Energy Efficient House Addresses Issues Without Prompting From Government....

This past weekend I had the privilege of viewing an energy efficient home being built on Brown House Road in Old Greenwich by Preferred Builders Inc.

The company owner and builder, Peter Fusaro, provided a tour with accompanying explanations on the various components of this fascinating and forward thinking design. For starters, it is being built with a southern Sun exposure conducive to solar panels and even is equipped with the wiring in the attic should the eventual owner choose to install the panels. It had LED lighting that starts to save the homeowner money immediately upon taking up residence. In the basement, I was directed to boiler that is 30,000 BTUs and small enough to hang from a wall, saving on space and having a 96% efficiency rating.

In the bathrooms, there are motion sensors for fans that turn on when someone enters, and shuts off when he or she departs. There is also a hot water on demand fixture in all of the bathrooms that save on the owner's water bills by just working when needed.

My favorite aspect of the house was the handicapped accessible bedroom and bathroom. This was not required, but Pete was cognizant of the fact that many people at some point may need a bath and bedroom that are tailored to a change in their physical capabilites. As someone who saw his father become disabled and handicapped, I know full well that this is a very real possiblity for us all. In fact, Pete himself, even though still young and active, was forced to confront this reality when he had a hip replaced last year. The forward thinking and thoughtful builder remembered what it was like and hopes that new construction in the future will include these features.

On the outside of the house, he even placed hooks on the roofs that will help anyone who has to work on it. These hooks are approved and encourage by OSHA administrators in Washington, DC.

Please visit his website www.theperformancehouse.com where he will beannouncing tours with the architect along with many of the vendors and suppliers upon completion.