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How Timberpeg Independent
Representatives build Green...
and save some Green
Learn how building pros design their own homes to be as energy-efficient as possible...
  Schaub Residence, Colorado
Energy Star® Rating: Five Stars Plus
Les Schaub of Sunrise Building and
Remodeling has made himself a comfortable
oasis in the mountains of northwest
Colorado. When Les became an
Independent Representative in the beginning of 2006, it
didn't take him long before he was planning this energyefficient
home of his own. The winters in the Rockies were
a strong driving force behind the design of this 2800-
square-foot home (1800 timber framed, 100 conventional
and 900 walkout basement). The house was constructed
with energy-efficient structural insulated panels and
framed with beautiful Douglas fir timbers. Thanks to careful
planning and consideration, it received the highest
Energy Star® rating possible: 5 stars plus.
It is the structural insulated panels that help so much to
increase the energy-efficiency of Mr. Schaub's home. In
total the energy cost savings per year are estimated to be
$741. But Les also had many good ideas when it came to
planning for the overall design and aesthetics of the home.
As he says, "During the planning stage, I found having a
list of room dimensions from a current or previous house to
be very helpful when sizing rooms. For light and ventilation,
I also tried to include windows/glass doors on at least
two sides in as many rooms as possible. The windows don't
have to be overly large to give good natural light."
In fact, using overly large or too many windows is often an
overlooked factor which can really impact your heating
costs. Les also adds that when it comes to building an
energy-efficient home, "If you are going to have a basement,
and even if you only have crawlspace, use ICFs (insulated
concrete forms). I am sold on them. They make for a much
better than required insulation package." These are just a
few of the things Les has learned from his experiences as a
timber framer and as a homeowner. If you'd like to ask
Les a question about his experiences, you can reach him at
les@sunrisebuildingcolorado.com or (970) 945-0747.
Floor Plan Features:
Open floor plan on the main level
King post trusses in living room
Two bedrooms on second level
Two bathrooms on second level
Walk-out basement with two bedrooms
Extra family room & bathroom in basement
4 bedrooms total
3 and 1/2 bathrooms total
3274 sq. ft. conditioned area (includes crawlspace)
To view the floorplan and Energy Star® report visit:
www.timberpeg.com/schaub
 McMahon Residence, New York
Energy Star® Rating: Five Stars Plus
Kevin McMahon of KJM Contracting had some serious
motivation when it came time to design an
Energy Star® home for him and his family. Kevin
explains that he wanted to do all he could to control
the long-term costs of owning a home. He says
there are typically four main costs involved with
owning a home: mortgage, utilities, taxes, and the
upkeep. Through careful planning and smart
choices, Kevin has greatly reduced the cost of both
his utilities and his upkeep. Kevin says, "As an
Energy Star® Builder, I wanted to incorporate everything
from maximum building envelope design, to
lighting, appliance and equipment choices."
Some of the decisions Kevin made to help meet his
goals were planning for a geothermal heating system, using insulated concrete
forms, and keeping the size of the house reasonable. "In building the 'not so big
house,' it becomes paramount in the overall design to stay within a very livable floorplan
without getting too much unused space," explains Kevin. "We even poured a
concrete floor in the upstairs to take advantage of the thermal mass of the concrete,
thereby keeping our heat pump usage to a minimum." The planning definitely paid
off. "Our house, other than a gas cooktop on our stove, is totally electric. Our utility
bills for the first year have averaged approximately $212/month with a family of
four, so we couldn't be happier."
"My advice for those looking to build an energy-efficient home is to begin your design
process with that in mind. Don't lose focus if some of the cost of some of the equipment
or extras may be a little more. The reality is that the upcharge to do the right
home (an Energy Star® home), is not really much more expensive than your run-ofthe-
mill custom home. It's all in the detail!" If you'd like to ask Kevin a question
about his experiences, you can reach him at kevin@kjmcontracting.com or (607)
749-2550.
Floor Plan Features:
Open floor plan on the main level
Two bedrooms on second level
Balcony overlooking living room
2 bedrooms total
2 bathrooms total
2364 sq. ft. conditioned area (includes space above garage
To view the floorplan and Energy Star® report visit:
www.timberpeg.com/mcmahon
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