We have decided to bite the bullet and build our dream home instead of waiting for it to pop up in the market place.

My wife, Q, and I would like to build green (won't say we're big into green compared to some) and using renewable resources to construct the home as well as ways to get to the near zero point of energy consumption.

We have identified a piece of land in western Fairfax county (Virginia) and are in the process of finding the correct financing for it; beginning to identify a builder for the project; and making lists of what we want to see and have in our new green, dream home.

One friend has mentioned Solar Crete to us. This intrigues us because of their claim of "savings of 60-100% in heating and cooling costs". Having these two valuable neccessities wasted to the environment would be not very green.

Our home is going to be rambler in style due to desire to have a lower elevation as well as our extreme dislike of McMansion style housing. We will be using solar cells, water reclamation, and other recycling techniques so as to get as close to the zero point as possible.

During the coming months I will share what we have done, include pictures when I can, as well as the mistakes and triumphs that I know will come with this adventure.

If you have your own experience with any of this - feel free to share.

 

6 Comments on Building a Green Dream Home (Part 1 of ???)

SEP
17
2007
129,532 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
 I will look forward to seeing the photos. It sounds like an interesting endeavor. By the way, what is a RAMBLER? Never heard that term..
7:19am • #1
1,913,954 Points 386 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Matthew,

There is a guy here in DC whose name is Ethan Landis.  He and his brother have a design and build firm (brother is an architect) and he is huge into the green thing.  He's also one of the best renovators in town - don't know about build from scratch.  He might be a really good resource for you and would probably have a good idea who the greenies are in western Fairfax.  Sounds amazing!  Can't wait for the housewarming party!   Oh, and Ethan's number is (202) 244-4104 - I think that's right. 

7:33am • #2
185,141 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

AL - Rambler - think rancher that goes in different directions except up.  Also, (from my understanding) the rooms are bigger than a rancher - not so boxy.

Patricia - thanks a million for the information.  I have forwarded it onto the ideas person - Q.
7:47am • #3
404,039 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Congrats on the building your own idea, but I do have a question. Are you doing the Green thing to have lower bills or because you think you will be contributing to climate change?
7:56am • #4
185,141 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Simon - We are doing the Green thing because we believe it is the responsible thing to do.  Saving on energy and resources is a subject that is dear to our hearts.  We are rather altruistic as well - if foks see the exact same house side by side and one is able to save the new owner energy costs over the course of owning it, they are more likely to buy the efficient home.

Hope that answers your question.
10:26am • #5
488,843 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Congratulations, great post keep us up to date on how things go.
11:21am • #6


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Matthew Rosov, Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist

Laurel, MD

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Amerisave Mortgage Corporation

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