How We Build

What has HFHMGC learned from participating in the LEED program?  Building “greener” houses isn’t complicated.  By making the commitment to build more efficient housing, HFHMGC has learned that spending a little bit of extra money up-front is quickly recouped by our homeowners through lower utility bills and fewer home maintenance issues. 

Our standard home now includes: 

• A conveniently located property within walking or bicycling distance of neighborhood schools, stores, parks, and churches to minimize the need for driving
• Durable, cleanable hardwood flooring throughout living and sleeping areas
• A long-lasting metal roof made partly of recycled material
• Fiber-cement trim and siding
• A highly efficient Heating & Cooling System (16 SEER Heat Pump)
• Spray Foam Insulation in the floor, walls, and attic cavity to create a highly insulated home
• Advanced framing techniques to minimize framing members, leaving more room for insulation
• Low water usage plumbing fixtures
• Best practices for recycling and onsite material waste management
• Energy Star rated Light Fixtures with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

What does this mean for our future homeowners?  The finished product is 40-50% more energy efficient than homes built to standard building codes, meaning lower electric and water bills for homeowners.  Energy experts have estimated the average energy bill for one of our houses at about $75 per month.  More durable materials like hardwood floors provide beautiful, resilient flooring that is also easy to clean and refinish.  Hard-wearing finish materials such as metal roofing and fiber cement siding mean long-lasting home exteriors that require little maintenance.

Click on the Video below to watch spray foam insulation in action: