Green Homes In Boone - Part 1

Boone has a wonderful NAHB Green Building Committee. I'm so thrilled to see people in this area coming together to make something happen. I'm just trying to keep up with everything that they're doing. Now, more than ever, it's relevant to the real estate industry. They have a great website with a blog, local resources, and upcoming events. A fun event to check out if you're in the area is Green Drinks at Boone Saloon every first and third Thursdays at 5:30. It's an informal laid back gathering for anyone interested in networking and brainstorming.

Often times before Green Drinks, the group will hold walk through's of homes that are built in the area with "green" elements. I finished my EcoBroker designation recently and am currently facing the "now what? stage" of my green journey. Seeing the actual elements that were discussed in class put into practice really helped solidify some otherwise abstract concepts.

The beautiful home located just outside of Boone features in floor radiant heating throughout. When the home is finished, the heat will be tied into solar hot water collectors. One thing that I think is really unique is that both the floor and trim were salvaged from trees that were cleared off of the lot. Some of the furniture, if it wasn't already second hand, was also made from reclaimed wood. Other aspects were dual flush toilets, energy star appliances, rain gardens and no V.O.C paint. These are just a few highlights. Next time I'm at a walk through I'll be sure to take better notes so that I can elaborate.

The project is working on getting classified as a NC Healthy Built Home. If you're not familiar with that certification it is a unique program. The way it works is that there is an extensive checklist made up of all different building practices and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use. The final product is scored by a point system. There are 4 different levels of certification: certified, bronze, silver and gold. (I hope I've explained that right. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

" A Healthy Built Home is a comfortable, healthy and affordable home that reduces energy and water usage and protects the environment. Building materials and processes are selected to reduce pollution and the waste of natural resources both during the manufacturing and construction phases and throughout the life of the home." -NC Healthy Built Homes Website

Sun Room

Master Bath