RGV New Homes Guide Vol. 22 No. 5 (Aug.-Sept. 2014)

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER VIELMAssociates, Ltd. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe ADVERTISING MANAGER Jose R. Vielma Ken Sabe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erika Sanchez GRAPHICS Laura Soria INFORMATION SYSTEMS MGR. Chris Bailey August/September 2014 THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW HOMES GUIDE (NHG) is a bimonthly publication of VIELMAssociates, LTD. and is provided to its readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photography, artwork, and editorial content printed in NHG are copyrighted material and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. NHG and VIELMAssociates, LTD. are not responsible for typographical or production errors, or for the accuracy of information provided by the advertisers. Opinions expressed by writers and contributors do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. NHG reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication.

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Plug Into Savings Find how high-performance home certifications like Built To Save™ and ENERGY STAR® programs are saving homeowners money and helping to identify energy-efficient builders.

Home Energy Raters provide an independent third-party guarantee of a home’s efficiency using the Home Energy Rating System index.

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Look for the Built To Save™ brand for better savings, comfort, and value over a similar home built to minimum code.

The Rio Grande Valley New Homes Guide is published bimonthly by: VIELMAssociates, LTD. 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501 FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 971-9700 • www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Third-Party Inspections

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Built To Save™

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Amendments Act of 1988 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This magazine will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollfree at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional office in Ft. Worth, Texas at (817) 885-5521. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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Insulation Learn about the various options for insulating your home. Find out which is best suited for you and make an informed decision when you buy.

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www.BUILTtoSAVE.org

A Home That’s Built To Save™ Will Do Exactly That.

U

ntil recent years, it was virtually impossible to predict how energy efficient your newly built home would be until you moved in and began seeing your utility bills.

Often, it would be bad news and would continue to be bad news for the length of time you owned your home. But today, we have the ability to predict a home’s energy efficiency even before it is built, thanks to advances in building science which include a focus on analyzing building materials, technology, mechanical systems, and other areas that impact a home’s

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“envelope.” As a homebuyer, you no longer have to “cross your fingers” and hope you purchased an energy efficient home. To put it another way, who buys a car without knowing how many miles to the gallon you will get when you drive it off the lot? With a Built To Save™ high-performance certified home, you know how energy efficient your new home will be—even before it’s built. Here’s what you need to know about the Built To Save™ Program.

HERS SCORE

Test 1:

Blower Door Test

The key to knowing the energy efficiency of a home is in knowing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score. To find the appropriate score for your home, a RESNET certified HERS rater performs two tests on your home using special equipment after the home has been built. First, a Blower Door Test is performed which will measure the leakiness of the home’s envelope—how much air comes in and goes out through the home’s roof, windows, doors, etc. The second test performed is called a Duct Blaster Test and is designed to measure leaks in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The information is then entered into special software that calculates the home’s HERS score, a good indicator of how the home will perform with energy efficiency. Similar software is used before the home is built using only information from the blueprints to get a projected HERS score. The advantage here is that the builder can make adjustments before construction to ensure the home will meet the targeted HERS score after completion.

Test 2:

Duct Blaster Test

BUILT TO SAVE™ High Performance Certification Built To Save™ (BTS) is a Program that awards “high-performance” certifications to new homes built to energy-saving standards that are above code. The homes are inspected and tested by an independent third-party HERS Rater and guaranteed to have met the Program’s qualifying criteria which has been designed to help build homes that are more energy efficient with tighter construction, properly-sized HVAC systems, and much more.

In order to qualify for the BTS certification, a home must earn a HERS score of 76 or less.

Additionally, an extensive checklist of items is required in areas pertaining to the home’s construction, such as walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. The requirements of the Built To Save™ certification focus on building a home with a construction process that will control air into and out of the home to provide for substantial savings in energy, consistent temperatures throughout the rooms, and improved indoor air quality. The HERS rater and the builder work together to make sure that all of the checklist requirements of the BTS program are fulfilled. Buyers will receive a Built To Save Certificate stating the home’s energy efficient HERS score, and this document may useful in increasing the resale value of the home down the road.

HERS INDEX The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is a non-profit organization recognized in the United States as a national standardsmaking authority for building energy efficiency ratings and certifications for home energy raters. RESNET is credited with developing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which has become the industry’s standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. A home built to building code minimum standards will receive a HERS score of 100. Homes that are less energy efficient than a home built to code will score higher and those built to more energy efficient standards than code will score less. Unlike the gas mileage efficiency scale where a higher number means better fuel efficiency, in the HERS score index, the lower the number means the better the energy efficiency of the home. The HERS score ends at “0” (a home with this score means the home uses no electricity—meaning the home is producing its own energy through solar, wind, or other sustainable technology).

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MVEC SPONSORS THE BUILT TO SAVE™ PROGRAM

Built To Save™ Builder Allies Builders who are certifying their homes for energy efficiency through such programs as Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® should be commended for their commitment to building a better home than is required by current codes. These differentiated builders are leaders in the conservation of energy and make an extra effort and investment in building homes that will provide lasting savings and benefits long after they hand over the keys to homeowners. Lastly, if you want a guarantee that your new home will be energy efficient, don’t just take someone’s word—turn to a builder who is guaranteed by a third-party to build highperformance homes. Look for the Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® brands and buy a BRAND new home you can enjoy!

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is a proud sponsor of the Built to Save ™ Program for HighPerformance Homes. The Built to Save™ (BTS) Program is designed to reduce the energy consumption of a new home, and in doing so, helps MVEC conserve electricity and keep the costs down for its members. As with the

www.BuiltToSave.org

*

FIND A

HIGH-PERFORMANCE

HOME BUILDER

ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program, MVEC provides financial and marketing incentives to builders and home raters who complete the requirements of the Built to Save™ certification for homes in their service territory.

MVEC’s service territory consists of four counties in the Rio Grande Valley: Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and one located north of the Valley—Kenedy County. Magic Valley Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative serving more than 90,000 members across the Rio Grande Valley. MVEC is the third largest cooperative in Texas, and a pioneer among cooperatives in leading the effort to conserve energy with energy efficient home construction by sponsoring programs such as the ENERGY

Need even more information on the Built to Save™ Program?

Whether you are a home buyer, home builder, or supplier, visit the Built to Save™ website for everything you need to know about the program.

STAR® and the Built To Save™ Program for HighPerformance Homes. Builders should contact any of the home energy raters on page 13 to find out how to get a home certified as a high-performance home. Homeowners can visit www. BuiltToSave.org or magicvalley.coop to find a builder participating in these energy-saving programs.

Visit www.BuiltToSave.org for a list of BTS Allies or www.energystar.gov for a list of ENERGY STAR Partners.

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MVEC Staff and HERS Raters (L to R): Noel Perez (Marketing Specialist – MVEC); Rebecca Elizondo (Marketing Specialist – MVEC); Abraham Quiroga (Business & Employee Development Manager– MVEC); Rafael Munguia (Caribella Homes); Ray Henry (Environmental Energy Specialists); James Raymond (Renegade Raters); Chris Carroll (Carroll’s Inspection Services); Luis Barrera (E and E Air Conditioning & Refrigeration); Jose Vielma (New Homes Guide)

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Please donate to the construction of our first home in the Rio Grande Valley. www.crowdrise.com/OFH-RioGrandeValley

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Better Bones Make Better Homes.

High-Performance and ENERGY STAR® new homes have energy efficiency built right in, so they use 20%–30% less energy than typical new homes. That means you’ll save energy and money from day one.

These homes offer all the features you want, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver more comfort, better performance and energy savings.

Benefits of High-Performance and ENERGY STAR homes: •

Lower energy costs

•

Greater comfort

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Improved safety and indoor air quality

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Energy-efficient products and appliances

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High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment

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Independent testing and inspection

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Better for the environment

Find a participating homebuilder at SouthTXSaves.com

(956) 971-9700

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Energy Efficiency

The Key to Saving Money and Making Your Home More Comfortable

I

nsulation can make all the difference between reasonable heating and cooling costs and utility bills that threaten your budget. The Rio Grande Valley is in U.S. Climate Zone 2, which has one of the hottest temperatures in the United States.

By installing the correct insulation, you can achieve much more desirable temperatures inside the home— whether that is cool air in the summer or warmth during the Valley’s short winter periods. Insulation also quiets outside noise and protects against outdoor pollutants.

Here is what you need to know about insulation, whether you are buying or building a new home.

INSULATION RATINGS Proper insulation is all about controlling the flow of hot air in or out of the home. R-value is the measure used

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to rate the effectiveness of insulation materials. The higher the R-value, the more resistance to heat flow. Since the Rio Grande Valley is in a warmer climate zone, higher R-values are required.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) determines these R-values. The DOE lists its recommendations by geographical region in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and sets minimum standards that all builders must follow to be compliant with the minimum building code. Since building to minimum required standards is not always best for the consumer, we recommend that you look for builders of high-performance homes that build homes to higher standards than code. These builders construct homes that are inspected and tested by licensed, third-party home energy inspectors (HERS Raters) and are guaranteed to be ENERGY STAR® qualified homes or BUILT TO SAVE™ high-performance certified homes.

Ask your builder if he builds homes in the ENERGY STAR® or BUILT TO SAVE™ programs. This will be a good (956) 971-9700

EDITOR’S CHOICE Insulation Installers

IM LLC

LLC

Batt & Roll Insulation Suppliers

(956) 971-9700

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indicator of whether the homes are energy efficient or not. For a list of Built to Save™ Builder Allies, go to www.BuiltToSave.org or for ENERGY STAR® partners, visit energystar.gov for more information.

MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSULATION Depending on the part of your home being insulated, you should look at R-values ranging from R13 to R60. Attics require up to R60 as heat rises, making resistance to its flow more necessary.

Floors and wall cavities require much lower values, around R13 to R15, while ceilings may be as high as R38, depending on their structure (flat or cathedral). These are the minimum code requirements.

INSULATION FORMS In addition to R-values, insulation also comes in different types and materials.

The four main types of insulation include: • Rolls and Batts. Also known as blankets, this flexible product can be rolled out for flat surfaces like walls, ceilings, or floors. Usually made of fiberglass or rock wools, rolls and batts are available in widths based on the standard spacing of floor joists or wall studs. A great option for the do-it-yourselfer, it is easy to install.

However, it is not appropriate for oddly-shaped areas.

• Loose-Fill Insulation (Blown-In).

Made of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose, this type this is offered in loose fibers or pellets. It is blown into a space in areas where installation is difficult. It requires special equipment that is normally only available to professional installers.

DID YOU KNOW?

b Insulation can reduce average home heating and cooling costs up to 50%.1

b Insulation saves over 600 times more energy each year than all of the compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), Energy Star Appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.2

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• Rigid Foam Insulation. While more expensive, this type offers advantages in exterior wall sheathing and attic hatches. The R values per inch of thickness are more than two times higher than in other types, meaning it takes less of it to be effective. Installation requires specialized skills.

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• Radiant Barriers. Radiant barriers work well in warmer climates by reducing the amount of heat entering the home and lowering cooling costs.

It is offered in decking and foil. Radiant barrier decking is a roofing material. Sun hits the roof and reflects back, keeping that heat from entering the attic. Radiant barrier foil is installed inside with regular insulation and stops heat from entering the home. Both methods offer substantial savings on cooling costs.

• Spray Foam Insulation. Spray foam insulation is the more effective alternative to traditional building insulation materials due to its higher R-value and its unique advantages. This type of insulation is applied with specialized equipment that sprays an expanding foam onto interior wall cavities, attic

SAVE WITH THE PROPER INSULATION Radiant Barrier

Spray Foam

Rolls & Batts

Loose-Fill (Blow-In)

walls, and hard-to-reach spaces, holes and crevices throughout the home, thus creating a tight envelope. Additional benefits include substantially higher savings in utility costs over other insulation types, reduced noise levels, and effective control and prevention of mold, mildew, and pests. Spray foam is available in closed cell and open cell, which refers to its density and the use of one or the other, and the choice depends on individual needs.

Talk to at least three contractors. It is important to find the best match for your home and budget.

SUPERVISE AND QUALITY CONTROL During installation, remain present through the process and check for the following things: • Make sure there are the right amount and the R-value agreed upon.

• Inspect less accessible areas to make sure they are not overlooked, especially in the attic. Don’t rely on CHOOSING THE RIGHT anyone’s word. In the case of blown-in INSULATION CONTRACTOR insulation in the attic, be aware that a Hiring the right insulation contraccertain height of insulation is required. tor means not only hiring one that can A good contractor will account for provide the right insulation for your “settling,” which will reduce the height home, but also one that can install it of the insulation over a period of time. correctly. This is especially important • Check the walls if you are installing blatt before the drywall is and roll insulation because Inspect less installed and make sure these products lose their they are all insulated accessible areas to insulation effectiveness if first. Insulation is a big make sure they are not installed properly. For investment. With the right example, if the installer not overlooked, knowledge and contracforces the blatt insulation especially in the tor, it will serve you well behind or in front of elecattic. Don’t rely on for all the years you enjoy trical wiring along your home. anyone’s word. the wall cavities, this will flatten the insulaIf you have any contion and eliminate its cerns about insulation after your home is effectiveness, which built, it is possible to hire a home energy relies on its ability to retain thickness. So, inspector with the ability to do infrared what do you look for in the right insulaphotography to see if you have any tion contractor? Here are some basics to problem areas in your home (see page help you make your selection: ----for a list of inspectors).

• References. If you found your ASK QUESTIONS contractor through a source other than Do not take it for granted that a recommendations by homeowners, ask person is a professional because they for references from previous clients for whom the company has performed work. have a printed business card. Remember, as with almost anything, you get Refusal to give references is a warning what you pay for. And when it comes to sign and an immediate indicator not to insulation, if you hire the wrong installer, hire that contractor. you may be paying for it every month on • Check Certification and Insuryour utility bill. ance. Contractors should carry insurance, a contractor’s license, and a bond.

1. www.energystar.gov Reputable contractors are willing to 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR HOMES. Calculations performed by B. McNary, October prove they have these items.

2006.

• Request Multiple Bids. Do not settle on the first contractor you meet.

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www.rgvnewhomesguide.com McAllen

McAllen

Hours:

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

By appt only.

Address:

Address:

Plantation Gap 7018 N 44th Lane McAllen, Tx

Northgate Crossing 2137 Kilgore Ave. McAllen, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212

Sam Rangel - (956) 688-8321 www.dhrgv.com

See display ad on page 4.

See display ad on page 7.

Hours:

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

Call for personal tour.

Address:

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 3611 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX

Address:

La Floresta 2112 Queens Avenue McAllen, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Jadira Garcia - (956) 587-5050

See display ad on page 7.

Office: (956) 968-4231 www.westwindhomes.com

Mission

Olga Treviño - (956) 467-1111

See display ad on page 8.

www.divinecustomhomes.net

Mission

Hours:

Hours:

Address:

Address:

Mon.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sunday- 1pm to 5pm

Mon.-Sat. 9am to 5pm Sunday- 1pm to 5pm Retama Village

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 1920 Seagull Lane Mission, Tx

at Bentsen Palm

Sales:

Carol Kerr - (956) 607-6076 carol@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 17.

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Mission

McAllen

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Office: (956) 968-4231

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2204 Seagull Lane Mission, Tx Active Adult Community 55+

Office: (956) 380-6500 www.bentsenpalm.com (956) 971-9700

Sales:

Juan Pacheco - (956) 369-2456 juan@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 17.

Office: (956) 380-6500 • Hablo español www.bentsenpalm.com

BUILT TO SAVE & ENERGY STAR Certifications represent homes with lower ownership costs, and require less energy for heating and cooling.

Edinburg

GreenBuilt RGV Certification represents homes that are built using products, technologies, and enviromentaly friendly building practices.

Edinburg

W

A L D O

H O M E

Hours:

Hours:

Address:

Address:

1pm to 7pm or call for appt.

Mon.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sun.- 11am to 5pm Pepper Ridge 1307 Rocotillo Lane Edinburg, Tx

Sales (LtoR):

Office: (956) 460-3290

Eddie Garza - (956) 460-3290 Mario Pena - (956) 534-2353 See display ad on page 8.

Pepper Ridge Estates 1303 Rocotillo Lane Edinburg, TX

Sales:

Luis Waldo - (956) 466-8590

www.infinitycustomconstruction.com

Pharr

See display ad on page 5.

www.waldohomesrgv.com

Pharr

Hours:

Hours:

Call for appt.

By appt only.

Address:

Address:

El Dorado Estates 608 Feather St. Pharr, Tx

Buganvilla Estates 501 Red Bugambilia Pharr, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Mario Trevi単o - (956) 534-6305

See display ad on page 1.

S

Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212 www.villanuevahomes.com

See display ad on page 4.

www.dhrgv.com