Residential Building Certifiers play an important role in the construction industry. They are accountable for approving plans for construction as well as inspecting construction and legislated phases throughout the construction process, and issuance of occupation certificates when the project is completed.
Green certifications standardize and progress the accessibility of green buildings. They also increase the marketability of a building, by showing prospective buyers the sustainability and health benefits of a building.
Planning
There are several green certifications available each with their own guidelines and benefits. Some, such as LEED and EnergyStar are well-known, while others are more limited in market coverage and accessibility. GreenStar, BREEAM (with its focus occupant health), WELL building, and Fitwel are other options.
Residential builders can make use of these programs to validate their construction practices. They can also choose prescriptive paths that follow a program checklist closely or a performance method which requires them to submit models as proof of meeting the requirements.
It is essential that the developer’s staff adheres to all deadlines, no matter what certification that is chosen. This will prevent any delays. It is also important to ensure that the apartment building offers rooms of a variety that are appropriate to the market. This will help maximize marketability and minimize the likelihood of problems that may arise during the sales process. These measures not only increase the property’s value but also lower energy bills and costs.
Design
The design phase is where the blueprints of the project are refined and an even more detailed version of the project is developed. This is also an opportune moment to involve the construction company involved. This will ensure that every aspect of construction are taken care of.
Residential architects design homes that are designed to meet the needs and tastes of their occupants. They may be on their own or as part of a group. They make use of design elements to increase comfort, efficiency and sustainability.
There are numerous green building certification programs that are available. Some are designed for new construction like the National Green Building Standard. Other programs, like Pearl or EnergyStar, are designed to be retrofitted into existing homes. EnergyStar is a federally-funded program which promotes efficient design of homes by using a point system. It also permits builders and homeowners to upgrade a home gradually.
Inspections
During construction, there are several inspections. These inspections make sure that the project is in compliance with standards and that the construction team is following the plan. Thus, any issues can be addressed immediately and not cause delays later.
A foundation inspection, for example is required to make sure that the concrete and footings have been properly installed. This can help avoid costly repairs later on. A framing inspection will also ensure that the studs, beams, and other structural components are installed correctly. This will also help to avoid problems such as mold or leaks.
Other kinds of inspections include milestone inspections, plumbing and electrical rough-in, gas to WH inspections, building and trade inspections and benchmarking. Benchmarking is the combination of observations and calculations rather than testing. It measures energy usage and offers suggestions to increase efficiency. These are essential tools for those who want to build green and reduce their carbon footprints. They can also be helpful to prospective buyers looking to purchase homes that are green.
Reports
Green building certifications have immense value for the industry. They verify and aid to demonstrate the value of sustainable projects. These programs also help standardize high-performance design practices across projects, resulting in a more cohesive market and encouraging builders to be more aspirational.
There are a variety of green building certification programs are in place and range from the HERS rating system of Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to the ENERGY STAR for new homes. These ratings can provide potential buyers with the necessary information to assess a home’s efficiency and operating costs. Green buildings also often include a life cycle analysis that examines how a structure was constructed and its impact to the environment.
Fitwel, a project of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. General Services Administration, focuses on the health and well-being of occupants. WELL certification is another example. It is currently a commercial version, but there are pilots in place for one that is residential.
Comments are closed.