Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable, high-performance house in the Gulf Region. Refer to the following Reference Guide for more information about items on the checklist. Use the checklist again to evaluate the construction plans for your house.
Abbreviations and Symbols
(See Reference Guide for definitions of technical abbreviations and terms)
N north
S south
E east
W west
R R-value
MBR master bedroom
BR bedroom
Ba bathroom
La. Louisiana
Ref. Reference (as in Reference Guide)
< less than
< less than or equal to
> more than
> more than or equal to
% percent
° degrees
ft. or ’ foot, feet (unit of measure)
in. or ” inches (unit of measure)
/yr. per year
min. minimum
max. maximum
o.c. on center (spacing of structural parts)
cfm cubic feet per minute (rate of air flow)
mph miles per hour
NFRC National Fenestration Rating Council, rates performance of window units
ICAT Insulation covered, air-tight (recessed light fixture)
HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
SEER seasonal energy efficiency ratio
AFUE annual fuel utilization efficiency
HSPF heating season performance factor
COP coefficient of performance
EER energy efficiency ratio
SHR sensible heat ratio
EF energy factor
SHGC solar heat gain coefficient
AL air leakage
VT visible light transmittance
MERV minimum efficiency reporting value, an air filter efficiency rating
BFE base flood elevation (on flood hazard maps)
UL Underwriter Laboratory (testing and certification of materials)
VOC volatile organic compounds (fumes)
ENERGY
RESOURCE-EFFICIENT
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR Home
__ Certified ENERGY STAR Home
Design for the Climate
Landscaping for energy savings:
__ Deciduous trees shade W, SW, E and SE sides of house
__ Large shrubs or trellis with vines on W side
__ Ground cover, mulch near house to reduce reflected heat
__ Little unshaded pavement near house, none under windows
__ Evergreen shrubs and trees grouped as windbreak on N side
Overall house design:
__ Compact building layout to minimize total surface area
__ Open planning, min. corridor area (space-efficient design)
__ Kitchen, laundry rooms are not on W side
__ Living areas, kitchen have N or S windows
__ Porches, patios, etc. on N & S sides (unconditioned living space)
House design elements to minimize solar heat gain:
__ More wall area faces within 20° of due S and N
__ W facing glass <2% of floor area
__ E facing glass < 3% of floor area
__ 2-ft. or larger overhangs
__ All W, E and S glass shaded
__ Garage/carport on W or E side of house (blocking sun)
__ No skylights (except light tubes)
__ Reflective roofing (min. 0.25 solar reflectance)
__ Light color brick or siding
Design elements for passive solar winter benefits:
__ S overhangs sized or louvered for summer shade and winter sun
__ Thermal mass flooring along S glass
__ S facing sunroom with mass floor, walls
House design elements for mild seasons:
__ Operable windows placed for cross ventilation
__ Porch open on three sides or in breezeway
Windows
__ ENERGY STAR or NFRC labeled windows, whole units rated at:
__ < 0.40 SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient)
__ < 0.30 AL; prefer 0.20 (air leakage)
__ < 0.65 U-factor in climate zone 2.; 0.40 in climate zone 3 (heat
conduction)
__ > 0.50 VT (visible light transmittance)
__ Or, spectrally selective, southern climate low-e, insulated units
__ All W and E glass has 0.40 SHGC or shade screens
__ If passive solar, S facing glass is high solar gain low-e
__ For daylighting, 0.80 VT on N, and S if shaded
Tight Construction (Air Sealing)
Continuous air barrier surrounding conditioned space via:
__ Exterior air barrier.
__ Airtight Drywall Approach interior air barrier
__ Sealed, airtight floor system
__ All hidden bypasses sealed from attic and crawl space air
__ Bottom plate of exterior walls sealed to foundation
__ Band joists between floors sealed
__ All penetrations in building envelope sealed
__ Airtight electrical boxes (or sealed by hand)
__ Low infiltration windows and doors
__ Fireplace: sealed from attic, outside air duct, tight damper, glass
doors
__ Weatherstripped, insulated attic access (or in unconditioned area)
__ No recessed lights, or only ICAT used
__ Tight dampers, sealed housings on exhaust and inlet vents (exhaust
not vented into attic)
Insulation Systems with Good “Whole Wall” R-Values
__ Continuous insulation surrounding all conditioned space (except
slab floor)
Recommended Insulation Material R-values:
__ Attic: R 30-38 in climate zone 2; 38-49 in zone 3
__ Cathedral ceiling: R 30-38 in zone 2. R 38 in zone 3.
__ Wood frame walls: R 13-19 in zone 2.; R 18-19 in zone 3
__ Concrete or masonry walls: R 13
__ Band joist: R 13-19
__ Floor over unconditioned space: R 13-19 in zone 2; R-19-25 in zone
3
__ Steel frame: R 19-32 walls; R-49 attic, R-19-25 raised floor (must
include exterior insulating sheathing)
Elements of Insulation System:
__ Insulation installed without gaps, voids and compressions
__ Radiant barrier under roof decking (if a/c ducts HVAC in attic and
non-reflective roofing)
__ Building/insulation system with continuous coverage (thermal
envelope)
__ Insulation type with extra advantages (see Ref. Guide)
__ Insulated window and door headers
__ Insulated corners and T-wall intersections
__ Insulated attic access door (R 19)
__ All insulated doors (R 5-15)
__ All glass low-e insulated; nonconductive framing
HVAC - Efficient Cooling and Heating
ENERGY STAR labeled cooling and heating equipment:
__ Air conditioner: > SEER 14 system
__ Gas furnace: > AFUE 0.90 (0.80 may suffice in climate zone 2)
__ Heat Pump (air source): > SEER 14, > HSPF 8.2
__ Geothermal heat pump (closed loop): EER 14.1, COP 3.3
__ Equipment is performance tested
Alternatives with special advantages
__ Geothermal heat pump with water heating
__ Variable speed air conditioner or heat pump
__ Integrated gas space and water heating system
__ Manual J sizing (not oversized )
__ Sensible Heat Ratio < 0.70 SHR (min. 30% dehumidification)
__ Zoned heating/cooling (zone control system or multiple units)
__ Programmable thermostats
__ Outdoor thermostat on heat pump
__ Heat pump has gas backup heat
__ Compressor on N or E side of house
Minimized duct losses:
__ Ducts and air handler (AH) within conditioned space (inside
insulation “envelope”:
__ In sealed soffit or dropped ceiling, AH in closet
__ Or, in cathedralized (semi-conditioned) attic
__ Or, in insulated, sealed enclosure above ceiling
__ Supply ducts, AH and all connections correctly sealed with code
approved mastic
__ Duct insulation (R 8 if not in conditioned space)
__ Sealed return plenum or duct
__ Manual D duct and return design
__ Airflow measured and balanced with air flow hood
__ Central supply trunk (not octopus layout)
__ Duct runs and registers not extended to exterior walls
__ Air returns, transfer grilles or transoms for all BR’s
__ Tested duct leakage < 5%
Other Efficient HVAC equipment (see Healthy/IAQ for Ventilation):
__ ENERGY STAR dehumidifier (if needed)
__ ENERGY STAR ceiling fans in often-used areas
__ ENERGY STAR quiet, outside exhaust fans (< 1.5 sones)
Appliances with Low Life Cycle Cost
__ ENERGY STAR refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher
__ ENERGY STAR electronics
__ Efficient dryer, oven, etc. (compare EnergyGuide labels)
__ If well or pool is present, efficient pump
Efficient water-heating system options:
__ Integrated with geothermal heat pump
__ Heat recovery unit on air conditioner compressor
__ Solar water heater, certified
__ Heat pump water heater
__ Tankless gas water heater
__ >0.62 EF gas water heater
__ >0.92 EF electric water heater
__ Insulated hot water pipes and tank
__ Central location of water heater
Lighting with Fewer Watts, Less Heat
__ High color, low wattage lighting throughout house
__ Fluorescent tubes, electronic ballast in attractive built-ins
__ EnergyStar fixtures
__ Compact fluorescents
__ LED fixtures
__ High-efficiency outdoor lighting
__ Photovoltaic lights
__ Outdoor fluorescents
__ High-pressure sodium or metal halide
__ Controlled, diffuse daylighting
__ 0.8 VT N and shaded S glass
__ Light tubes
__ Light color scheme interiors
__ Motion or photo sensors
EARTH FRIENDLY
Water Efficiency
__ Drought-tolerant landscape
__ Micro-irrigation system for garden (or none needed)
__ Low water use lawn sprinkler system (or none needed)
__ Timer on hose or watering system
__ High performance low flow toilets
__ Low-flow plumbing fixtures, aerators
__ Water-efficient appliances
__ No oversized garden tub
__ On-demand recirculating plumbing system
In areas of threatened water supply:
__ Automatic faucets
__ Residential urinal
__ Rainwater harvesting for outdoor use
__ Grey water for underground irrigation (if permitted)
__ Household sewage flow reduction system for irrigation (if permitted)
Waste Management
Reduce Construction Site Waste
__ Modular planning
__ Use of manufactured components
__ Use of low-waste building systems
__ Job site framing plan, cut list, central cut area
__ Donation or re-use of excess materials
__ Recycling of construction waste
__ Cleared trees milled or ground into mulch
Household Waste Management
__ Home recycling, sorting center (for household trash)
__ Backyard composting
Pollution Prevention and Ecosystem Protection
Water Quality Protection:
__ Effective sanitary sewer system
__ Private water well protected from flooding
__ Landscape integrated pest management
__ Backflow prevention valves on outside faucets
Storm water management/ runoff reduction:
__ Porous paving
__ Rainwater harvesting from roof
__ Landscaped buffers, retention areas on site
__ Construction sediment/erosion control
Minimize Use of Environmental Hazards
__ Suitable ozone friendly materials
__ Minimal use of pesticides, solvents, etc.
__ Low toxic wood treatments
__ Catalytic wood stove (if used for heating)
Native Plant and Ecosystem Protection
__ Onsite preservation of native trees, plants
__ Protection of tree root system
__ Landscaping with native plants
__ Preserved or created wetland
__ Preserved or created wildlife habitat
Favoring Green, Renewable and Local Resources
Suitable Green Materials
__ Engineered lumber, framing systems, trim
__ Concrete made with fly ash
__ Recycled plastic or composite decking
__ Recycled content building, finish materials
__ Recyclable materials
__ Materials made from waste (mulch, bagasse, etc.)
__ Salvaged materials
Site Choice
__ Lot within “green” development
__ Site near workplace or mass transportation
__ Infill site or small lot development
Shift Toward Renewable or Zero Energy
__ Passive solar (house design)
__ Solar water heating
__ Fuel cell (when cost effective)
__ Photovoltaics
Use of Local Resources
__ Local renewable natural resources
__ Locally manufactured products (< 200 miles)
DURABLE
Decay Resistance
Moisture Control
__ Architectural detailing that sheds rainwater away from walls:
__ Overhangs all around (2 ft. wide)
__ Roof pitch between 3:12 and 6:12
__ Roof drip edge
__ If lacking overhangs, non-clogging gutters or diffusers
__ Covered entries
__ Cap flashing with drip edges above windows, doors
__ Extended, sloped window sills
__ Sloped porches, balconies, driveways, etc.
Roof leak reduction:
__ Simple roof design
__ No flat roofs
__ Minimal penetrations; leak-resistant vent systems
__ Properly installed flashing at penetrations, valleys
__ Step and kickout flashings if a roof intersects a wall
__ Higher performance underlayment for leak-prone roofing types
Continuous drainage plane in walls exposed to rain:
__ Drainage space behind cladding in high rainfall areas
__ Vented space behind cladding in extreme rainfall areas
__ Or, sealed masonry construction (reservoir system)
__ Flashing of windows, doors, etc. that continues drainage plane
__ Shingle fashion installation of all materials
__ Flexible flashing tape, waterproof coating or sill pans and corner
guards
__ Doors set in pan flashing or “seat” in slab
Hot, humid climate ideal wall assembly (zones 1A, 2A, 3A):
__ Air flow retarder to the exterior
__ Vapor diffusion retarder to the exterior, if used
__ Permeable interior finish (no vinyl wallpaper)
__ Unfaced cavity insulation
Mixed, humid climate ideal wall assembly (zone 4A):
__ Air flow retarder to the interior
__ Permeable interior finish (no vinyl wallpaper)
__ Vapor diffusion retarder that adapts to seasons:
__ > R 5 insulating foam sheathing or foam core
__ Kraft paper faced insulation to interior
__ Special membrane that is low-perm in winter and high-perm in
summer.
Water managed foundation:
__ Ground slopes away from foundation
__ Gasket (capillary break) between foundation and framing
For slab on grade house:
__ Durable plastic sheeting under slab and lining the grade beam
__ Coarse gravel drainage bed under slab
For raised house:
__ Ground level under house higher than outside grade
__ Plastic ground cover in enclosed crawl space
__ Entire wood subfloor treated to resist decay
__ Drainage board for any below grade walls
__ Insulation system that minimizes condensation on wood framing
Other:
__ Exhaust fans, clothes dryer do not vent under house or into attic
__ Wood, fiber cement siding backprimed
__ No plumbing within exterior walls
__ Stainless steel hoses for clothes washer
__ Sloped floor and drain or drain pan for clothes washer, water heater
__ Air infiltration control (see Energy efficiency section)
__ Humidity control system (see Healthy/ Indoor Air section)
Long-Lasting Materials and Equipment
__ > 40-year roofing warranty, 12 year total system space 100%
warranty
__ > 50-year cladding warranty or masonry
__ > 10-year window frame, 20 year glass warranty
__ pressure-treated wood, masonry, steel structural components
__ fiber cement, plastic fiber composite or other long-life trim
__ plastic lumber or pressure-treated wood decking
__ appliances, equipment with longer than average warranties
__ long-lasting floorings
__ foundation designed for soil conditions
HAZARD RESISTANT
Multi-hazard Resistance
General:
__ Emergency backup power system
__ Easy access shut-offs
__ Emergency kit storage
__ Multiple escape exits
Flood Damage Reduction
Built above anticipated flood levels:
__ In non-coastal A zones, floor is above BFE using one of these
foundation types:
__ Slab on compacted fill, extending max. 2 ft. beyond house footprint
__ Slab cap on compacted fill within a stem wall foundation
__ Unfinished, floodable crawl space with flood vents
__ Pile, post, column or pier open foundation; enclosures vented or
designed to allow entry and exit of flood water
__ In V zones and coastal-A zones, lowest horizontal structural
member is above BFE with:
__ Continuous pile, open foundation
__ No or minimal obstruction as allowed by local ordinance
__ In areas of minimal risk (Zones C and X) near A or V zone property:
__ Lowest floor is above BFE of nearest flood zone
Additional design features:
__ Decks, porches built and anchored to resist flood forces
__ Garage above BFE or includes flood vents if below BFE
__ Garage floor, patios, etc. min. 4 in. below living floor,
__ HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems elevated above BFE
Additional flood protection features:
__ Backflow valve in sewer line
__ Flood-resistant materials and assemblies on first floor (drainable,
cleanable, dryable)
__ Appliance styles, installations that minimize damage in shallow
floods
__ In areas protected by levees, designs and materials that are
submersible, drainable and easily flushed
Hurricane and Tornado Resistance
(See wind design speed map and associated wind resistant building code for specific requirements; checklist below includes general guidelines for hurricane zones)
General features:
__ House is < 60 ft. long
__ No more than two stories (levels)
__ Wall height of each story is < 10 ft.
__ Exterior cladding (siding, roofing, etc. rated for wind design speed)
__ Reinforced safe room within house
__ Storm storage for outdoor items
__ Outside accessories securely anchored
Walls:
For wood frame construction:
__ 2x4 studs spaced 16” o.c., or 2x6 studs spaced 24” o.c.
__ Bottom plates anchored to foundation
__ All load bearing studs anchored to bottom and top plates with metal
hurricane connectors or structural sheathing with load-specific
nailing pattern
__ Upper story anchored to lower story
__ Structural sheathing or inset shearwalls to meet shear load
requirements
__ No windows, doors near corners
__ Corner hold-down hardware at ends of each shearwall
For masonry construction:
__ Rebar connects foundation to wall (4-ft. spacing typical)
__ Rebar reinforcement full height of walls
__ Vertical rebar reinforcement at corners and both sides of windows
and doors
__ For SIPS, ICF, Shotcrete and other building systems:
__ Engineered for wind speed of local wind zone
Roof, Overhangs and Attachments:
__ Wind rated connection of roof to walls
__ Hurricane straps over every rafter/truss (preferable to clips)
__ Roof pitch between 3:12 and 12:12 (< 7:12 preferred)
__ Hip roof design (preferred)
__ Gable roof end walls braced or balloon framed
__ Overhangs < 2 ft. (or engineered, if larger)
__ Roof decking nailed or screwed to rafters (not stapled) at 6 in. o.c.
or to code (ring shank nails preferred)
__ In tornado zone, 5/8-in. plywood roof decking
__ Roof deck seams sealed (with adhesive roof tape or membrane)
__ Min. #30 roofing felt (consider tear resistant type) or peel and stick
membrane
__ Wind rated roofing, properly installed
__ Attic vents protected from wind-driven rain
__ Soffits of rigid material and fastened securely to framing-
__ Porch, patio, carport designed, anchored for wind load
__ Columns anchored to foundation and roof beam
Windows and doors:
__ Height < 6’-8”
__ Meet code design pressure ratings (typically > DP 30)
__ Glass protections (plywood panels or certified impact-rated storm
shutters, panels, screens, or window/door units)
__ In tornado zone, passive protection (impact rated windows)
__ Pressure rated or reinforced garage door
Fire Protection
__ Fire resistant wall cladding
__ UL Class A roofing
__ Fire resistant materials around fireplace, and in kitchen
__ Smoke alarm (combination type, battery powered)
__ Lightning rod and grounding system
__ Residential sprinkler system
__ Planned extinguisher mounting locations
Hail and Freeze Hazards
__ Hail resistant roofing (UL Class 4)
__ All plumbing in heated space or well insulated
__ Pressure relief exterior faucets
__ Pex piping (flexible)
Termite Resistance
__ No untreated wood left in soil or stored near structure
__ Moisture managed construction (See Moisture Control section)
__ Professional soil treatment under foundation
__ Termite barriers at hidden pathways
__ Best: no untreated structural wood or vulnerable insulation
__ Borate-treated wall/roof framing , cellulose insulation, foams
__ Pressure-treated (not borate) or composite wood decking
__ Masonry, concrete or steel construction
Slab foundation:
__ Monolithic poured slab
__ Slab specifications to minimize cracking
__ Steel mesh epoxied pipe collars within slab
__ Consider treatment of control joints and cracks
__ No wood forms, stakes, etc. left in ground
Raised foundations:
__ No hollow concrete blocks below grade
__ Hollow block foundation walls capped with concrete
__ Piers are solid, resistant material
__ Termite shields between foundation and framing to force termite
exposure
__ Floor joists >18 in. above ground
All foundations:
__ No vulnerable foam insulation under ground (below grade)
__ Min. 8-in. clearance between siding and finished grade
__ Min. 6-in. clearance between wooden steps and soil
__ Foundations detailed for ease of inspection and detection
__ Porches, terraces not filled with soil
__ Porch supports separated from house min. 2 in.
Other:
__ Downspouts, sprinklers, drain lines discharge >2 ft. from house
__ Plantings placed min. 3 feet from foundation
__ No mulch near house or termite resistant types
__ Plumbing and conduit off the ground, no wood supports
HEALTHY
Good Indoor Air Quality
Control of Mold, Dust Mites, Other Biological Pollutants
__ Moisture control construction methods (see Durable section)
__ Air infiltration control (See Energy Efficiency section)
Ventilation and dehumidification:
__ Right-sized air conditioner (Manual J calculation)
__ Controlled, filtered fresh air supply AND dehumidification to
maintain RH < 60% and slight positive pressure via:
__ Dehumidifying whole house supply ventilation system, OR
__ Fresh air inlet with flow controller to return plenum plus a separate
dehumidifier, OR
__ Variable capacity air conditioner with fresh air duct and controller
__ Air tight duct system (sealed connections)
__ No attic power vent
__ 50-75 cfm bathroom exhaust fans with timer or humidistat
__ 100-400 cfm range/cooktop hood exhaust or balanced system with
make-up air for larger units
__ Pleated HVAC filter ( 7-9 MERV rating)
For households with allergies, asthma:
__ Central vacuum system or HEPA portable vacuum
__ 10-12 MERV HVAC filter
__ No carpeting in bedroom, family room
__ Dehumidifier capacity to keep RH below 50%
__ Entry designed for large outside doormats, washable rug inside
__ Planned outdoor space for pets
Control of Combustion Pollutants
__ Carport or detached garage
__ OR, attached garage well air sealed from living space
__ No living space above garage
__ Garage attic isolated from home attic
__ No unvented combustion source
__ Carbon monoxide detector
Protection from back drafting:
__ Only direct vent, sealed combustion furnace, fireplace, water heater,
if indoors
__ Bedroom return-air grilles or ducts
__ Dampered fresh air intake in laundry room (or window)
Control of Other Indoor Pollutants
__ Integrated pest management
__ Low VOC paints, stains, sealants, adhesives, cleaning products,
etc.
__ Low formaldehyde materials (or seal them)
__ Low emission labeled carpet, aired before installation
__ Finishes free of lead, arsenic, mercury, etc.
__ Modern mud room at family entry (shoe bins)
__ Radon home test
__ Soil gas prevention system
__ If hypersensitive, minimize PVC, electromagnetic field, dyes, etc.
Universal Design
Safe, functional throughout lifecycle; accommodates various ages,
heights, needs, abilities and changes.
Visitability by Persons with Disabilities
__ A grade level or ramped entry path and doorway
__ No steps into visiting areas and one bathroom
__ Min. 32 in. wide doorways to visiting areas
__ One accessible bathroom (5 ft. turning circle at toilet and sink)
Universal Features
Throughout house:
__ No level changes on first story
__ Thresholds < 1/2 in. high
__ All doorways > 32 in. wide
__ Hallways, paths > 42 in. wide
__ Lower switches (38-48 in. from floor to operable part)
__ Higher outlets (18 in. from floor to plug holes)
__ Rocker switches or motion sensors
__ Lever door handles, U-shaped cabinet pulls
__ Single-lever faucet controls
__ Easy to reach A/C filter
__ Adjustable shelves, rods
__ Rounded counter and cabinet corners
__ Non-slip, no-glare, even flooring
__ Contrasting color and texture visual aids
__ Ample, variable light without glare, task lighting
__ Space planned for “just in case” elevator shaft, if two story
Kitchen and Laundry - adaptable and convenient for various users:
__ Appliances placed for safety and universal access
__ Microwave at counter height (36 in.)
__ Front-loading clothes washer
__ Cooktop controls at side
__ 42 in. pathway clearances
__ 5 ft. clear turning circle at sink, range, refrigerator
__ Varied counter heights
__ Seated work space in kitchen (30-32 in. high)
__ No center stile on cabinets where knee space might be needed
(sink, cooktop)
__ Some outlets, switches on sides of counters
__ Roll-out shelves, baskets, drawers; easy storage access
One bedroom and bathroom more fully wheelchair accessible:
__ On ground floor
__ 36 in. wide doorways, no thresholds
__ 24 in. space on latch side of doors
__ Doors open outward
__ 5 ft. turning circle clear floor spaces
__ Bedroom has door to outside
__ Low windows and mirrors (max. 40 in. above floor)
__ No deep pile carpet or slick, shiny flooring
__ Knee space under lavatory (not obstructed by cabinet or plumbing)
__ Reinforced walls at toilet, tub, shower for grab bars
__ Non-slip decorative grab bars
__ Higher toilet, accessible (not enclosed)
__ Easy-transfer shower, tub with seat, or curbless shower
__ Single-lever bath valve, offset for easy reach
__ Higher cabinet toe space (9 in.)
__ Easily adaptable to changing needs
CONVIENIENT AND PRACTICAL
Functional Design
(See also Healthy/Universal Design section)
__ Abundant, adaptable storage space in every room
__ Sufficient, secure storage for outdoor items
__ Family entry nook for electronics, mail, gear, shoes, etc.
__ Consider attic designed for accessible storage space
__ Controlled visitor entrance, access and view
__ MBR on same level as second BR
__ Efficient workflows, traffic paths
__ Sound controls
Kitchen:
__ Service entry (from car) convenient to kitchen
__ Accommodates multiple cooks
__ Accommodates social interaction
__ Layout follows space guidelines (see Ref. Guide)
__ Work triangle perimeter within 15-26 ft.
Low Maintenance, Outside and Inside
__ Long lasting materials and equipment
__ Materials that need infrequent or no refinishing
__ Mildew- and algae-resistant materials
__ Heat, cold, sun and water resistant materials
__ Scratch- and stain-resistant materials, finishes
__ Easy to clean surfaces, appliances, etc.
__ Min. dust collecting surfaces
__ Space at entry for shoes, outerwear
__ Easy access to HVAC and filters
Advanced Wiring and Automation:
__ Structured wiring, central control
__ High capacity cabling
__ Easily upgradeable installation route
__ Integrated multi-hazard and security systems
__ Energy-management control system
__ Home office equipped for telecommuting
__ Automated lighting controls
__ Whole house wireless networking
__ Assistive technologies
Adaptable For Changing Needs
__ Open planning of social zones
__ Multi-purpose, adaptable room
__ Usable attic space
__ Expandable floor plan (future additions)
__ Tandem rooms with movable partitions
__ Design for technology
PRACTICAL
See end of Reference Guide for comparisons of specific building systems.
__ Lifecycle cost-effective systems, products
__ Locally available or easily obtained products, installers, maintenance
__ Reduces labor cost or construction time (financing cost)