BerHoff Homes, LLC - The Emerald of Green Builders

We Build Zero-Net Homes. That means, no gas or no electric bills. We are able to construct our homes to the highest efficiency levels and then generate as much energy needed for heating and electrical use through renewable resources. In the end, we produce as much as we consume to create a Zero-Net Energy Home.

BerHoff Homes is passionate about the environment. We incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of our homes focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and take the home's overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls. So how are we Green?

Energy-Efficient Features - Many of the energy-efficient qualities of our green homes are easy to spot. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems have ENERGY STAR® ratings. Our homes also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home. At a minimum, all of our homes are renewable ready, allowing you to incorporate renewable energy sources to your home any time in the future.

Indoor Air Quality Features - Our heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) are appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes are used as standard. All homes now meet the EPA Indoor airPLUS program.

Water-Efficient Features - Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR® dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment and heat recovery systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.

Renewable Energy - SolarBach, a division of BerHoff Homes, can provide the renewable energy sources you need. Whether it involve solar electricity (PV), solar hot water, wind or geothermal technologies, you can rely on SolarBach to be up on the latest technology to make your home energy independent. Learn more about SolarBach at our website.

Resource-Efficient Features - These decisions—from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan layout—are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should ideally take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Depending upon your selections, your home may contain renewable materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.

Outside the Home - In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems. Erosion maintenance practices that maintain the integrity of the construction site are also utilized.

Third Party Verification - Anyone can say that your home is green or energy efficient, but we prove it. Through the planning and building process, the GreenBuilt Home Green building program and Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® program will be utilized. Our average home is twice as green as the Green Built minimum requirements and over 60% more efficient than the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® program. Upon completion of your home, a performance test will be conducted by an ENERGY STAR® consultant to prove it. Your home will be registered as a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® and GreenBuilt Home. Such designations directly rate to higher resale values and recognized quality homes.

The Record to Prove it - Our August 2008 VHBA Parade of Home entry is currently the greenest home in Wisconsin under the Green Built program. The third greenest home in Wisconsin under the Green Built program is our February 2008 VHBA Winter Wonderland of Homes entry. Both these homes are showcased in our gallery. We are also currently building a LEED-H certified home that is slated for a Silver rating with potential for Gold! This home will also be Zero-Net energy. We look forward to building even greener homes in the future. Contact us about building you a Zero-Net green home today!

Below are other links of interest in Green Building: