you.
just to give you an example - I'm on the side of those who belive that in a heating dominated climate you should not use a supply only ventilation because you'll create a pozitive pressure in the house which will push warm humid air in all that cracks leading to potential condensation problems.
you can search on the WEB Robert Riversong take on exhaust only ventilation for houses in heating dominated climates. I think he has some strong arguments.
all ventilation systems need to be properly design but I think that desingn process is even more important in supply or exhaust only systems.
good luck,
adi |
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| http://torontonetzerohouse.blogspot.com/ |
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peterpabol
New Member
Posts:1
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| 18 Jul 2011 06:13 AM |
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Posted By sunshine_4_jt on 25 Jun 2011 10:47 PM
Hello all,
This is my first post, though I have lurked for a bit on these threads. My hubby and I are in hopes to start construction on our new home in the upcoming months. We are working on a very tight budget, but want to make the house as green as possible and efficient as possible. The house will be two story on a walkout basement. We will be our own GC, and a family member who is a local builder will be building the home (minus the basement) We are considering superior walls for the basement, as quotes for cip and icf for our area were about 30k more. After reading many threads, we are now also considering sips, however, after requests for quotes, I haven't received anything back but information from the companies so far (has only been a week or two) My questions to you all are: In your opinion, where should we concentrate on being efficient and green? And for those of you who used PU SIPS - upfront, how much more than traditional framing and insulating are you talking. I realize the savings in the long run, however, in this economy there's only so much money the bank is willing to lend...
Other details:
We're in Northeastern NC, hot humid summers (100+ days) and cold winters (can get in the teens and single digits at times)
We're in a very rural area
House will have one long axis facing west southwest
Main floor = 1710 sqft
Upstairs = 1230sqft
Living/Dining/upstairs loft area is cathedral/vaulted ceiling
Basement will have 2 car garage and unfinished living area
Master suite - main floor
all other bedrooms upstairs (along with one bath)
I would like to suggest you the top 10 priorities that should be taken into consideration in order to have an efficient green home:
1. Location
2. Design
3. Air Sealing
4. Insulation and Thermal Bridging
5. Ventilation
6. Windows and Doors
7. Efficient Mechanicals
8. Water Conserving Fixtures and Appliances
9. Smaller, Energy Efficient Appliances
10. Low VOC Paints and Finishes
Shingle Roof Repair
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