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The U.S. Green Building Council defines a “green” home as one that “uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard home.”

For 40 years, Cerra Homes has built homes in harmony with this definition.

Green Has Never Made More Sense


Most people don’t recognize a “green” house when they see one, especially the way Cerra Homes builds them. What’s green are the unseen technology and construction methods, such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls and roofs, value-engineered framing, high-efficiency HVAC systems sized according to Manual J load calculations, and low-or-no VOC building materials, that make the green difference --- on average, a difference of up to 40% less energy than what is required for comparable standard homes.

Energy costs are not going down. There’s never been a better time to invest in a home that’s cost efficient to maintain, healthy to live in and gentle on the environment. When you build with a focus on green technologies, you can rest assured you are investing today’s dollars to offset tomorrow’s higher energy costs.

But building green is about more than just reducing energy costs. Paying attention to the reduction of harmful chemicals and toxins is vital also. Building a new home with environmentally-compatible materials, with as little waste as possible, all the while striving for energy efficiency and enhanced indoor air quality, impacts not only our world and its future. It also has a positive effect on your lifestyle and on your health, in addition to saving money on operating costs.

"We want to thank you for helping us improve the energy efficiency of our house…we knew you would be the right choice to help us properly execute this project. Having someone with your Green Building experience present options and costs, select the right subs, and most of all supervise them, all contributed to our project’s success."

Diane + Jacques F.



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The question shouldn’t be, “Why green?” but “Why settle for anything less?”

How Affordable Is Building Green?


Today, building green is very affordable, with lower energy and maintenance costs throughout the life of the home. As a custom home builder, Cerra Homes can offer multiple levels of green construction and amenities to help you get the most out of your budget. We will help you “fine tune” your building plans to achieve maximum efficiency in the construction process. Cerra Homes approaches that process by honoring the unique wishes of each client and with the overarching goal of creating a home that will be a sanctuary for years to come.

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Certification


The energy efficiency of each residence built by Cerra Homes is certified by a professional, independent testing company. For example, blower-door tests and duct-blaster tests are conducted and their results assure you of the exceptional green qualities of the home. The results are delivered to the local municipality where the home is being built, prior to obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy.

BLOWER-DOOR TEST: Standards show that the following are basic guidelines for ACH50 (Air Changes/Hour) results:

  • ACH50 less than 5.0 – Tight House
  • ACH50 between 5.0 and 10.0 – Moderate House
  • ACH50 above 10.0 – Leaky House

See the photo of test results from a residence recently built by Cerra Homes. Its blower-door test shows the home has 2.2 air changes/hour. This achievement exceeds the top level of the published rates.

And, with the way Cerra Homes constructs houses, the air changes are engineered to allow for the healthiest indoor air quality possible.

DUCT-BLASTER TEST: The document to the left shows results of a Duct-Blaster Test. It’s estimated that 30% or more of the air that moves through the ductwork of a typical home is lost due to leaks, holes and poor connections. Leaky ducts cause HVAC systems to work harder and longer than necessary, resulting in a loss of energy as well as higher utility bills.

A duct-blaster test pressurizes the HVAC system to measure the leakage and see how well the system is sealed. This report shows the results in a recently-built Cerra Home – a total duct leakage of just 4.9%.

Saving energy and money are not the only goals that have been achieved… comfort and excellent indoor air quality are assured as well.

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Building America Challenge Partner
Building America Challenge Partner
Building America Challenge Partner
Building America Challenge Partner
HBA