Q&A with an EarthCraft House builder

Logan Maulden is a builder for Vaughn Homes, Inc., a custom builder in West Cobb County. Logan has been building homes for eight years. Vaughn Homes has committed to 100 percent participation in the EarthCraft House program. As of late October 2004, the company has 106 homes certified EarthCraft House in eight subdivisions. Although the vast majority of Vaughn Homes' projects are new, single-family construction, the company has certified one EarthCraft House Multifamily project.

Q: Why did Vaughn Homes choose to partake in the EarthCraft House program?

A: Vaughn Homes wanted to be set apart. We try to build to a higher standard but we wanted to do more than just say it, we wanted to get someone else to say we're building a quality home.

Q: What products or strategies do you use?

A: Vaughn Homes uses an air-sealing package. We use dense blown cellulose for insulating framed walls and a closed cell spray foam for the poured walls, instead of just batt insulation, to improve air quality and provide an improved thermal barrier. For our clients that want more, we're flexible and can go above the standards.

Q: What are the benefits to the builder?

A: EarthCraft House improves the quality of the product. It adds value to the home and the homeowner understands that. They see EarthCraft House and think energy efficiency because of the air sealing and the heating and air improvements.

Q: Are the EarthCraft House standards difficult to achieve?

A: It's one other aspect to manage, one other thing to think about and one other thing to spend money on. The program standards are not difficult to achieve.

Q: What feedback do you hear from homeowners?

A: They are excited about it. They are glad that it's being done. It's one thing that helps the resale value of the home. That's what they want-to save money on their energy bills and get money out of the house when they go to sell it.

Q: What marketing do you do for the program?

A: It's advertised in our product literature and it's in the contract documents the homeowner signs. Our sales agent uses it as a marketing tool.

Q: What have you learned since you began managing EarthCraft House for Vaughn Homes?

A: I've learned how important air sealing is for energy efficiency. In the past 5-10 years, it's become more and more important to air seal to meet the local code. Officials are realizing how important proper sealing is in addition to proper insulation.

EarthCraft House is a blueprint for healthy, comfortable homes and the aim of the program is to help homebuilders be leaders in smart growth management and environmental stewardship. Call 404/872-3549 to learn more or visit www.earthcrafthouse.org.