Archive for the ‘Eco-smart and Green’ Category

Why we do what we do – Wall Construction that saves you money

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Most people don’t think about how thick their house walls are when buying a home.  In an effort to provide the lowest possible cost of a home to the buyer, most builders construct houses with perimeter walls using 2×4 wood studs.  We use 2×6 wood studs in our perimeter house walls. They cost more, but they give us a 37% thicker wall and the thicker the wall cavity, the more insulation we can install.  The 6” thick walls do cost more — more wood and more insulation, but they are better.

Insulation is graded by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value of the insulation is, the better the thermal performance of the insulation.  The important thing to remember is that the higher the R-value, the cheaper it is to heat or cool your house.

There are all types of insulation products being used.  Due to cost most production home builders use fiberglass batt insulation in their 4” thick walls.  This inulation has an R-value of 13.  As our base system, we use a sprayed cellulose insulation in our 6” thick perimeter house wall.  This is Energy Star rated and has an R-value equal to 23.  Then, we have an option to upgrade our system by spraying ½” thick Urethane foam and then installing a 5 1/2” thick fiberglass batt.  This system is also Energy Star rated and has an R-value of 27.

Let’s all agree that the cost of energy will never go down.  Our primary goal is to reduce utility bills and reduce your yearly operating cost of your home. Can we build with 2×4 walls, you bet and it will cost less, yes in the construction costs but not over the life of the home.

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Come check out our newest models – the Ellis and Madison Cottages

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

Today, we have two more finished models available for you to tour:  the Ellis Cottage and the Madison Cottage.  Like all of our models, both the Ellis and Madison may be customized to further fit your family’s needs.  

For specific sales information on these two models please visit their listings on the Tucker website:

Sales information on the Madison Cottage >>>

Sales information on the Ellis Cottage >>>  

We are currently building the Coho Cottage which will be available for tours in the next few weeks.  For specific information on the individual cottages or to arrange a tour please contact Sam Hawkins at sam@talktotucker.com.  

For Model Hours please call or email us.

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Cottages and Community Features

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Quality of craftsmanship and design are at the heart of Inglenook Carmel.  In all we do, we strive to work in concert with nature, both during and after construction.

We use sustainable materials that maintain their strength and integrity. Our homes are outfitted with the most current and energy efficient appliances and construction techniques available. 

We are concerned about the health of the community as well as the planet, and every decision we make reflects that concern. We believe that nothing is more beautiful than natural beauty, and nothing is greener than something that lasts.

Here are a few features we would like to highlight:

Site:

Foundations:

Framing:

Thermal & Moisture Protection:

Doors & Windows:

Finishes:

Appliances:

Mechanical Systems:

Electrical Systems

For more information about the individual cottages check out our Homes page.

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Not so Big and Sustainable

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Last night Magee and I joined a theater full of people to listen to a presentation by Sara Susanka, an architect and the author of nine books dealing with “Not So Big Houses”  Sara gave a great talk and it was extremely interesting to listen to why she talks about her houses as “Not so Big” verses using “small”, sustainablity and space design.  

Saying that Sara is pasionate about her topic is an understatement.  If you had not read her books, I highly recommend them.  I have read 5 of them so far and I think I will be stopping by a bookstore this weekend for 1 or 2 more.

I also found out that she is a great fan and friend of our architect, Ross Chapin and that Ross is writing a book and Sara is doing the forward.  It is my understanding that the book is coming out this fall.  During the question and answer portion, I was able to give our project a plug.  It is amazing to already see the response to our website and we have already had a few people track us down.  If you have questions don’t be afraid to give us a call at 317-255-5350 or you can email me at casey@landdevelopbuild.com

We are going to be breaking ground in the near future and then the fun begins.  Just love playing in the dirt.  Have a great day!

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ENERGY STAR

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

So there is green and then there is the color of money.  There is always a balance those two.  It is always good to be Eco-smart.

One of the first thoughts that come to people’s minds when thinking about building green is conservation of energy and savings associated with reduced energy bills.  This brings up Energy Star.

Now you might ask “What is Energy Star?”  These homes are, at least, 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) or in other words this program focuses on effective insulation, high-performance windows; tight construction and ducts; efficient heating and cooling equipment; lighting and appliances and third party verification.

If you have more questions please visit the website:        www. Energystar.gov

Our cottages have the opportunity to be Energy Star homes.  We are focused on on effective insulation, high-performance windows; tight construction and ducts; efficient heating and cooling equipment; lighting and appliances.

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What are the top reasons to build a Green House?

Friday, March 26th, 2010

More money in the bank: a green house typically saves money on operating costs because of more efficient energy use with such features as extra insulation, more efficient hot water heaters, lighting, appliances, and the use of natural day lighting techniques.

Less “new” odor and better indoor air: Using low-VOC and low-toxic interior paints and finishes can reduce toxins, thereby improving air quality.

Saves old-growth forests – Using rapidly renewable materials can be managed, grown and harvested in a sustainable way.  Engineer lumber uses smaller pieces of fast-growing wood to obtain the same sizes and higher strengths as lumber milled from large old-growth trees.

Happier fish – Water conservation can be achieved by installing drought tolerant plants and less lawn in landscape areas.  Porous paving can be used to allow rainwater to seep into the ground in lieu of becoming run-off.  Strict erosion control can help reduce sedimentation into streams.

More couch time: It takes less time and effort to maintain certain materials in a home.

Reduced breezes inside the home: A home can be sealed against the outside elements with advanced caulking that goes beyond basic practice.  Air sealing can be checked for effectiveness with an optional “blower door” test.

Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and promotes cleaner air: By promoting the use of local materials, transportation and other costs can be reduced.  By including pedestrian access projects can encourage the decreased use of automobiles, thereby reducing our foreign oil consumption and helping maintain cleaner air outdoors.

Less trash: Recycling scrap building materials as much as possible such as lumber, wall board, concrete, card board and packing materials.  This helps reduce the amount of material going to our already overburdened landfills.

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