As green building grows in notoriety, how can you be assured that your new home or remodel is truly Green. You need to insist that your Builder's or Remodeler's claims are checked by an accredited, third-party certifier.
The Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho (BCASWI) has formed a Green Building Council to encourage builders to adopt the NAHB National Green Building Program which offers innovative, resource-efficient building techniques, while preserving affordability. One key element of NAHB's suite of green building tools is their green home certification program, which is administered by the NAHB Research Center. The Research Center will accredit home certification program verifiers and act as the sole home certifying body for the National Green Building Program.
The NAHB Research Center is seeking interested, qualified individuals to become green building field verifiers the program. As the sole certifying body under the NAHB's National Green Building Program, the Research Center is responsible for training and accrediting eligible individuals to verify that homes across the country meet the criteria of the national certification program.
Verifiers accredited by the NAHB Research Center will, through a process of document review and on-site inspections, independently confirm that all green program requirements and points specified by the Builder or Remodeler are in place before a home is accredited.
If you are interested in becoming a verifier, you must have prerequisite training or experience that provides you a baseline understanding of general home building practices and specific green building knowledge. Specific types of experience that meet this eligibility requirement include:
One year of acceptable professional experience in home building and green building practices (the NAHB Research Center will determine what experience meets the acceptable level), or
At least 12 hours of green training approved by the NAHB Research Center, or
Designation by the NAHB as a Green Building Professional, or
Professional certification from Green Advantage (Green Advantage is a strong supporter of the U.S. Green Building Council and USGBC chapters), or
NARI Green Building Certification from National Association of the Remodelers Industry (NARI), or
RESNET Green Rater Certification, or
LEED Accredited Professional Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
In order to become accredited by the NAHB Research Center, you must participate in training administered by the Research Center-either in person, via Web cast, or via self-guided online materials-and pass a verifier accreditation test. The course covers the protocol for verifying that a house meets the national certification program requirements and is intended to ensure that all verifiers across the country evaluate homes in a consistent manner. This training does not include developing the green expertise each prospective verifier is expected to have as a prerequisite.
In order for our local Green Building program to work, we need accredited verifiers. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, you can learn more at http://www.nahbgreen.org/Certification/becomeverifier.aspx. Or you can call the NAHB National Green Building Program Hotline at 877-NAHB-GRN.
If you are a consumer and want to learn more about the NAHB National Green Building Program, you can visit the website www.nahbgreen.org or you can call or email me.
Chuck Miller GMB CGB MIRM CMP MCSP CSP
President / Builder - Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553
Kermit the Frog doesn't think so. But like a lot of things, it depends on who you ask. If you ask me, my answer would be "Yes, it is easy and it's getting easier."
In a new survey, which polled 1,001 U.S. homeowners, 28 percent of respondents said they believe it's extremely important to be environmentally responsible. But is it hard to build green? Do you have to live in a straw-bale cottage or some other strange building to say you're a green home owner? The answer is NO and NO.
In February, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) launched the NAHB National Green Building Program at the International Builders' Show® in Orlando, Fla. The new program helps to demystify the process and debunk the myths of green building for consumers and home builders. The NAHB program is designed to accelerate the movement of residential green building into the mainstream.
The program has an easy-to-follow checklist on its Web site - http://www.nahbgreen.org/ - to help make it easier for builders and consumers to include the seven essential elements of green building: energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, effective lot and site development, minimal global impact and homeowner education and maintenance.
Along with the checklist, builders and home buyers will find a wealth of resources on the site to help make green building a reality, including links showing how environmentally-friendly products and materials work.
Is it a lot more expensive? The survey revealed that 32% of U.S. consumers consider purchasing more expensive renewably sourced products to help deter global warming; and nearly 65% of U.S. consumers said they are willing to pay 5 percent more for products made with renewable resources. Whether you're considering building a new home, or just want to make your existing home more environmentally-friendly, you can take steps to go green that won't break the bank.
Many green elements can be included during the building design process. Using the Systems Engineering Approach to Home Design and Building we are able to design homes that are cost effective to build as well as energy and resource efficient. In fact, the energy consumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 50% with little or no impact on the cost of construction.
Now more than ever, you can find a wide range of green building products in the marketplace to help achieve your goal of being more environmentally responsible. These green building products include green insulation products, like GreenFiber's Cocoon Cellulose Insulation made from 85% recycled paper fiber, mostly recovered post consumer content; BioBased spray foam insulation made from soybean oil, an annually renewable resource, produced by over 600,000 farmers, right here in the U.S; or UltraTouch fiber insulation made from recycled denim; energy-efficient windows and doors; energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters; energy-efficient appliances; chemically neutral low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints; flooring; and natural landscaping products. Mst, if not all, home improvement stores carry a full line of compact fluorescent bulbs which use 70 percent less energy. And advances in green technology like solar roof panels and shingles and wind turbines have made these items less expensive.
The Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho (BCASWI) has just formed a Green Building Council to promote the NAHB Green program to educate our members and consumers and encouraging builders to adopt the NAHB National Green Building Program which offers innovative, resource-efficient building techniques, while preserving affordability.
"We're bringing green building into mainstream home construction," said Steve Martinez, BCASWI President and local home builder. "Builders can do a tremendous amount to make homes more environmentally friendly, without pricing them out of the reach of the average homebuyer. The goal of our Green Building Council will be to educate builders and consumers about building green."
This summer, the BCASWI will begin offering the NAHB University of Housing's Green Building for Building Professionals course, leading to the Certified Green Professional designation - your assurance of commitment to continued education of the green building process.
But you don't have to wait to learn more about being green. You can visit the NAHB Green website at http://www.nahbgreen.org/. You can download a free guide at www.nahb.com/greeninnovation, or you call or email me.
Chuck Miller GMB CGB MIRM CMP MCSP CSP
President / Builder - Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553
Is condominium living right for you? According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), condos are now an important housing option for home buyers nationwide. At the height of last year’s wave of new condominium construction, condos represented nearly half of all new multifamily building, with that rate forecast to stabilize at about a third of the multifamily market by late 2008.
Why are people choosing condominium ownership? Many home buyers find that condos offer advantages that a traditional single-family home doesn’t.
Many empty nesters thinking about enjoying their freedom now that the kids are out of the house are purchasing condos. Active seniors—especially those who once lived in urban areas—are returning to downtown areas, leaving behind the larger house, yard maintenance and the daily commute. If you fall into this category, you may want to opt for a smaller, easier-to-manage condominium home that’s not only close to your job, but also near shopping, dining and entertainment.
Baby boomers anticipating retirement frequently purchase condominiums or townhomes in areas offering a favorable climate, a variety of recreational opportunities, cultural attractions and easy access to good medical facilities. Some purchase condominiums or townhouses near their grown children and grandchildren. These may be primary residences or secondary homes. Keeping a second home tidy and undisturbed when you are not there can be a hassle. However, when you purchase a condo most of the unit’s upkeep is covered by your monthly condo fee, whether you are there or not.
As I have noted in previous blogs, most of the rapid unsustainable appreciation in the price of houses in the past few years was the result of increases in the cost of land. An NAHB study on construction costs for single-family homes in 2007revealed that the raw land cost represented 10% of the cost of a new home. Because condominiums and townhomes projects typically are higher-density developments (more living units per acre) than single family detached home projects, the raw land cost is spread over more units. For this reason, the cost of condominium is generally less than that of a single-family detached home of similar size and quality.
Even though rates have risen slightly, mortgage interest rates are still near a 45 year low. Young people may find that purchasing a condo as their first home can be both more financially attractive and more feasible than you might have anticipated. They may consider the purchase as a step towards affording a more substantial residence later. Many of today’s condos are located in downtown in neighborhoods where young professionals congregate.
Condo can also be a good stand-alone investment. You might find that it makes financial sense for you to purchase a condo in a university community like Boise as an investment – one that can be used by your child during his or her college career, then rented or resold after graduation. You could purchase a smaller used single family home, but multifamily developments built to be sold as condominiums often feature value-added amenities and services not found in older existing neighborhoods.
I don’t know about you but I have can think of much more enjoyable ways to spend my evenings and weekends than mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, or cleaning the gutters. That’s why I chose a condominium. When you invest in a condominium, many everyday maintenance activities are no longer necessary, and the few that are generally are covered by your monthly condo fee.
Are you empty-nesters or soon to be empty-nesters? Is your current home larger than you need or will it soon be? Are you retired or nearing retirement? Do you travel frequently on business or vacation? Are you busy professionals who value your free time? Are you a younger buyer looking to purchase their first home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, condominium living might be a good bet.
If you think condominium living might be right for you, I know of two very nice new condominium units in Hidden Springs with more on the way. You can view them both right here on BuildingCredibility.com or you can visit my website.
Interested in a more urban lifestyle, check out Bryant Forrester’s blog right here on BuildingCrediblity.com visit his website http://www.boisecondosandlofts.com/ or contact Bryant directly at (208) 342-2700.
Chuck Miller GMB CGB MIRM CMP MCSP CSP
President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553
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Design-Build Custom Home Builder/Remodeler, Commercial Construction and Tenant Improvements, Steel Building Dealer, specializing in energy efficient and green construction. NAHB IRM Instructor
Builder Chuck Miller is President and CEO of Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
Chuck has managed several homebuilding companies and has served as Project Manager on a variety of residential, commercial, and institutional projects during his forty (40) year career in the homebuilding and construction industry. His design and construction experience includes single-family homes and multi-family housing units, office buildings, medical buildings, motels, recreation centers, the Day Lodge at Timberline on Mt. Hood, and a medium security prison.
Chuck serves as a Director of the National Association of Homebuilders representing the BCASWI. He is a Trustee for his NAHB Builder 20 Club, a a Trustee of NAHB's National Sales and Marketing Council, and serves on Sales and Marketing Ideas magazine Editorial Advisory Board. Chuck is a Past President and Life Director of the BCASWI and a Life Director of the IBCA. He is the current Chairman of the BCASWI's Sales and Marketing Council, Green Building Council, Education Committee, and Ethics and Arbitration Committee, and serves on the BCASWI's Political Action Committee.
Chuck was recognized by the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho as the 2003 Builder of the Year for his service to the association, the building industry, and the community.
Chuck is a member of NAHB's Spike Club. The NAHB Spike Club is NAHB's recognition and incentive program for individuals working in membership recruitment and retention. Chuck has achieved Royal Spike status having earned over 200 credits. He was also recognized by the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho with the "Jim Amyx Spike of the Year" award in 2005 for his efforts in recruiting new members to the association.
Chuck is the first home builder in the State of Idaho to be awarded the Graduate Master Builder designation. He was also the first homebuilder in the State of Idaho to earn the Certified Graduate Builder designation.
Chuck is the first home builder in the State of Idaho to be awarded the Certified Green Professional designation by the National Associationof Home Builders.
Chuck is a member of NAHB's National Sales and Marketing Council. The National Sales and Marketing Council exists to represent Marketing and Sales professionals within the building industry by serving its members and affiliated partners through education, recognition, networking, and career development.
Chuck has earned the Certified New Home Sales Professional designation. The Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation is the first designation available through The Institute of Residential Marketing. CSP was designed for specialists in new home sales to enhance their professional image, increase their marketability in the home building industry and sell more homes!
Chuck has also earned the Master CSP designation from the Institute of Residential Marketing. The Master CSP designation further acknowledges new home sales professionals who hold the CSP designation by highlighting their continued educational and career achievements in the home building industry.
Chuck has earned the Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) designation from the Institute of Residential Marketing. Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) is the mid-level designation for IRM students who have completed the marketing intensive IRM courses I through IV.
Chuck is a Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM). The MIRM designation is the fourth and most prestigious designation given by the Institute. The MIRM is the top-level achievement for professionals in new home marketing.
In addition to being a Graduate Master Builder and a Certified Graduate Builder, Chuck is an approved Principal Instructor for the NAHB University of Housing's Graduate Master Builder (GMB) Certified Graduate Builder(CGB)/ Certified Graduate Remodeler(CGR)/ Certified Graduate Associate(CGA) Program. Chuck is also currently an approved Instructor for the NAHB's Institute of Residential Marketing's courses.
Chuck is a National Center for Construction Education and Research Certified Carpentry Instructor and teaches carpentry apprenticeship classes for the Construction Education Foundation of Idaho.
Chuck also presents NAHB's "Homes Of Our Own" programs in local elementary schools.
Chuck is a graduate of Western Illinois University, where he majored in Construction Technology and minored in Real Estate and Business Management. He is also a Dale Carnegie graduate.
Chuck Miller Construction Inc. specializes in building energy efficient green homes and buildings. Chuck Miller Construction Inc. is a member of the Building America program and a 100% Energy Star Partner.
Chuck Miller Construction Inc. is a diversified construction and development company. Our core business is design-build custom homes. We also do residential remodeling specializing in projects to improve the energy-efficiency and indoor air quality of existing homes. We do commercial construction and tenant improvements. We are also a Rockford Steel Building Dealer and provide complete turnkey design-build services for your steel building project.
Chuck Miller Construction Inc. also offers project management and consultant services to developers.
Chuck Miller and his exceptional construction team and staff were able to help us design and build our custom dream home...a process which started while we were living in Virginia.
While visiting the Boise area during the May Parade of Homes in 2005, we met Chuck and many other builders. We chose Chuck as we were most impressed with his homebuilding philosophy and credentials.
At our first meeting, Chuck provided us a preliminary cost estimate and associated methodology for determining the overall cost. The company website is outstanding and the reference material provided upfront was helpful and informative.
Chuck and Barbara Kissee', Project Manager, kept on top of the process at all times. They regularly visited the construction site, kept us informed via email and phone, and sent us progress photos. All the subcontractors are top notch professionals with whom we found it easy and fun to interact, and who offered great ideas to improve our initial home plan.
The number one reason we are so pleased with Chuck Miller Construction is because of the bottom line...they build a fantastic product. The home we moved into on 03NOV06 is based on solid construction, was built with quality materials and looks wonderful. Our Energy Star home has an unbelievable HVAC system that has quiet equipment, great ventilation, consistent temperature, and produces incredibly low monthly utility bills.
We enjoyed the entire design and construction process and are satisfied beyond words with our dream home. We truly had a tremendous experience. We were extremely fortunate to have the Chuck Miller team working for us.
Paul and Kata Matheson
We are building a house while located in another state. The design phase went smoothly by using email and a few phone conversations. The preliminary selections were taken care of in an organized manner with appointments set up in advance to make the best use of our visit. We are excited that the project is about to break ground. When ever we mention that Chuck Miller is building our home we are met with enthusiastic praise of his work by everyone from lenders to insurance agents.
Richard and Dena Green
I had looked around the Internet for two years looking for an energy efficient builder in southwestern Idaho, and I kept coming up with Chuck Miller. I chose Chuck because I wanted an Energy Star house built to federal energy standards with respect to insulation, air infiltration, moisture migration through the walls, etc. I soon discovered that that is how Chuck built. He allowed me to introduce much of my own design into the mix, suggesting and supporting whenever appropriate. I really appreciate his technical expertise and skill, and his suggestions were always to the point and useful. The few glitches that did occur during the building process Chuck made good by following through with fixes, corrections or adjustments in a very timely manner. We love our house now, and the energy savings make me very happy. I appreciate and thank Chuck for his forebearance, patience and good humor through the trying process of building a great custom house.
Chas and Elvira Frode
I choose to write this testimonial of the work done by Chuck Miller Construction in the building of our home on East Columbia Road. We approached Chuck Miller apprehensively as an internet contact while we were preparing to move back to the Treasure Valley from an international work assignment. We wanted to build an energy efficient home on bare land in Boise. Few were capable of doing either, but Chuck Miller's reputation assured us that he would excel at both.
After our initial meeting with Chuck, we set out to piece together our dream home. Through long-distance calls and dozens of emails, Chuck provided the knowledge, guidance and patience for us to achieve a design that met our needs. The design was cost effective, efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
We are now living in our beautiful new home. We have plenty of space and our utility bills are less here than they were during our temporary stay in a very small apartment. Given the opportunity, I have nothing but compliments and praise to express towards Chuck Miller Construction.
Darin and Pamela Kennedy
We first approached Chuck about building our home in the fall of 2000. He made us feel comfortable and we knew right away that he was the builder for us. When the financial picture inadvertently turned full circle on us, we had to put our building dream on hold. For four years we watched, with envy, CMC homes being built. In the spring of 2004, we were ready to commit and began looking at builders. It didn't take us long to come to our senses and, again, meet with Chuck. We had a clear picture of what we wanted in a home. We had a unique need for "mother-in-law" quarters and Chuck helped us incorporate a lovely suite for mom without losing fluidity of the floor plan. When our plans went to the Town Design Review Board, Chuck kept our best interest in mind and truly represented us. Having had served on the Review Board, and with his experience building in Hidden Springs, Chuck submitted our home design with a "get ready to break ground" attitude.
From the first architectural draft to the move-in walk through, Chuck was always available and quick to follow up on concerns and questions that arose. The trade contractors and suppliers were always professional and helpful. It was evident that their relationships with CMC were cohesive and respectful. We continuously heard how great Chuck Miller was to work with and that his homes were "the best." If that doesn't make a customer feel reassured, what else would?
Ray and Samantha Nelson-Brakefield
It has been a great experience working with Chuck Miller on the construction of our house. Chuck made the process from start to finish an enjoyable and fun experience. Chuck's work standard is the benchmark from which to evaluate others.
His attention to detail and the wishes of the homeowner become a reality when it's time to move in. Chuck builds the house you want.
Integrity, Professionalism, Honesty and Straight Forwardness are just a few words to describe Chuck Miller's work ethic.
Once again, we'd like to thank the whole Chuck Miller Team for making the construction of our home a great success!!!!
Keith and Martha Haga
I could not be happier with a home and the process of building than I was with Chuck Miller Construction. Chuck was patient in designing homes as I moved from one lot to the lot I am on now and continued to scale back the project as my budget changed. There was no flexibility in my budget, yet my requirements for a home were well defined. I was looking for something different than the typical Craftsman style home. The design and layout of the home afforded me the opportunity to have a few wants, along with all my needs. My background and knowledge in home construction placed me in more of the ‘challenging client', rather than the ‘typical client.' I understood the process of building, schedules, and products more than the average person. I asked tough questions, evaluated every cost as I compared it to the budgets and stayed on top of the schedule, monitoring almost daily the progress. What I found with Tad and Chuck was patience and great communication. They were timely in responding to emails and phone calls. Despite delays that were manufacturer driven, I moved in on schedule, to the day!
You may often hear builders claim to turn your dream into reality. Chuck Miller Construction enabled me to have a dream I had let go of. Life brings hard challenges to us all. My house is not just a building, but a true home in a neighborhood that I consider my family. Thank you Chuck, I thoroughly enjoyed the building process and if it were not that I never want to move again - I would be happy to begin the process again.
Barbara Kissee'
"Chuck Miller's services began with finalizing our conceptual floor plan and ended with building completion and landscaping.
We chose Chuck Miller because of his leadership in energy-efficient residential design and construction. The work was completed within budget and ahead of schedule, due to excellent management, a strong team of suppliers and subcontractors, and the sustained personal attention of Chuck and his staff. In my 40-odd years of design and construction, I have not seen a better system of controlling costs, schedule, and quality. Cindy especially appreciated the help provided by the subs chosen by Chuck in making decisions about lighting and plumbing fixtures, cabinets, etc.
We feel in this highly competitive field, Chuck Miller Construction is a standout firm to be recommended for anyone interested in a quality home incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency."
Joe and Cindy Jordan
Working with Chuck Miller Construction was a great experience. His subs were diligent to do the job right and gave us the house we imagined! He and his team come highly recommended.
Skip and Margie Davies
We are so thrilled with our new home built by Chuck Miller Construction. Our home is beautiful, energy efficient, and meets the demands of our busy family. Chuck's years of experience, along with his amazing crew, helped us build our dream house.
Eric and Jacque McArthur
"We've been in our new home for about 9 months, and just love it more every day. The quality of the design, and workmanship shine through more all the time. We are continually impressed with the energy efficient attributes, all those features hidden under the beautiful workmanship.
We still are reminded of the smooth construction process your company provided -- reminded everytime we hear the stories of stressful and aggravating experiences so many others have with their new home construction. For we had nothing but the best of experiences with Chuck Miller Construction; the few questions or issues that arose were dealt with promptly and completely. We were very impressed with the knowledge and abilities of everyone who worked on our house.
So, to yourself and the whole Chuck Miller Team comes our heartfelt thanks for our beautiful new home!"
Pete and Sabrina Schroeder
Just on the fringe of excellent from a tough grader with a technical background. Definitely excellent and more qualified than other builders. Overall provided an excellent energy efficient product. Wish just a few items turned out a little differently. Follow-up on a couple of items could have been better. Greatest weakness is communication but I'd take that with technical expertise over some slick talking salesperson who doesn't provide the quality.
Michael Kasch
Chuck, Please know how much I appreciate the time and thought you gave me on my house. You clearly gave me the best in recommending Doug (Ness Construction), Gary (Campbell Siding), and Jay (Stranger Home Services). The only thing that would have been better would be if you were the original builder.
You are a credit to your profession, Chuck, and no one is a close second in my experience. Please accept my gratitude for your help on some critical issues.
John Kelley
"One of the reasons we selected Chuck Miller as our builder is because he was responsive and well organized during the design and cost estimation phase. The construction phase was no different. Chuck has a good process for communicating selections and change orders. He was flexible in dealing with last minute changes and fair and honest in dealing with issues. The project tracked closely to the schedule. Even with awful weather causing delays during framing, we were able to move in within days of our scheduled move-in date.
Tad was great to work with as project manager. He is always cordial, communicates well and follows through on commitments. He was on the job site every day. He was responsive to issues raised during the construction phase and continues to provide prompt service on warranty issues."
Dave and Shelley Baldiga
"Chuck Miller was very helpful during the planning of our home and the building process. He took the time to know our family - our likes and dislikes - and the overall style we preferred. This builder puts a lot of extra time and effort into making our house our home. We truly appreciate their extra efforts. Our move from Texas to Idaho was worrisome enough. The extra time given to us by Chuck Miller Construction put our minds at ease as we built our home. We would certainly use their building company again with complete trust."
Tony and Annette Konecni
"We were apprehensive because we had heard that building could be stressful, unpredictable and even disappointing. Building with Chuck Miller was exciting, enjoyable, and very satisfying. Our friends can't believe how low our utility bills are compared to theirs."
Chuck and Kim Fanter
"Our house was perfectly planned! We moved in the day after the birth of our second son. Chuck Miller was under pressure to finish the house on time, and he delivered!
He did a great job managing all the subcontractors, and making the whole process go smoothly. We are happy with the quality and craftsmanship of the house and have had no major problems. Any minor details after closing that needed attention were addressed immediately and corrected without difficulty.
We feel safe and secure in our home and appreciate all the work put into it."
Kevin and Chris Kempers
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