The Appraisal Institute's (AI) new resource guide will effect home owners substantially in years to come.  The association of professional real estate appraisers, AI, is providing the component that has been missing in the shift to more energy efficient housing.  The purpose of the resource guide is, "...providing real estate appraisers with necessary information to thoroughly analyze the effects of energy performance on property value...".The publication released by the AI and the Institute For Market Transformation, RECOGNITION OF ENERGY COSTS AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE IN REAL PROPERTY VALUATION, is not a full confirmation that the appraisal industry is going to start using home energy performance as a valuation factor in every new appraisal but it is a big step in the right direction.  Having a property's true value reflected is the purpose of an appraisal.  It has been the contention of many in the residential building industry that the added value of energy efficient technology, materials, and design (PV solar panels, geothermal HVAC, passive solar design) to their new homes are consistently over looked or ignored when compared to homes without energy efficient items.  With this initial guide, "For Educational Purposes Only", appraisers can begin to understand and apply all the available information regarding energy performance.  So, not only will the solar panels, geothermal HVAC, passive solar design save you money but in the not too distant future they will actually add value to your home.To get a copy of the full guide please fill out the Contact form in the left margin and request a copy.  We will email you one.

"It will be the new standard," said Brett Reilly, CEO of TAPA Homes, referring to the Energy Star certification for each new home they build.  "It is not just a blue sticker on the house," Reilly went on to say, "It is verifiable proof by a third-party that your plans meet a minimum efficiency standard and that the house was built to that standard."  Other builders have begun to make Energy Star homes and energy efficient houses as part of their standard as well.  The modular home industry has also taken building green homes to heart by having their facilities and construction techniques verified that they meet the Energy Star standards. But more important then knowing that you have a modular green home from TAPA Homes is that you will know that the home will save you money.  "Not just a green home but a home that makes you green...as in green cash," says Reilly.  He is refers to a chart that plots the electric bills for the last No Energy Bill Home they sold.  Seven out of the previous 12 months had no or negative electric bills.

Buying an energy efficient home today will save you thousands of dollars in the future.  Many national home builders and track home builders have begun switching to offer energy efficient options and energy efficient incentives at added costs.  For those builders a new energy efficient home is not affordable for all buyers, just those who can afford to save money.  Local builders and smaller builders, like TAPA Homes, have already added Energy Star certification, National Green Building Standard, higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio) HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, increased R-value insulation in exterior walls, Low E windows and more as their standards without adversely affecting price.  But few large builders and national builders have taken that step accept one, Meritage Homes.   

Meritage Homes has switched to building every new home to exceed the Energy Star minimum HERS (Home Energy Rating System) standard at affordable prices.  Their first all energy efficient community in Gilbert, AZ, Lyons Gate, offers homes from 1,600 square feet to 3,000 square feet ranging in price from $177,000 to $230,000.   Those sizes and prices are well within the national averages for home size and cost.  This is good news for consumers everywhere.  Meritage Homes builds in seven southern and southwestern states.  They have seven communities as close as Raleigh, NC.  The bar has been set and now every builder, large and small, will either follow suit or follow away.  Again, this is good for consumers everywhere.  But there is a downside for consumers everywhere as well.Anyone who buys a new home that does not meet the minimum standards like Energy Star certification, National Green Building Standard, higher SEER HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, increased R-value insulation in exterior walls, Low E windows and more is buying a home that will be disadvantaged in the resale market.  Imagine in five to ten years the house you buy today will be on the market competing with newer certified energy efficient homes.  Also imagine what energy costs will be in five to ten years.  The homes for sale that are certified energy efficient will have an great advantage over a home that is not certified energy efficient.  And that is the real story.If you are now in the market for a new home your decision is easy; buy one that is certified energy efficient.  Your choices are many and the prices will vary greatly.  Be sure to compare all your options and give your home an advantage in a future resale market.

TAPA Homes "Delivers and Sets" a new modular home in Pilesgrove, NJ for Annette and Michael Masly.  The Masly's were referred to TAPA Homes by a satisfied customer. Annette and Michael were going to move to Delaware and had even picked out a lot.  But title issues arouse and they went to plan B which was build back in New Jersey where they were living.They were very happy with the 2,683/sf home design of the home which included an attached garage, basement, and 1,100/sf unfinished second floor.  They were happy with the budget, and they wanted to continue working with TAPA Homes.  But, it was a two hour drive from TAPA's offices and was not initially feasible.  After some discussion Annette felt comfortable taking on being their General Contractor with some assistance and guidance from TAPA Homes.  Because they were going to be their own General Contractor Annette figured out they would save $30,000.  With those savings they were able to upgrade flooring, the bathrooms, and increase the size of the house.TAPA Homes still spent the normal time and effort needed to help design the Masly's home.  Most of it was done through emails and phone calls after the initial meeting.  Then there were three trips to the job site prior to the house being delivered and set.  Once the house was delivered TAPA Homes spent four days on the site until the house was completely assembled, weather tight, and roof shingled.  It was a unique experience and one Brett Reilly, the CEO at TAPA Homes would be happy to repeat.  "I was a little skeptical at first but once Annette, Michael  and myself went over every detail it actually turned out well for both of us.  We did not make as much money but we did not do as much work.  It was a win-win," said Reilly.If you are interested in learning more about a "Deliver and Set" approach to buying a new modular home please call 302-934-5601 or email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Building a new home can be very costly.  Prices per square foot are typically $90 to $120 and higher.  There is one way to help keep the cost down while maintaining quality and control.  Buy a modular home and be your own General Contractor (GC).  I know it sounds crazy but once the modular home is set on the foundation the project is 80% complete.  Most builders and modular builders charge a fee or percentage for each and every aspect of the project they manage and write checks for, which is fare.  If there is only one check the builder writes for the modular home than the DIY home owner has saved a bundle of money.  A recent customer not only saved more than $20,000 that would have gone to the builder (us) but she was able to make a lot of upgrades she wanted and could not afford if the builder had done everything.  Notice how I said "she".  That's correct.  The client, and I'll call her Annette (that's her name), pulled all the permits, got numerous quotes from subcontractors, and organized it herself.  We gave her some pointers and tips and we were available to her for questions but she did most of the work and it paid off.  We helped her with a plan, a "cheat sheet", but she had to follow it and kept up on it.
I don't want to make this sound like it is easy because it is not.  But it can be done if you are organized, have a dream, and you need to save money.  There are other factors to consider like financing.  Some banks frown on home owners being their own GC.  There are subcontractors who may not want to work with a DIYer.  There is a lot of paper work involved from entrance permits, to building permits, to possible wet land or flood zone issues.  Not to mention keeping track of invoicing and payments.
Obviously this suggestion will potentially take money out of our pockets but this is a way for people who are discouraged about building because of the costs.  Unfortunately the cost of construction has not gone down like the cost of existing homes.  In fact it has gone up over the last three years.  Being you own GC is one way to save a lot of money when buying a modular home.  For more information or a copy of the "cheat sheet" call 302-934-5601.

Modular homes have come a long was since the Nanticoke Plant in Greenwood closed in 2002. Modular homes have always been thought of as one step up from a trailer or double-wide home.  However, modular home design and construction in 2012 is anything but.
The ability to customize the interior floor plan and the exterior design is now as easy a dragging and clicking a mouse.  Computer Assisted Design (CAD) programs have become very sophisticated and at the same time they have become very user friendly.  There is even a CAD program, Autodesk Home Styler, that is available for free and allows any body to be a home designer.  Reputable modular builders will also assist in the design process and even offer a Preliminary Plan at no cost.
The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) reported in their publication, Modular Building Systems, that, "Unlike the conventionally built home, which is assembled onsite piece by piece and is exposed to the elements.  Modular homes are constructed in segments called "modules" in a climate controlled facility.  Skilled craftsmen build each module using high-tech machinery and precise methods...".  This allows for exact design detail, greater efficiency, quicker build time, and at a reduced cost.
The pictures of homes with this article easily show the versatility and design abilities of modern modular homes.  The process for those interested in building modular is simple.  Find a General Contractor that has experience with modular construction and that represents a reputable modular builder.  There are numerous plants in Pennsylvania that have decades of experience.
For more specific information you can call 302-934-5601.

New home owners report to their builder that, "...the house is doing great.  We are using a little more electric then we produce, however this shortfall is improving with the days getting longer...".  TAPA Homes, LLC received an email on February 3rd  from a new home owner about the No Energy Bill Home (NEB Home) they purchased in December. The NEB Home located east of Route 1 in Milford features passive solar design, PV solar panels, and numerous other energy efficient designs.  The new home owners shared with TAPA Homes that the total energy consumption for the month of January was 495 kilo watt hours of electricity. To put that into perspective the DOE reports that the average monthly electric consumption per house hold in the United States is approximately 1,100 kilo watt hours.  The NEB Home is saving home owners $2,200 a year and is dramatically reducing their carbon foot print.  The NEB Home is powered with a 4 kilowatt PV system and to view the other details of the home you can visit www.TAPAHomes.com or call 302-934-5601.  Two NEB Home sites are still available.

Building modular homes in a climate controlled environment is efficient, precise, and it delivers high quality according to the NAHB Modular Brochure, Modular Building Systems. Modular homes are also very easy to customize. TAPA Homes offers a wide  variety of floor plans that can be modified to a customers specifications.  With the advent of computer-assisted-design(CAD) moving walls, rooms, stairs, has become as easy as moving a computer mouse.  There are no more large up front design fees and weeks of waiting for new plans.  TAPA Homes will draw a preliminary set of plans at no cost to a client with the drawing and a quote ready within a week.The cost of modular homes has always been competitive and continues to be so.  The ability to reduce waste and have high productivity from an on site work force remains the bedrock of the modular industry.The property market at and by the Delaware beaches has never been better for buyers.  There are many opportunities for those looking to invest, vacation, move, or retire to the coastal area.  TAPA Homes works with Layton Associates, a local real estate broker, to help customers find the right lot in the right location.  TAPA Homes has relationships with developers who have reduce the price of their lot inventory to stimulate activity.  There are excellent priced lots in and around Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and Fenwick Island.Now is the time to build modular, to build your custom home, to build at the beach, and to be ready for the summer of 2012.  Call TAPA Homes at 302-934-5601 or email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) publication, Modular Building Systems, notes, "...modular homes are typically built to stronger standards than conventional homes...".  Modular homes are designed to tolerate the rigors of being hauled, hoisted, and set on a foundation.  The publication also discusses the quality of modular home construction; "Unlike a conventionally built home, which is assembled on site piece by piece and is exposed to the elements throughout the entire process, modular homes are constructed by skilled craftsmen in segments called "modules" in protected, climate-controlled facilities."  If you are considering building a new custom home consider building it modular.  Quality and strength along with the ability to completely customize a home are just a few reasons to build modular.
To download a full copy of Modular Building Systems publication visit www.tapahomes.com.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) published a nine page brochure titled Modular Building Systems,Your dream home: Built fast, built green. The color brochure explains the quality, energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, reduced building schedule, design flexibility, and the cost benefits of modular construction.
Visit the TAPA Homes website at www.TAPAhomes.com for a link to a copy of the brochure or call 302-934-5601 today.

Now is the time for new home buyers to look at the No Energy Bill Home (NEBH), designed and built by TAPA Homes, LLC.  The electric company's last bill for the NEBH shows a credit of $129.12 and states "Credit-Do Not Pay".  The NEBH is available for viewing at 2190 Reynolds Rd., Milford, DE.  There are three home sites still available.  TAPA Homes can also build the NEBH home on most any lot.  Call 302-934-5601 to learn how to receive an electric bill that states, "Credit-Do Not Pay".
New home prices have fallen, mortgage rates have fallen, but the cost of electricity, propane gas, and heating oil have risen throughout the recession and the recovery.  There is a paradigm shift in how new home buyers energize their new homes.  Solar power, Energy Star certifications, compact florescent lights, and more are now part of every new home...or should be.  The cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panes have come down drastically.  The incentives to make a new home energy efficient are very enticing.  Now is the time to hedge the cost of energy.  Now is the time for a new home buyer to prepare for the ever rising energy costs.  Now is the time to call TAPA Homes at 302-934-5601 or visit their website, www.tapahomes.com, and learn more about the NEBH.

Who is Dr. Energy? Brett Reilly is Dr. Energy. When I was speaking to a group of people about how energy costs could be cut in their homes they thought I was a little over excited. At the end of that meeting one of them came up to me and said you are “Dr. Energy.” I laughed it off until it happened again a short time later.

How I became so enthused about cutting home energy costs happened when I was playing with our daughters on the family room floor of our home that was built in 2006 to the latest building and energy codes. It was late October and I could feel a cool breeze blowing across us. My first instinct was to go turn up the heat. A short time later I realized that was not the solution to our problem. That put me on quest to fix my home and help others fix their homes. I am a builder and I did not build my house. Long story short; we needed a home and we could not find a lot in the area we liked. This home came available and the price was right.

Everything I write about I have either used in my home or have built into homes for customers. It may be anecdotal but I live the results of these stories. There is science behind much of what I write about. If I do not have it I will find it. I have spent the last three years testing and searching for the techniques and technology to help reduce home energy costs.

Since that time our company, TAPA Homes, LLC, has become GreenAdvantage certified, Building Performance Institute certified in energy audits, we are a member of the DE Green Building Council, and we have built the first No Energy Bill home and subdivision on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Want to know more? Read on!

• Solar Energy News

• Geothermal Energy News

• Energy Efficiency Planning News