What is a
modular or state-code compliant home?
Modular homes are constructed to the same code as
site-built homes with requirements set forth by state
and local government for the specific locality. Various
model building codes serve as the basis for most state
code requirements. Examples include the International
Residential Code (IRC), Uniform Building Code (UBC) and
the National Electrical Code (NEC). Homes built to local
requirements can be financed through conventional
mortgage institutions.
What is a Green
Home?
A green home uses less energy, water and
natural resources; creates less waste and is healthier
for people living inside. There are many shades of green
building; which refers to the various levels of
achievement in adopting resource efficiency in a home.
Homes with one or two green measures are considered
light green, while homes with several green measures are
called dark green. There are several programs that
attempt to quantify the level of greenness such as U.S.
Green Building Council and NAHB. The LEED rating program
has four levels of green: Certified, Silver, Gold and
Platinum. The NAHB’s Green Building program has three
tiers Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Why build Green?
There are many reasons to change the way we build
and operate homes in 2007. Building a new home will
always affect the environment, so when we build a Green
Home we work towards minimizing the environmental
impact. In the United States buildings account for the
following percentage:
39% of energy use
12% of water consumption
68 % of total electricity consumption
38% of the carbon dioxide emissions
It is
clear that if we can build Green and reduce those
numbers we can have a very positive affect on the
environment.
What are the benefits of a Green Home?
Green homes are safer, healthier, more comfortable, and
more durable than conventional homes and will greatly
improve the overall quality of life for the homeowners.
There are many other benefits to building a green home,
starting with the environmental benefits such as
improved air and water quality, reduced exposure to
mold, mildew and other indoor toxins, reduce waste
streams, conservation and restoration of natural
resources along with enhancing and protecting
ecosystems. In addition there are the economical
benefits like lower operating cost, enhanced durability,
less maintenance and optimized life cycle economic
performance. The last large benefit comes from the
social side of green building, increased occupant
comfort and health; heightened aesthetic qualities and
reducing the strain on local infrastructure.
How Green Are
Epoch Homes Today?
There are many ways that Epoch Homes is
already a green company. The Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) organization has created a
rating system to define and measure “Green Buildings”
based on existing and already proven technology. In
addition the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB) has created the Green Home Building Guidelines
for use by homebuilders. At Epoch, they have already
instituted many of these practices and there are many
more that can be accomplished over time.
What is LEED
for Homes?
LEED for Homes is a green home rating system for ensuring that
homes are designed and built to be energy and resource
efficient and healthy for occupants. LEED can be applied
to single and multi-family homes and is intended for
both market-rate and affordable housing. The U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC) originally developed the LEED
green building rating system in 2000 for new commercial
construction. Following LEED’s success in the commercial
sector, USGBC began the pilot test of LEED for homes in
August 2005. There are currently over 5,800 homes across
the U.S. involved in the LEED for Homes pilot program
and more than 150 that have already been LEED certified
as a green home. The LEED for Homes pilot test will
conclude in spring 2007 and USGBC will publicly launch
the LEED for homes rating system in June 2007.
What is Energy
Star?
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15
percent more energy efficient than homes built to the
2004 International Residential Code (IRC). Any home
three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if
it has been verified to meet EPA's guidelines for energy
efficiency. This includes site-constructed homes,
attached or detached homes, single or low-rise
multi-family residential buildings, manufactured homes,
systems-built (e.g., SIP or modular) and log homes,
existing homes, or retrofitted homes. ENERGY STAR
qualified homes achieve energy savings through
established, reliable building technologies. Builders
work with Home Energy Raters to select from a number of
features when planning and building homes.
What type of foundation is
needed?
Most of our homes can be built on a basement. Please
contact us for specifics.
Do you build
commercial projects?
Modulars have been utilized for condominiums,
banks, motels, and multi-family buildings. Special
brochures on commercial or multi-unit projects are
available.
How can I get a price on a
home?
Every home is individually modified and your selection
of finishing details affect the pricing. Therefore, we
do not have a standard price list.
Does Ideal Modular Homes of New
England offer financing plans?
We don't finance our homes, but we can
recommend and direct you to financial institutions and
mortgage brokers in the area.
