Standard Features in our Green Custom Homes

Our Standard Features list has been fine-tuned over the years to ensure that our home buyers get a quality built home that is not over-priced.

Each of our homes are entered in the Build Green New Mexico program; classifications TBD based on a 3rd party inspection. Documentation on this process will be provided to the homeowners upon completion of the home and all inspections by a third party HERS rater.

Our standard custom green homes come with all of the following features and options:

1. Photovoltaic power systems can be speced as an allowance item.

2. Slabs to be 3000psi concrete. House pads are built a minimum of 6" above site grade. Patios are typically standard concrete unless otherwise specified by clients. We typically pour an apron in front of the garage in rural areas, and pour driveways and sidewalks in developments.

3. We include rock walls in neighborhoods where covenants dictate. Courtyard walls will be drawn on the site plan and bid separately where applicable.

4. Utility connects on homes provided by the contractor if applicable. If telephone and television are available, considerations will be made for their provision as well. Satellite service is not provided, however all applicable wiring will be available.

5. Gray water systems are available.

6. Typical framing details:
a. Exterior walls to be 2x6, 24" on center; placed directly under truss where applicable.
b. Metal T-Braces to be used to sheer walls where possible, allowing the use of R-Board as the preferred sheathing material.
c. Interior walls to be 2x4, 24" on center, unless plumbing necessitates the use of 2x6.
d. Where possible and available, studs will be ‘finger-joint' grade.
e. Trusses to be provided by a qualified, engineered Truss Company to be determined.
f. There may be instances when the Contractor feels that deviating from the floor plan would be in the best interest of the Purchaser. If such a time arises, Contractor will verbally notify Purchaser of changes, confer that these changes are warranted, and proceed. By no means will progress be delayed.

7. Termite Barrier of Bora-Care (or similar) termitacide to be sprayed after framing process is complete.

8. Heavy timber and exposed beam work available.

9. Jeld-Wen Windows (vinyl, low-E, energy star rated) are typically specified, but we work closely with clients to provide the best, most cost effective windows given client's needs.

10. Roof ventilation (if use of cellulose and optima is preferred) as follows:
a. One 12" turbine for every 1000 square foot of living space for exhaust.
b. One 8"x16" stucco vent for every 100 square foot of living space for intake.
c. Curbs can be built for the future application of attic extractors, if so desired by the client.

11. We typically use a four-ply hot mop roofing system.

12. Stucco is typically Sto 1.5 elastomeric, one color, to be chosen by the client. ½" weep screed per code, Jumbo Tex double ply paper, 2.5 galvanized lathe, 20 gauge stucco netting, one coat brown system cured at least three times prior to color coat installation.

13. Plumbing:
a. Water-Smart fixtures are typically used, along with low-flow elongated toilets.
b. Fixtures are an allowance item in this contract.
c. On-Demand (Navian or similar) water heaters are typically used.
d. System will be pre-plumbed for future water softener and reverse osmosis systems, by others.
e. Gas lines to be provided to the range, fireplace, furnace, water heater, and washer/dryer area typically.
f. Hose bibs provided on four sides of the home, TBD during design stage.

14. Heating and cooling systems are designed and engineered for each Green Home we build. Split system 16 seer refrigerated air conditioning with 92% Natural Gas furnaces are typical. All kitchen, bathroom, and utility venting, all return air and supply air registers, all insulated ductwork, Programmable Digital thermostats, and all necessary materials and labor for a complete and operable HVAC system.
Documentation of this system will be provided by a third party HERS rater.

15. Electrical:
a. CFL lighting is recommended, especially in Can Lighting.
b. Decora switches and plugs will be used.
c. The remaining fixtures are an allowance item to be chosen by the client.
d. Security System will be installed and operable. Monitoring by others. Pre-wired surround sound and central vacuum system are typically specified.
e. No televisions, computers, or other electronic devices are provided for.

16. Typical insulation package as follows:
a. R-Board (3.5 r-value) to be used primarily as the exterior sheathing.
b. Solar reflective decking for the roof.
c. Optima to be blown into the exterior walls to R-22.
d. Cellulose to be blown into the ceiling of the heated area to R-40.
e. Garage walls to be batted with R-19.
f. Cellulose to be blown into the garage ceiling to R-25.
g. Kraft-face R-15 will be installed on certain interior walls to provide sound proofing.

17. Upgraded insulation package to include closed cell spray-foam on the decking and open cell spray foam in the walls.

18. A typical Stearns Custom Home includes tile throughout the common areas, walkways, bathrooms, halls/ Carpet in the bedrooms and master closet. Alternative choices are always welcome as specified by the client.

19. Doors, trim, shelving:
a. Doors are generally an allowance item.
b. Exterior doors recommended to be fiberglass, textured, insulated with low-E glass where applicable.
c. Four-panel interior doors or similar, C-200 baseboard, and C-100 casing are typically specified; stain-grade/solid material is more expensive than paint-grade material.
d. Shelving to be masonite, typical of Stearns Custom Homes.
e. Closet rods typical of Stearns Custom Homes.

20. Series 194 ThermaCore insulated garage door (18'x8') including door opener typical.

21. Cabinets are an allowance item.

22. Countertops are an allowance item.

23. Appliances are an allowance item. We recommend Energy Star rated appliances.

24. Drywall to be slate finished, throughout the house, typical of Stearns Custom Homes.

25. Painting of walls and ceilings in one color is typically speced.

26. Standard mirrors are typically speced.

27. Shower doors are an allowance item.

28. Hardwares are allowance items. Door knobs, towel bars, toilet paper holders, etc. to be selected by the client.