Sustainable Building Ideas

December 14, 2011 By

The advantages of building a custom home are endless, and one of those is the ability to implement green appliances and materials from the get-go. This makes you socially responsible and it usually ends up being more economical in the long-run too.

Sustainable buildings are healthy buildings for  both residents and the environment. Of course we don’t expect individuals to give up life’s little luxuries to live green. That’s why a sustainable builder will provide their expertise on green materials for practical living. Examples of sustainable ideas for your custom home can be:

 

Solar Energy – solar panels are easy to install. In addition, imagine your annual savings on energy.

 

Reduced Energy Appliances and Lightings – We recommend ENERGY STAR® appliances and also installing  fluorescent lights and motion sensors to reduce the energy used in your home.

 

Green Flooring – Bamboo flooring or reclaimed wood are excellent options for flooring. These materials are light on the environment and healthy for you.

 

Natural Ventilation – We can design spaces that make the natural flow of nature enter your home. This will include window or door placements in the blue print.

 

Water Conservation – Showerheads, dishwashers and other appliances all add up when it comes to water usage. A certified building contractor will have hands-on knowledge of the best appliances for conserving water.

 

Building a sustainable home can require a lot of planning and construction techniques, so it’s important to hire a contractor that’s familiar with this territory. Your new custom home can be a beacon  for your environmental beliefs.  Building green doesn’t have to mean giving up your  personal tastes either. Verde Builders Group can give you a functional and naturally beautiful custom made home using sustainable materials.

Local-minded, Verde Builders Group is a versatile company that’s inspired to use sustainable materials and local construction. And of course, to achieve all of this while still creating a stunning looking home. We also specialize in remodels, site analysis, green building consultation and energy calculations.

 

 

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Radiant Barrier vs Insulation

September 26, 2011 By

By Verde Builders Group

What is Radiant Barrier?

Interested in saving money with an energy efficient home design? We can help you make your home wallet and eco-friendly! One way to save on energy is to install a radiant barrier. But before we dive into the “radiant barrier vs insulation” debate, let’s ask: what is radiant barrier, and how does it work?

Radiant barrier is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a barrier to radiant heat – in other words, it blocks heat coming from the sun, or even a light bulb. Radiant heat is also known as infra-red heat, which travels through space until its absorbed or reflected by something.

That “something” could be a radiant barrier. A radiant barrier is made of material, typically aluminum, that does such a good job at reflecting this heat, your home’s none the wiser of the steaming temperatures outside.

Regular insulation, on the other hand, just absorbs the heat.

Radiant Barrier, At Its Best

The best radiant barriers have aluminum on both sides, one side to send the heat packing, back where it came from, and the other side to ensure the heat doesn’t mingle with your cold and comfy air inside. The best radiant barrier also has plenty of “air space” for this process to happen, and that can be done with double-sided insulation. In a nutshell: radiant barrier insulation in your home, particularly your attic (your first line of defense against the sun), makes heat reflect back into the atmosphere, where it belongs.

A radiant barrier is also great for those cold, winter days! But how? Well, you’ve got heat in your home you want to trap, right? Well, a radiant barrier will reflect this heat back into your home, the same way it reflects the sun’s heat back into the atmosphere!

What does all of this mean? Your air conditioner and heater won’t have to work so hard in summer and winter, your bills will go down as a result, and last but of course not least – your home will be an affordable escape from hot or cold weather.

Radiant Barrier vs Insulation

Now, back to the topic: radiant barrier vs insulation. Although radiant barrier is a form of insulation, it’s not the same  as typical insulation.

Typical insulation can come in the form of everything from foam to fiberglass, and it simply absorbs the heat from the sun (or from within your home). Insulation dramatically slows the process of heating down, whether that process is a radiant, conductive, or convective one.

There are reasons to go with regular versus radiant barrier insulation. For one, regular insulation tackles more than just one kind of heat, but heat transferred through radiation, conduction, and convection. As well, culprits like dirt won’t necessarily take its effectiveness away (as it does with radiant barriers).

Conclusion: For Texas residents, radiant barrier is the way to go, as it’s most effective in the summertime, and
simply does a better job than regular insulation at keeping your home cool. However, make sure to research the pros and cons before making a decision.

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How to Find a Reliable Custom Home Builder in Austin

June 19, 2011 By

By Daniel Reeves, Owner, Verde Builders Group

Reliability and integrity are two qualities found in any good building company.  Being able to deliver results on time and in the condition promised are traits worth commending in this day and age.  With so many home builders in the marketplace, it’s hard to decide who to go with.  As seasoned professionals, we have a few pointers that we think will help you narrow down your search.

Here’s how you can find a reliable Austin builder for your custom home or remodel:

Make sure your prospective builder is insured and certified. It will be a complete nightmare if the company that you are working with is not qualified.  Knowing what the builder is capable and permitted to do will help you make an educated decision as to whether or not you want to use their services for your own home.

Ask questions. Get to know the price range, location, and the materials that the builder specializes in.  That way you know you’re getting the best value for the money that you’re spending on your new home or addition.

Talk to other people who had their homes built by the company that you are considering signing a contract with. Look for reviews and testimonials online.  This is an easy way to save yourself the heartache of losing money to a dishonest builder.

Always review the inspection and building permit records for former homes built by the contractor. You can request a list of homes or projects built by the contractor.  All you have to do is go down to the government office in charge of inspections and permits and ask to see them.  Pay careful attention to any red flags indicating that the builder in question lacks integrity.

Choosing the right custom home builder in Austin takes time and research.  You want to find a company that is professional, dependable, honest, and trustworthy.  Verde Builders Group is all that and more. When it comes to building and remodeling homes in the Austin area, we’re among the best builders you will find.


 

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