Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable, high-performance house in the Gulf Region. Refer to the following Reference Guide for more information about items on the checklist. Use the checklist again to evaluate the construction plans for your house.

Abbreviations and Symbols

(See Reference Guide for definitions of technical abbreviations and terms)

N - north o.c. - on center (spacing of structural parts)
S - south cfm - cubic feet per minute (rate of air flow)
E - east mph - miles per hour
W - west NRFC - National Fenestration Rating Council, rates performance of
R R - value window units
MBR - master bedroom ICAT - Insulation covered, air-tight (recessed light fixture)
BR - bedroom HVAC - heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Ba - bathroom SEER - seasonal energy efficiency ratio
La. - Louisiana AFUE - annual fuel utilization efficiency ratio
Ref. - Reference (as in Reference Guide) HSPF - heating season performance factor
< - less than COP - coefficient of performance
< - less than or equal to EER - energy efficiency ratio
> - more than SHR - sensible heat ratio
> - more than or equal to EF - energy factor
% - percent SHGC - solar heat gain coefficient
° - degrees AL - air leakage
ft. - or ’ foot, feet (unit of measure) VT - visible light transmittance
in. - or ” inches (unit of measure) MERV - minimum efficiency reporting value, an air filter efficiency
/yr. - per year rating
min. - minimum BFE - base flood elevation (on flood hazard maps)
max. - maximum UL - Underwriter Laboratory (testing and certification of materials)
VOC - volatile organic compounds (fumes)

Energy

Resource-Efficient

Energy Star Home

__ Certified Energy Star Home

Design for the Climate

Landscaping for energy savings:

__ Deciduous trees shade W, SW, E and SE sides of house

__ Large shrubs or trellis with vines on W side

__ Ground cover, mulch near house to reduce reflected heat

__ Little unshaded pavement near house, none under windows

__ Evergreen shrubs and trees grouped as windbreak on N side

Overall house design:

__ Compact building layout to minimize total surface area

__ Open planning, min. corridor area (space-efficient design)

__ Kitchen, laundry rooms are not on W side

__ Living areas, kitchen have N or S windows

__ Porches, patios, etc. on N & S sides (unconditioned living space)

House design elements to minimize solar heat gain:

__ More wall area faces within 20° of due S and N

__ W facing glass <2% of floor area

__ E facing glass < 3% of floor area

__ 2-ft. or larger overhangs

__ All W, E and S glass shaded

__ Garage/carport on W or E side of house (blocking sun)

__ No skylights (except light tubes)

__ Reflective roofing (min. 0.25 solar reflectance)

__ Light color brick or siding

Design elements for passive solar winter benefits:

__ S overhangs sized or louvered for summer shade and winter sun

__ Thermal mass flooring along S glass

__ S facing sunroom with mass floor, walls

House design elements for mild seasons:

__ Operable windows placed for cross ventilation

__ Porch open on three sides or in breezeway

Windows

__ Energy Star or NFRC labeled windows, whole units rated at:

__ < 0.40 SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient)

__ < 0.30 AL; prefer 0.20 (air leakage)

__ < 0.65 U-factor in climate zone 2.; 0.40 in climate zone 3 (heat
conduction)

__ > 0.50 VT (visible light transmittance)

__ Or, spectrally selective, southern climate low-e, insulated units

__ All W and E glass has 0.40 SHGC or shade screens

__ If passive solar, S facing glass is high solar gain low-e

__ For daylighting, 0.80 VT on N, and S if shaded

Tight Construction (Air Sealing)

Continuous air barrier surrounding conditioned space via:

__ Exterior air barrier.

__ Airtight Drywall Approach interior air barrier

__ Sealed, airtight floor system

__ All hidden bypasses sealed from attic and crawl space air

__ Bottom plate of exterior walls sealed to foundation

__ Band joists between floors sealed

__ All penetrations in building envelope sealed

__ Airtight electrical boxes (or sealed by hand)

__ Low infiltration windows and doors

__ Fireplace: sealed from attic, outside air duct, tight damper, glass
doors

__ Weather-stripped, insulated attic access (or in unconditioned area)

__ No recessed lights, or only ICAT used

__ Tight dampers, sealed housings on exhaust and inlet vents (exhaust
not vented into attic)

Insulation Systems with Good “Whole Wall” R-Values

__ Continuous insulation surrounding all conditioned space (except
slab floor)

Recommended Insulation Material R-values:

__ Attic: R 30-38 in climate zone 2; 38-49 in zone 3

__ Cathedral ceiling: R 30-38 in zone 2. R 38 in zone 3.

__ Wood frame walls: R 13-19 in zone 2.; R 18-19 in zone 3

__ Concrete or masonry walls: R 13

__ Band joist: R 13-19

__ Floor over unconditioned space: R 13-19 in zone 2; R-19-25 in zone
3

__ Steel frame: R 19-32 walls; R-49 attic, R-19-25 raised floor (must
include exterior insulating sheathing)

Elements of Insulation System:

__ Insulation installed without gaps, voids and compressions

__ Radiant barrier under roof decking (if a/c ducts HVAC in attic and
non-reflective roofing)

__ Building/insulation system with continuous coverage (thermal
envelope)

__ Insulation type with extra advantages (see Ref. Guide)

__ Insulated window and door headers

__ Insulated corners and T-wall intersections

__ Insulated attic access door (R 19)

__ All insulated doors (R 5-15)

__ All glass low-e insulated; nonconductive framing

HVAC - Efficient Cooling and Heating

Energy Star labeled cooling and heating equipment:

__ Air conditioner: > SEER 14 system

__ Gas furnace: > AFUE 0.90 (0.80 may suffice in climate zone 2)

__ Heat Pump (air source): > SEER 14, > HSPF 8.2

__ Geothermal heat pump (closed loop): EER 14.1, COP 3.3

__ Equipment is performance tested

Alternatives with special advantages

__ Geothermal heat pump with water heating

__ Variable speed air conditioner or heat pump

__ Integrated gas space and water heating system

__ Manual J sizing (not oversized )

__ Sensible Heat Ratio < 0.70 SHR (min. 30% dehumidification)

__ Zoned heating/cooling (zone control system or multiple units)

__ Programmable thermostats

__ Outdoor thermostat on heat pump

__ Heat pump has gas backup heat

__ Compressor on N or E side of house

Minimized duct losses:

__ Ducts and air handler (AH) within conditioned space (inside
insulation “envelope”:

__ In sealed soffit or dropped ceiling, AH in closet

__ Or, in cathedralized (semi-conditioned) attic

__ Or, in insulated, sealed enclosure above ceiling

__ Supply ducts, AH and all connections correctly sealed with code
approved mastic

__ Duct insulation (R 8 if not in conditioned space)

__ Sealed return plenum or duct

__ Manual D duct and return design

__ Airflow measured and balanced with air flow hood

__ Central supply trunk (not octopus layout)

__ Duct runs and registers not extended to exterior walls

__ Air returns, transfer grilles or transoms for all BR’s

__ Tested duct leakage < 5%

Other Efficient HVAC equipment (see Healthy/IAQ for Ventilation):

__ Energy Star dehumidifier (if needed)

__ Energy Star ceiling fans in often-used areas

__ Energy Star quiet, outside exhaust fans (< 1.5 sones)

Appliances with Low Life Cycle Cost

__ ENERGY STAR refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher

__ ENERGY STAR electronics

__ Efficient dryer, oven, etc. (compare EnergyGuide labels)

__ If well or pool is present, efficient pump

Efficient water-heating system options:

__ Integrated with geothermal heat pump

__ Heat recovery unit on air conditioner compressor

__ Solar water heater, certified

__ Heat pump water heater

__ Tankless gas water heater

__ >0.62 EF gas water heater

__ >0.92 EF electric water heater

__ Insulated hot water pipes and tank

__ Central location of water heater

Lighting with Fewer Watts, Less Heat

__ High color, low wattage lighting throughout house

__ Fluorescent tubes, electronic ballast in attractive built-ins

__ EnergyStar fixtures

__ Compact fluorescents

__ LED fixtures

__ High-efficiency outdoor lighting

__ Photovoltaic lights

__ Outdoor fluorescents

__ High-pressure sodium or metal halide

__ Controlled, diffuse daylighting

__ 0.8 VT N and shaded S glass

__ Light tubes

__ Light color scheme interiors

__ Motion or photo sensors

Earth Friendly


Water Efficiency

__ Drought-tolerant landscape

__ Micro-irrigation system for garden (or none needed)

__ Low water use lawn sprinkler system (or none needed)

__ Timer on hose or watering system

__ High performance low flow toilets

__ Low-flow plumbing fixtures, aerators

__ Water-efficient appliances

__ No oversized garden tub

__ On-demand recirculating plumbing system

In areas of threatened water supply:

__ Automatic faucets

__ Residential urinal

__ Rainwater harvesting for outdoor use

__ Grey water for underground irrigation (if permitted)

__ Household sewage flow reduction system for irrigation (if permitted)

Waste Management

Reduce Construction Site Waste

__ Modular planning

__ Use of manufactured components

__ Use of low-waste building systems

__ Job site framing plan, cut list, central cut area

__ Donation or re-use of excess materials

__ Recycling of construction waste

__ Cleared trees milled or ground into mulch

Household Waste Management

__ Home recycling, sorting center (for household trash)

__ Backyard composting

Pollution Prevention and Ecosystem Protection

Water Quality Protection:

__ Effective sanitary sewer system

__ Private water well protected from flooding

__ Landscape integrated pest management

__ Backflow prevention valves on outside faucets

Storm water management/ runoff reduction:

__ Porous paving

__ Rainwater harvesting from roof

__ Landscaped buffers, retention areas on site

__ Construction sediment/erosion control

Minimize Use of Environmental Hazards

__ Suitable ozone friendly materials

__ Minimal use of pesticides, solvents, etc.

__ Low toxic wood treatments

__ Catalytic wood stove (if used for heating)

Native Plant and Ecosystem Protection

__ Onsite preservation of native trees, plants

__ Protection of tree root system

__ Landscaping with native plants

__ Preserved or created wetland

__ Preserved or created wildlife habitat

Favoring Green, Renewable and Local Resources

Suitable Green Materials

__ Engineered lumber, framing systems, trim

__ Concrete made with fly ash

__ Recycled plastic or composite decking

__ Recycled content building, finish materials

__ Recyclable materials

__ Materials made from waste (mulch, bagasse, etc.)

__ Salvaged materials

Site Choice

__ Lot within “green” development

__ Site near workplace or mass transportation

__ Infill site or small lot development

Shift Toward Renewable or Zero Energy

__ Passive solar (house design)

__ Solar water heating

__ Fuel cell (when cost effective)

__ Photovoltaics

Use of Local Resources

__ Local renewable natural resources

__ Locally manufactured products (< 200 miles)

Durable


Decay Resistance

Moisture Control

__ Architectural detailing that sheds rainwater away from walls:

__ Overhangs all around (2 ft. wide)

__ Roof pitch between 3:12 and 6:12

__ Roof drip edge

__ If lacking overhangs, non-clogging gutters or diffusers

__ Covered entries

__ Cap flashing with drip edges above windows, doors

__ Extended, sloped window sills

__ Sloped porches, balconies, driveways, etc.

Roof leak reduction:

__ Simple roof design

__ No flat roofs

__ Minimal penetrations; leak-resistant vent systems

__ Properly installed flashing at penetrations, valleys

__ Step and kick-out flashings if a roof intersects a wall

__ Higher performance underlayment for leak-prone roofing types

Continuous drainage plane in walls exposed to rain:

__ Drainage space behind cladding in high rainfall areas

__ Vented space behind cladding in extreme rainfall areas

__ Or, sealed masonry construction (reservoir system)

__ Flashing of windows, doors, etc. that continues drainage plane

__ Shingle fashion installation of all materials

__ Flexible flashing tape, waterproof coating or sill pans and corner
guards

__ Doors set in pan flashing or “seat” in slab

Hot, humid climate ideal wall assembly (zones 1A, 2A, 3A):

__ Air flow retarder to the exterior

__ Vapor diffusion retarder to the exterior, if used

__ Permeable interior finish (no vinyl wallpaper)

__ Unfaced cavity insulation

Mixed, humid climate ideal wall assembly (zone 4A):

__ Air flow retarder to the interior

__ Permeable interior finish (no vinyl wallpaper)

__ Vapor diffusion retarder that adapts to seasons:

__ > R 5 insulating foam sheathing or foam core

__ Kraft paper faced insulation to interior

__ Special membrane that is low-perm in winter and high-perm in
summer.

Water managed foundation:

__ Ground slopes away from foundation

__ Gasket (capillary break) between foundation and framing

For slab on grade house:

__ Durable plastic sheeting under slab and lining the grade beam

__ Coarse gravel drainage bed under slab

For raised house:

__ Ground level under house higher than outside grade

__ Plastic ground cover in enclosed crawl space

__ Entire wood subfloor treated to resist decay

__ Drainage board for any below grade walls

__ Insulation system that minimizes condensation on wood framing

Other:

__ Exhaust fans, clothes dryer do not vent under house or into attic

__ Wood, fiber cement siding back primed

__ No plumbing within exterior walls

__ Stainless steel hoses for clothes washer

__ Sloped floor and drain or drain pan for clothes washer, water heater

__ Air infiltration control (see Energy efficiency section)

__ Humidity control system (see Healthy/ Indoor Air section)

Long-Lasting Materials and Equipment

__ > 40-year roofing warranty, 12 year total system space 100%
warranty

__ > 50-year cladding warranty or masonry

__ > 10-year window frame, 20 year glass warranty

__ pressure-treated wood, masonry, steel structural components

__ fiber cement, plastic fiber composite or other long-life trim

__ plastic lumber or pressure-treated wood decking

__ appliances, equipment with longer than average warranties

__ long-lasting floorings

__ foundation designed for soil conditions

Hazard Resistant

Multi-hazard Resistance

General:

__ Emergency backup power system

__ Easy access shut-offs

__ Emergency kit storage

__ Multiple escape exits

Flood Damage Reduction

Built above anticipated flood levels:

__ In non-coastal A zones, floor is above BFE using one of these
foundation types:

__ Slab on compacted fill, extending max. 2 ft. beyond house footprint

__ Slab cap on compacted fill within a stem wall foundation

__ Unfinished, floodable crawl space with flood vents

__ Pile, post, column or pier open foundation; enclosures vented or
designed to allow entry and exit of flood water

__ In V zones and coastal-A zones, lowest horizontal structural
member is above BFE with:

__ Continuous pile, open foundation

__ No or minimal obstruction as allowed by local ordinance

__ In areas of minimal risk (Zones C and X) near A or V zone property:

__ Lowest floor is above BFE of nearest flood zone

Additional design features:

__ Decks, porches built and anchored to resist flood forces

__ Garage above BFE or includes flood vents if below BFE

__ Garage floor, patios, etc. min. 4 in. below living floor,

__ HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems elevated above BFE

Additional flood protection features:

__ Backflow valve in sewer line

__ Flood-resistant materials and assemblies on first floor (drainable,
cleanable, dryable)

__ Appliance styles, installations that minimize damage in shallow
floods

__ In areas protected by levees, designs and materials that are
submersible, drainable and easily flushed

Hurricane and Tornado Resistance

(See wind design speed map and associated wind resistant building code for specific requirements; checklist below includes general guidelines for hurricane zones)

General features:

__ House is < 60 ft. long

__ No more than two stories (levels)

__ Wall height of each story is < 10 ft.

__ Exterior cladding (siding, roofing, etc. rated for wind design speed)

__ Reinforced safe room within house

__ Storm storage for outdoor items

__ Outside accessories securely anchored

Walls:

For wood frame construction:

__ 2x4 studs spaced 16” o.c., or 2x6 studs spaced 24” o.c.

__ Bottom plates anchored to foundation

__ All load bearing studs anchored to bottom and top plates with metal
hurricane connectors or structural sheathing with load-specific
nailing pattern

__ Upper story anchored to lower story

__ Structural sheathing or inset shear walls to meet shear load
requirements

__ No windows, doors near corners

__ Corner hold-down hardware at ends of each shear wall

For masonry construction:

__ Rebar connects foundation to wall (4-ft. spacing typical)

__ Rebar reinforcement full height of walls

__ Vertical rebar reinforcement at corners and both sides of windows
and doors

__ For SIPS, ICF, Shotcrete and other building systems:

__ Engineered for wind speed of local wind zone

Roof, Overhangs and Attachments:

__ Wind rated connection of roof to walls

__ Hurricane straps over every rafter/truss (preferable to clips)

__ Roof pitch between 3:12 and 12:12 (< 7:12 preferred)

__ Hip roof design (preferred)

__ Gable roof end walls braced or balloon framed

__ Overhangs < 2 ft. (or engineered, if larger)

__ Roof decking nailed or screwed to rafters (not stapled) at 6 in. o.c.
or to code (ring shank nails preferred)

__ In tornado zone, 5/8-in. plywood roof decking

__ Roof deck seams sealed (with adhesive roof tape or membrane)

__ Min. #30 roofing felt (consider tear resistant type) or peel and stick
membrane

__ Wind rated roofing, properly installed

__ Attic vents protected from wind-driven rain

__ Soffits of rigid material and fastened securely to framing-

__ Porch, patio, carport designed, anchored for wind load

__ Columns anchored to foundation and roof beam

Windows and doors:

__ Height < 6’-8”

__ Meet code design pressure ratings (typically > DP 30)

__ Glass protections (plywood panels or certified impact-rated storm
shutters, panels, screens, or window/door units)

__ In tornado zone, passive protection (impact rated windows)

__ Pressure rated or reinforced garage door

Fire Protection

__ Fire resistant wall cladding

__ UL Class A roofing

__ Fire resistant materials around fireplace, and in kitchen

__ Smoke alarm (combination type, battery powered)

__ Lightning rod and grounding system

__ Residential sprinkler system

__ Planned extinguisher mounting locations

Hail and Freeze Hazards

__ Hail resistant roofing (UL Class 4)

__ All plumbing in heated space or well insulated

__ Pressure relief exterior faucets

__ Pex piping (flexible)

Termite Resistance

__ No untreated wood left in soil or stored near structure

__ Moisture managed construction (See Moisture Control section)

__ Professional soil treatment under foundation

__ Termite barriers at hidden pathways

__ Best: no untreated structural wood or vulnerable insulation

__ Borate-treated wall/roof framing , cellulose insulation, foams

__ Pressure-treated (not borate) or composite wood decking

__ Masonry, concrete or steel construction

Slab foundation:

__ Monolithic poured slab

__ Slab specifications to minimize cracking

__ Steel mesh epoxied pipe collars within slab

__ Consider treatment of control joints and cracks

__ No wood forms, stakes, etc. left in ground

Raised foundations:

__ No hollow concrete blocks below grade

__ Hollow block foundation walls capped with concrete

__ Piers are solid, resistant material

__ Termite shields between foundation and framing to force termite
exposure

__ Floor joists >18 in. above ground

All foundations:

__ No vulnerable foam insulation under ground (below grade)

__ Min. 8-in. clearance between siding and finished grade

__ Min. 6-in. clearance between wooden steps and soil

__ Foundations detailed for ease of inspection and detection

__ Porches, terraces not filled with soil

__ Porch supports separated from house min. 2 in.

Other:

__ Downspouts, sprinklers, drain lines discharge >2 ft. from house

__ Plantings placed min. 3 feet from foundation

__ No mulch near house or termite resistant types

__ Plumbing and conduit off the ground, no wood supports

Healthy


Good Indoor Air Quality

Control of Mold, Dust Mites, Other Biological Pollutants

__ Moisture control construction methods (see Durable section)

__ Air infiltration control (See Energy Efficiency section)

Ventilation and dehumidification:

__ Right-sized air conditioner (Manual J calculation)

__ Controlled, filtered fresh air supply AND dehumidification to
maintain RH < 60% and slight positive pressure via:

__ Dehumidifying whole house supply ventilation system, OR

__ Fresh air inlet with flow controller to return plenum plus a separate
dehumidifier, OR

__ Variable capacity air conditioner with fresh air duct and controller

__ Air tight duct system (sealed connections)

__ No attic power vent

__ 50-75 cfm bathroom exhaust fans with timer or humidistat

__ 100-400 cfm range/cooktop hood exhaust or balanced system with
make-up air for larger units

__ Pleated HVAC filter ( 7-9 MERV rating)

For households with allergies, asthma:

__ Central vacuum system or HEPA portable vacuum

__ 10-12 MERV HVAC filter

__ No carpeting in bedroom, family room

__ Dehumidifier capacity to keep RH below 50%

__ Entry designed for large outside doormats, washable rug inside

__ Planned outdoor space for pets

Control of Combustion Pollutants

__ Carport or detached garage

__ OR, attached garage well air sealed from living space

__ No living space above garage

__ Garage attic isolated from home attic

__ No unvented combustion source

__ Carbon monoxide detector

Protection from back drafting:

__ Only direct vent, sealed combustion furnace, fireplace, water heater,
if indoors

__ Bedroom return-air grilles or ducts

__ Dampened fresh air intake in laundry room (or window)

Control of Other Indoor Pollutants

__ Integrated pest management

__ Low VOC paints, stains, sealants, adhesives, cleaning products,
etc.

__ Low formaldehyde materials (or seal them)

__ Low emission labeled carpet, aired before installation

__ Finishes free of lead, arsenic, mercury, etc.

__ Modern mud room at family entry (shoe bins)

__ Radon home test

__ Soil gas prevention system

__ If hypersensitive, minimize PVC, electromagnetic field, dyes, etc.

Universal Design

Safe, functional throughout lifecycle; accommodates various ages,
heights, needs, abilities and changes.

Visitability by Persons with Disabilities

__ A grade level or ramped entry path and doorway

__ No steps into visiting areas and one bathroom

__ Min. 32 in. wide doorways to visiting areas

__ One accessible bathroom (5 ft. turning circle at toilet and sink)

Universal Features

Throughout house:

__ No level changes on first story

__ Thresholds < 1/2 in. high

__ All doorways > 32 in. wide

__ Hallways, paths > 42 in. wide

__ Lower switches (38-48 in. from floor to operable part)

__ Higher outlets (18 in. from floor to plug holes)

__ Rocker switches or motion sensors

__ Lever door handles, U-shaped cabinet pulls

__ Single-lever faucet controls

__ Easy to reach A/C filter

__ Adjustable shelves, rods

__ Rounded counter and cabinet corners

__ Non-slip, no-glare, even flooring

__ Contrasting color and texture visual aids

__ Ample, variable light without glare, task lighting

__ Space planned for “just in case” elevator shaft, if two story

Kitchen and Laundry - adaptable and convenient for various users:

__ Appliances placed for safety and universal access

__ Microwave at counter height (36 in.)

__ Front-loading clothes washer

__ Cooktop controls at side

__ 42 in. pathway clearances

__ 5 ft. clear turning circle at sink, range, refrigerator

__ Varied counter heights

__ Seated work space in kitchen (30-32 in. high)

__ No center stile on cabinets where knee space might be needed
(sink, cooktop)

__ Some outlets, switches on sides of counters

__ Roll-out shelves, baskets, drawers; easy storage access

One bedroom and bathroom more fully wheelchair accessible:

__ On ground floor

__ 36 in. wide doorways, no thresholds

__ 24 in. space on latch side of doors

__ Doors open outward

__ 5 ft. turning circle clear floor spaces

__ Bedroom has door to outside

__ Low windows and mirrors (max. 40 in. above floor)

__ No deep pile carpet or slick, shiny flooring

__ Knee space under lavatory (not obstructed by cabinet or plumbing)

__ Reinforced walls at toilet, tub, shower for grab bars

__ Non-slip decorative grab bars

__ Higher toilet, accessible (not enclosed)

__ Easy-transfer shower, tub with seat, or curbless shower

__ Single-lever bath valve, offset for easy reach

__ Higher cabinet toe space (9 in.)

__ Easily adaptable to changing needs

Convenient and Practical


Functional Design

(See also Healthy/Universal Design section)

__ Abundant, adaptable storage space in every room

__ Sufficient, secure storage for outdoor items

__ Family entry nook for electronics, mail, gear, shoes, etc.

__ Consider attic designed for accessible storage space

__ Controlled visitor entrance, access and view

__ MBR on same level as second BR

__ Efficient workflows, traffic paths

__ Sound controls

Kitchen:

__ Service entry (from car) convenient to kitchen

__ Accommodates multiple cooks

__ Accommodates social interaction

__ Layout follows space guidelines (see Ref. Guide)

__ Work triangle perimeter within 15-26 ft.

Low Maintenance, Outside and Inside

__ Long lasting materials and equipment

__ Materials that need infrequent or no refinishing

__ Mildew- and algae-resistant materials

__ Heat, cold, sun and water resistant materials

__ Scratch- and stain-resistant materials, finishes

__ Easy to clean surfaces, appliances, etc.

__ Min. dust collecting surfaces

__ Space at entry for shoes, outerwear

__ Easy access to HVAC and filters

Advanced Wiring and Automation:

__ Structured wiring, central control

__ High capacity cabling

__ Easily upgradeable installation route

__ Integrated multi-hazard and security systems

__ Energy-management control system

__ Home office equipped for telecommuting

__ Automated lighting controls

__ Whole house wireless networking

__ Assistive technologies

Adaptable For Changing Needs

__ Open planning of social zones

__ Multi-purpose, adaptable room

__ Usable attic space

__ Expandable floor plan (future additions)

__ Tandem rooms with movable partitions

__ Design for technology

Practical

See end of Reference Guide for comparisons of specific building systems.

__ Lifecycle cost-effective systems, products

__ Locally available or easily obtained products, installers, maintenance

__ Reduces labor cost or construction time (financing cost)