Prudent Living Net-Zero Homes are designed and built so that the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. Of course, homes will need to take into account human behavior and needs during the design, construction, maintenance, and operation stages in order to achieve net-zero energy use. The Net Zero design is based on average energy consumption of a typical family, and built so that the amount of renewable energy created on the site, and used by the home’s residents, balances out on an annual basis.
Generally, these items include the ICF Foundation, Advanced Framing, Triple Pane Windows, Enhanced Insulation and Air Sealing, Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical Requirements, and Renewable Energy (Solar).
To recoup the investment, it may take as long as 8 years, but our analysis shows that such homes are able to offer owners a positive return from day one. For instance, when the monthly cost of energy (such as oil and electricity) is compared to the increased monthly finance cost associated with building to net zero standards, the ownership cost of the net zero home is often significantly less.
Just as any house that is using conventional heating could go “off line” for a period of time, so might your Net Zero home. We always recommend the purchase of a back-up generator for any such emergency.
A high performance home is one that is extremely efficient, but does not eliminate utility costs (although any such costs will be very low). A Net Zero home is a high performance home with renewable energy added to eliminate the utility costs. At Southscape, the source of renewable energy is solar.
On these particular homes there is a 30% Federal Tax Credit for the cost of the solar array.
For a small design fee, Prudent Living, Inc. is willing to make adjustments to the floor plans. However, the exterior of the home cannot be altered.
Yes, you can change the siding color. There are 11 colors available for siding.
- Autumn Yellow
- Desert Tan
- Heritage Cream
- Herringbone
- Light maple
- Linen
- Sandstone Beige
- Savannah Wicker
- Seagrass
- Snow
- Sterling Gray
- ( Download color chart here)
Yes. There is a wide range of upgrade features available.
Currently, monthly Association fees related to Pullman Lane snow removal, lawn mowing, landscaping, Spring and Fall cleaning, capital reserve funding and common taxes is estimated at $125.00 per month.