how we build
Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County builds to “Green” standards and is compliant with all California building codes.
We have a moral and financial responsibility to our partner families and the community to design and build homes in an environmentally and structurally responsible way. The average monthly energy consumption for our homes in Parrotts Ferry Village is $10/home from our local utility service provider PG&E. Homes are built with photovoltaic solar systems on the roof to supplement electricity. The onsite solar power source can reduce electricity bills by as much as 70 percent. In addition, all appliances are ENERGY STAR rated and homes have energy-efficient tankless hot water heaters.
Our goal is to build homes that are energy efficient today and that will remain energy efficient in the future, with ratings that are higher than what current California Title 24 standards require.
Given the high fire risk in Tuolumne County, homes are outfitted with fire-sprinkler systems, per California new construction building code.
Starting in 2017, homes built at Parrotts Ferry Village will include:
- GAF composite roofing shingles
- HardiePlank horizontal siding (recycled cement-based siding for added fire protection)
- Tyvek exterior tight building wrap
- Tankless efficient water heaters
- 30 year dimensional composition roof with ridge vent system
- Florescent and LED lighting fixtures to maximize energy efficiency
- Ply Gem Style Line, argon-filled, low E, energy efficient windows (Energy Star rated with a U factor of .30)
- Low flow 1.5gpm plumbing fixtures, 1.1/1.5gpf Dual Flush toilets, 1.5gpm shower heads
- Energy efficient HVAC-FAU system with 92 percent efficiency and 100cfm exhaust fan system
- Tight duct HVAC installation on mechanical system with Duct Blast HERS test
- 12 to 14 SEER condensing unit
- Interior and exterior paint with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC)
- Recycled aggregate base concrete design mix for all flat work
- Trusses with Energy Heel that allow more room for insulation in the attic
- Radiant barrier above ceiling, plus R-38 cellulose-based insulation, R-19 insulation in walls
- Innovative advanced 2″x6” framing design
- Drought tolerant or xeriscape landscaping with native garden planting scheme in front yard
- Photovoltaic solar system with high efficient panels (2.5 KW System)
- Smoke alarm with carbon monoxide detector in every room
