In recent years, green building standards have become more and more popular. Homebuyers hear words like “green building” and “Energy Star”, and often they understand that these are good things, but have not ever heard the specifics of what these mean and the potential benefits. Abigail Homes, one of the great builders at Highland Woods is doing interesting things with green building. We talked with Pete Bean of Abigail Homes to get a better understanding of what green building is, and why it matters. Enjoy the interview below.
What is an “ENERGY STAR” home?
Homes earning the Energy Star rating must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Energy Star homes are at least thirty percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code. Components of an Energy Star home include effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, high efficiency heating and cooling, as well as …

Every month, we ask the Highland Woods builders various questions about their homes and life in Highland Woods and Elgin. Homebuyers at Highland Woods are pleased with the process of working with such excellent builders. This month, we were curious to hear the builder’s secret to success with homebuyers—we asked what was their top priority. Check out some of the responses to our monthly question.
Our client’s are looking for creativeness, flexibility in design, the ability to have rooms they will actually use, and they want details like taller base mouldings, wider casings, and Energy Efficiency.  John Hall Homes offers that in our Custom and Select Series of Homes.
-John R. Hall Jr., John Hall Custom Homes
www.johnhallhomes.com
At Abigail Homes, we strive to make the home building experience as seamless as possible, from design to delivery. You do not have to “settle” and compromise what you want in a new custom home – …

Every month, we ask the Highland Woods builders various questions about their homes and life in Highland Woods and Elgin. Highland Woods offers several models that are open for viewing. This month, we were curious to hear which room in a builder’s model or offered floorplan is the builder’s favorite. Check out some of the responses to our monthly question.
My favorite room in our decorated model home is the dramatic family room. Overstreet Builders family room includes a grand 18 foot 2-story ceiling which creates a spectacular view overlooking the family room from the second floor. The family room features a fireplace with 2 story soaring windows on both sides. This family room definitely has it all!!
-Kari McNeil, Overstreet Builders, Inc.
Model open for viewing!
I think the best room in our model was the study. Our “Alexis” model had an elegantly appointed study, with 5-foot judges paneling, box beamed ceiling, …