The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) started more than 10 years ago promoting the concept of green building to its members.  By establishing the first certification program of its kind – Certified Green Builder – the NAHB has been educating builders nationwide in green building techniques.  As more and more builders have become certified, especially some of the top builders in St. Tammany Parish who build homes at Bedico Creek Preserve, green building techniques have been trending strongly in all new homes built in Southeast Louisiana in the past 6-7 years.  Specifically, in Bedico Creek Preserve, in Madisonville, Louisiana Ron Lee Homes and Conbeth Development are both Certified Green Builders on the northshore in St. Tammany Parish.

In addition to new home builders getting certified in green building, remodelers are also using green building techniques to sell their jobs to those clients who are environmentally concerned.  The National Association of Home builders took a survey of those remodelers and found the following survey results as compared to the same survey given three years ago in 2011.

• 70% of Remodelers in 2014 Used Programmable Thermostats – Up From 42% in 2011
  62% of Remodelers in 2014 Used Ceiling Fans – Up From 37% in 2011

The McGraw Hill Construction Green Building Study in conjunction with NAHB predicts that over the next 5 years an increase of 50% of remodelers will be constructing 60% of their projects with green techniques.  That figure is double what is being done now by remodelers.

Green techniques can include a variety of parts on a home because there are plenty of home components to maximize the energy efficiency and savings.  Below is a list of the most popular green techniques used by remodelers.

The Most Popular Green Building Features in the Survey of Residential Remodelers in the First Quarter of 2014:

• High performance windows including Low-E and Argon gas windows
• High efficiency HVAC systems
• Programmable thermostats
• ENERGY STAR appliances

Other popular features include ceiling fans, moisture control products such as bathroom fans, water conserving fixtures and high performance insulation.

Green features can be a little more expensive than standard features, but many homeowners are now looking to save in the long run on monthly energy bills which can run almost triple when using standard building features.

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You’ve heard the saying, “so I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news,” right?  At the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2014 Spring Construction Forecast Webinar, economy forecasters were predicting the “right kind” of bad news for the housing market in 2014.  There are now a shortages of lots according to national numbers, which means that there are enough home buyers interested in purchasing a new construction home to have builders scrambling for lots to build them.  At Bedico Creek Preserve in Madisonville, Louisiana, a master-planned community which features a lush Conservation Community built into the existing natural habitat; we’re selling so many lots that we are hurrying to keep up with the demand of our buyers.

So while builders in other markets may be waiting for developers to clear their lots, here at Bedico Creek, we currently have lots available in 5 different Neighborhoods.  Our lots range in size from Courtyard / Garden Lots to Estate Lots, which have more acreage.  Lots at Bedico Creek Preserve are not your typical “clear-cut” lots where all of the trees are cut down to make room for the houses.  Our lots are built into the natural curves and topography of the land and trees to make the breathtaking views from your home almost exactly like a natural wildlife habitat.  We have lots with water views, park views, preserve views, and interior views which have streetscapes similar to a subdivision feel.  Our lots range in price from the $40’s to the $160’s.

Another good sign for the construction industry but is a frustration for builders is a shortage of labor and the increase of materials cost.  The cost of materials has risen because of the demand from builders for lumber, sheetrock, trusses, shingles, etc. that were previously not “stocked” by retailers because demand was so low.  Also, gas prices have been a factor in getting these products to market.  As the real estate industry continues to strengthen, we hope to see these costs and shortages even out.

The straight up good news for the housing market, especially in St. Tammany Parish, according to the NAHB’s webinar is that competitive mortgage rates and affordable home prices are going to continue on through 2014 to 2015 and keep the increase of the buyers of new homes on a steady pace during this period.  All of this news bodes well for real estate developers and builders.  To find out more about lots for sale at Bedico Creek Preserve in St. Tammany Parish, Contact Us at 985-845-4200 or E-mail Info@LiveBedico.com.

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