Cheri Swigart

I think Less is More when you consider reducing the size of the house to the not so big house and putting the details there. A tighter envelope, better air quality, water reducing features, energy star and this all leads to saving money on utilities. There is also talk that by 2012 all homes will need to be energy star.

Soooooooooo.. why is it that every time I get a buyer or talk to one all they care about is how much sq ft they can get for the money. Bigger is better if you can get more space for your money...they are more in tune to size than quality and energy savings.

I'd like to know your thoughts on this???

Well we found what we want and the rates are creeping up but what about this new economy..................

Get off your perch!

2009 is the year that GREEN has made an impact. We all have been taught to conserve water, recycle, reuse, save the trees, etc. I know that we all have not practiced what we know is right. I believe that people are moving forward to becoming better stewards of the earth . Green Building is making an impact on building a better house that has a tighter envelope, better air quality, water conservation and energy effecient. Guidelines are being put in place right now and soon all houses will have to be energy effecient or energy star.

KC and I are building green these days. KC has always built a good house, now its a better house with 3rd party certification. KC has always tried to save the trees and now we are using any trees that have to be cut for mulch or lumber. Putting gardens in for the homeowner and water barrels for watering, sealing all places were leakage could occur and using water restrictors and dual flush toilets. These are just a few of the eco features we are doing to build a better house and be good stewards of the earth.

Check out Ashevilles Healthy Built Home Program. Many builders and homeowners are coming on board with this grass roots movement. I just don't know why we didn't promote this in the beginning........we've always known its the right thing to do.

Had to walk up the mountain to find this GEM!