[Greenbuilding] Fwd: asking for advice

[Corwyn]

On Feb 25, 2007, at 14:45, Wayne Mueller wrote:

> Hello green builders,
>
> This is my first posting and I am looking for some advice about 
> building an
> energy efficient home.
>
> Since this would be my first project, I would start out conservatively.
> This may be a spec house and loosing money would be a disaster for me. 
>  I
> don't have to make a lot of money, but I really need to avoid loosing 
> money
> on the deal.

I think the first thing you need to do is rid yourself of the idea that 
building green is going to make you more likely to lose money.  My 
definition of green building, is the cheapest when all costs are 
considered.  Now, you are probably going to ignore some costs, but 
still you should be able to make a green house for not much more than a 
comparable non-green.  Studies show that energy efficiency pays off in 
house price at a rate of the savings over twenty years ($1000 in lower 
fuel costs = $20000 added to the price).

So, you start with the easy, free things, long side facing south, 
rectangular footprint, aspect ratio around 1.6:1 (say 26x44 or 28x40 
instead of 32x36), smaller footprint (you can make a 4 bedroom house in 
22x40; I grew up in one), move windows from the north side to the 
south.

Some options for superinsulating: SIPS as you mention (down side is 
that they are expensive), larsen truss, double stud wall.  All of these 
will appear as standard construction to your buyers (until they look at 
the fuel requirements).  Any of them should allow you to achieve R-40 
in the walls.

Windows, U-factor does not tell all.  Make sure you look at the solar 
heat gain factor (especially for south facing windows).  Consider 
different windows for south wall and the other walls.  (I used R-3 SHGF 
50, for the south side, and R-4.5, SHGF 40 for the rest)  Casements 
windows are much tighter than double hungs.   And historically more 
appropriate for a colonial than double hungs anyway (not that you will 
able to convince most people of that).

This plus quality construction and an HRV, and you are probably at 1/2 
the energy cost of a standard house.  You should get some money back 
from the smaller required heating system.

Let's talk particulars.

Thank You Kindly,

Corwyn


-- 
Corwyn
Kermit didn't know the half of it...
http://www.greenfret.com/
corwyn at greenfret.com