factor that into the home’s value. This holds true with other recycled products, such as flooring and wall coverings. Adomatis believes that energy efficiency will grow in
importance as utility bills go up: think low-e windows and solar hot water heaters. She notes that other green features such as graywater systems and cisterns don’t add value today, but in water-strapped areas, that could change. “Eventually, we’ll see some number put to those systems,” she says. For solar, the value is dependent on the capitalization, kW hours provided, and the life of the system. John Freer, a consultant and president of Riverworks in
Missoula, Mont., is a LEED AP and a verifier for the NAHB National Green Building Standard. He points out that sustainable houses don’t have to cost more. “There is a misconception that a green home has to have geothermal or PV or it’s not green, and that becomes a challenge with the appraisal process because those things are more expensive. But truly building a quality product that addresses indoor air quality, resource efficiency, and energy efficiency holistically at design is not necessarily going to add costs.” Freer points out that many builders are offering a green product even in the entry level market by selectively choosing the green attributes that will not only sell well but that will also appraise well. “Lending and appraisal doesn’t get it,” he laments. “Until there is a certification [in the appraisal community] that is like the ANSI standard green code they won’t think a green home is worth more.” (Of note, the Appraisal Institute has designed a certification program, which rolls out in 2011.) “All parties involved in the green process have a part in the miscommunication currently in the industry,” says Adomatis. “The appraisers are always the last to be involved in the process, and yet should have been involved from the beginning along with the rater, designer, builder, architect, and so forth. If they were involved in the planning process, the parties would have a better idea of valuation issues up front. It’s time to turn things around and for all parties communicate.”
Getting Around
Our latest pulse-taking of our readers revealed some bullish builder attitudes: 56% of respondents forecast growth in the general building industry compared with 78% who forecast growth in green building. On vehicles, here’s what they had to say:
21% have a fleet of 10 or more 65% are interested in a hybrid vehicle 30% are interested a compact, fuel-efficient van 64% said fuel efficiency is of high importance (third highest)
Online survey; 825 respondents.
Call toll free 800-611-5062
www.greenbuildermag.com
“energywise™ boosted my company’s
and profit.”
“My homebuyers love the fact that our homes are quieter and more comfortable than our competitors’. Plus, they save on lower energy bills every month.
-Nelson Mitchell, President, History Maker Homes
volume
• Lower home owner energy bills are guaranteed by Bayer MaterialScience LLC
• Homes insulated with BaySystems polyurethane spray foam materials are healthier and more sustainable
• HVAC designs and BaysealTM
insulation minimize energy use
To learn about the BaySystems energywiseTM difference, go to
3.bayerenergywise.com
sprayfoam
• With the BaySystems energywiseTM
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we provide training and sales support for the builder sales team
• BaySystems energywiseTM has a Preferred
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Contractor Community which ensures the highest quality
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