Why a Green Built Home by Mantell-Hecathorn Builders is Superior

1. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders builds high performance, energy-efficient, airtight, green homes              utilizing myriad construction techniques and materials that result in a top quality home with     lower maintenance costs.  A homeowner can work with our company to select from the wide 
   

         array of green choices if the homeowner desires to incorporate green-building practices in

         their project.  Some options to consider are listed below.

           

1. Personal and Family Health
   

2.         Standard construction and finish materials contain unseen toxins. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders           
   

3.         utilizes subflooring and wall sheathing that contains no added urea formaldehyde, and are
   

4.         rarely found in the Durango area.  Additionally, we use low or no VOC paints, adhesives,
   

5.         grouts and cabinet finishes.
   

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality
   

        Heat Recovery Ventilation systems are installed to ensure the air you breath is

          fresh, filtered and in constant circulation. This is essential in a tightly built home.

        Ensure proper ventilation at kitchens and baths with ENERGY STAR fans.

        Proper separation of combustion exhaust from within the living space by using direct vent

          fireplaces and tankless water heaters.

        Garage ventilation system to remove car exhaust, with an airtight seal and separate heating

          units for garage and house.

1. Increased Comfort and Lower Utility Bills
   

2.        A home built to ENERGY STAR standards will use far less energy than a standard “code” home.        
   

         Independent third party inspection and testing of insulation quality, duct systems and airtight 

         construction.

1. We use Icynene or soy foam insulation and blown-in insulation utilizing post-consumer                recycled content to achieve extremely efficient R-50 ceilings, R-38 floors, and R-23 walls to buffer outside temperatures.
   

2.       ENERGY STAR windows save energy and provide more UV protection.
   

3.       ENERGY STAR appliances achieve greater efficiency in energy and water use;
   

         these include a tankless hot water supply system.

1.       ENERGY STAR HVAC system provides quality and efficiency.
   

2.       Engineered and kiln-dried lumber is stronger and more stable.
   

3.       50 year roof material with full ice and water shield membrane over the entire roof
   

         gives greater longevity and reliability.

1.       Radiant Floor Heating systems that utilize geothermal ground source heat or a Steffes  
   

         electrothermal storage furnace are options.

1.       Light fixtures that conform to Energy Star standards.
   

2.       Photovoltaic panels to offset heating or electrical use.
   

1. Increased Resale Value
   

        The benefits of green building extend well beyond the immediate attributes of

            a healthier living environment.  Homeowner awareness of the desirability

            of a home built with green building techniques and quality will continue to

            grow in the future, and the resale value of those green-built homes will be

            enhanced well beyond the homes built without a green rating.

        *Verification of the rating of each home is by an independent certified energy

            rater to insure compliance with Built Green or Energy Star ratings.

Greg Mantell-Hecathorn served as President of the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado. This organization benefits the community in many ways. One important focus is creating education and product seminars for its builders and associate members. HBASC wants to raise the standard so that green quality and the accompanying benefits become the norm.