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What is EarthCraft House?
EarthCraft House is a green building program that helps member builders construct
healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment.
EarthCraft House is a partnership between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association,
Southface Energy Institute, the government and industry partners. The aim of the program is to
help home builders be leaders in smart growth management and environmental stewardship.
What are the advantages of EarthCraft House?
The main advantages of EarthCraft House are reducing callbacks, differentiating your business and
your homes, increasing profits and enabling potential home buyers to access special mortgage products. EarthCraft House utilizes a systems
approach to homebuilding which results in a comfortable home that performs better without costing much more to build than a comparable home
built with standard construction practices. More details about the advantages of EarthCraft House can be found here.
(
Why Build an EarthCraft House).
How do I become an EarthCraft House builder or renovator?
What does it cost to become an EarthCraft House builder or renovator?
Join the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) or your local Home
Builders Association (if outside the Greater Atlanta region), then join the EarthCraft
House program through the GAHBA and attend a one-day EarthCraft House training.
For detailed instructions and fees click here. (
Start Building).
How do I certify a house as an EarthCraft House?
To certify an EarthCraft House, a builder must do all of the following:
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Register as an ENERGY STAR Partner.
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Participate in a design review with EarthCraft House staff.
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Participate in a walk-through with EarthCraft House staff.
In addition, every house to be certified must meet the following requirements
- Each house must score a minimum of 150 points on the Scoring Worksheet.
- Each house must have the plans and a Manual J based on orientation submitted.
- Each house must meet ENERGY STAR certification criteria
- Each house must have a Pre-drywall Inspection by an EarthCraft House inspector.
- Each house must pass a Final Inspection by an EarthCraft House inspector
Does it cost more to buy an EarthCraft House?
On average EarthCraft House builders report an increase of 0.5 – 3% in construction cost. However, since EarthCraft homes can be more cost effective to own, builder profit can actually be higher for EarthCraft homes. Click here to find out more. (
Total Cost of Ownership).
How long do inspections take?
Pre-drywall inspections typically last 0.5 – 1 hour. Final inspections typically last 2 – 4 hours. Please understand that each home is different and these are approximate durations.
How do I schedule inspections?
Upon joining the program, EarthCraft House builders are assigned one or more EarthCraft House Inspectors. Inspections are scheduled directly with the inspector.
How do I market EarthCraft House?
Marketing materials such as logos, yard signs and brochures are available from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to EarthCraft House builders. EarthCraft House also offers trainings for real estate professionals. (
Education ).
