Paul Allen homes? (Albuquerque: 2009, appliances, credit)

[DCTalk]

Anyone have any experience with Paul Allen "green" energy efficient home builders? Their website makes their development look attractive (obviously), but how is the build quality? What is the area like? How are the amenities near there? Anyone living there have a viewpoint? Complaints or kudos?

[karmathecat]

I find it interesting that the "green" signs went up there recently, but Paul Allen began construction there quite some time ago. I don't know what changed to make them "green", maybe they had to wait for something before they could advertise as such? We're been wondering...

We live within shouting distance and love the area. Smith's is just down the road on McMahon, there's a vet at McMahon/Unser, close to Wal-Mart at Southern and Unser, etc. Very close to the whole Cottonwood area with new shops and restaurants opening frequently.

It's a quiet neighborhood.

[DCTalk]

Thanks. From their website, supposedly the energy efficiency and materials used make them able to tout the homes as "green" in some way.

[yukon]

From their website:

Each home constructed by this Albuquerque home builder is a carefully designed system that third party engineers certify to the top Build Green New Mexico gold standard. These Energy Star builders also have every home certified as an Energy Star home. For Paul Allen Homes, building green in New Mexico means building gold certified homes in Albuquerque that will use at least 40% less energy to operate than a standard code homes. The saving comes from an engineered heating and air conditioning system, extremely high levels of insulation including icynene insulation in the attics, and all water lines are insulated. Building green in New Mexico means extreme water conservation measures including tankless hot water heaters, low flow faucets and EcoQuantum pressure assisted dual flush toilets. Building green in Albuquerque means using low-E Energy Star certified windows, Panasonic Whisper Fan air exchangers, high efficiency Energy Star appliances, and compact fluorescent lighting.


More info on qualifying for the Build Green New Mexico standard:

Build Green New Mexico: Green home certification, green and energy efficient home building resource for the southwest.

The Energy Star certification is a federal standard:

New Homes : ENERGY STAR


Interesting article, they're mentioned near the end:


http://www.sucasamagazine.com/conten..._location.html


Realtor blog:

http://www.trulia.com/blog/LynnEWill...05/going_green

[grnmnnm]

I heard that there are different types of green certifications. You have Build Green NM Bronze,Silver,Gold and Emerald (New Mexico) and LEED-H Silver, Gold, and Platinum (United States Green Building Council),both qualify for NM State Sustainable Building tax credits for the consumer or builder.You might ask them about this. Also see if they are still gold. Build Green just adobted in Standards which are stricter than before. One way to compare "Green Builders" is to compare the HERS score. The lower the score the more energy effiecent the home is and 0 means zero energy. 100 is a code built home. Department of Energy came out with this MPG for homes so consumers can compare different builders. Energy Star just means it has a HERS score of 85 or below, which may or may not be as "green" as you prefer. I read in the paper last Sunday that a Builder by the name of Artistic is building Zero Energy homes and I know they have been in Albuquerque for a very long time, you might look at them as well. I think they are also in the same area. It seems like everything is green now days.I heard that Centex is putting more insulation in the ceiling and now claiming that they are green.Triple check any information you get.

[ABQcontractor]

The City of Albuquerque has implemented new codes that almost level the playing field for new homes built in 2009. While all new construction within the city limits must meet stringent new energy standards, I would suggest finding a builder that appreciates the building science behind the "green" hype. A legitimate builder will care that what he is selling his clients will be reflected in their energy bills and quality of interior environment. Do your homework, visit some builders (talk to the builder, not their salespeople)during the Parade of Homes in October, and make sure you are comfortable with the person that you are going to spend a significant amount of money and emotion with. It's a big decision, and to be honest with you, there are a lot of components in a home besides just the "green" ones. We have a lot of respected, competent builders here. Spend the time to find the right combination of style, knowledge, and enthusiasm in the builder who can deliver the things that you want in your home.