The old spoken mantra “build it quicker and cheaper” is being replaced by a new mantra from Better Way Builders: “build it better and with the latest innovations.”

Our system approach begins by building all of our homes to the ENERGY STAR standards.  ENERGY STAR is the government backed symbol for energy efficiency. The mark identifies new homes and more than 50 types of products that are energy efficient and offer the features, quality, and performance that today’s consumers expect.  A home that earns the ENERGY STAR is significantly more efficient, comfortable, and durable than a standard home.  By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified home, you can have all the features you desire in your new home, plus lower utility bills.

How does a home built by BETTER WAY BUILDERS achieve the ENERGY STAR label?

Superior Foundation – The use of a superior foundation is the key to a well built home.  A warm, dry, insulated basement is the goal.  We can achieve this with the use of the Superior Walls Xi foundation system.  The Xi precast insulated panels are custom-designed and constructed in a factory controlled setting and delivered to the job site. These steel reinforced concrete wall panels are erected on site and create a permanent barrier against sidewall water penetration. They feature 2-1/2 inches of continuous Styrofoam for superior warmth and energy efficiency. The interior is ready for wall board and comes with a 15-year warranty.

Tight Construction – The exterior envelope creates a barrier from the elements for the comfort of the inhabitants. Many materials can be used to form this envelope, but we feel none can do it as tight, as energy efficiently, as fast and economical, and with as much design flexibility as Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) manufactured by Thermocore of Missouri.  This unique one piece product provides superior strength and insulation properties, replacing conventional framing and insulation commonly found in homes today.  SIPs are faster to erect and result in straighter, flatter walls, with excellent insulating properties. They are significantly stronger than the antiquated stick-framed walls.  For more information visit www.thermocore.com

Effective Insulation - There are 3 parts to effective insulating - complete coverage, adequate R-value, and proper installation. We can effectively achieve all 3 of these qualities using Thermocore panels. 
The composition and installation of each panel gives an overall whole wall performance second to none.  The process minimizes thermal breaks in a wall system which ultimately degrades the effectiveness of a wall’s insulating properties.

High Performance Windows –The orientation within the structure and overall rated performance are the 2 key components of effectively choosing high performance windows.  Each design is studied to determine the effective placement of windows in conjunction with stated performance values. This placement determines the ultimate desired performance within a BETTER WAY BUILDERS home. 

Passive Solar Design –Proper orientation of the home on the building site can reap many rewards.  Southern orientation can make it easier to control the amount of natural sunlight that enters the house for lighting, heating, and cooling purposes.  In the design phase, we look at how orientation, window placement, roof overhangs, and design and landscape shading can benefit the comfort level of a home.--as well as your annual utility costs.

Renewable Energy – Increasing fuel and home energy costs coupled with concerns of relying on foreign oil have led to an explosion of renewable energy opportunities in the building industry.  Demand for alternative energy sources has led to increasing government support, energy legislation and financial incentives for the public.  Technological advancements in wind, photovoltaic's, and solar thermal components have made renewable energy options more viable in home construction.  Depending upon your objectives and in conjunction with Mid America Advanced Power Solutions(MAAPS), we can incorporate strategies to improve upon your annual energy usage and costs.  Our team has the expertise to design a system aligned with your lifestyle choices and budget; we can custom-design an alternative energy source to suit your needs.

Efficient Heating & Cooling Equipment –Selecting HVAC systems is a very important part of   our design process.  Our first step is to properly size the system for effectiveness. Improperly sized equipment can be costly and/or ineffective.  But, a properly sized system will provide the most effective, efficient, healthy, and comfortable living environment.  In conjunction with our HVAC systems, we install a mechanical ventilation system with a secondary filtration system to ensure proper air circulation and an overall healthy indoor living environment. 

Energy Star Appliances and Fixtures –Energy Star rated appliances and water sense-labeled fixtures are installed in all of our homes.  The Energy Star label ensures that these units use 20-50% less energy than their counterparts.