One of the main reasons I sought out Arbour Realty as my brokerage was due to the fact that they practice what they preach. Principal broker and founder, Adam Gallegos has created a full service real estate brokerage like no other in Northern Virginia that helps to educate the client base about the real estate process from contract to close while informing them about their own environmental impact in a very subtle and fun way. This is something that I aim to do with my clients as well as a part of the Arbour Realty team and with the construction background that I do have, especially with the high performance homes here in Northern Virginia. Here is a great post from Adam where he helps to navigate the waters of selecting a green builder in the pool of oh-so-many here in Northern Virginia.
Arbour Realty’s Founder, Adam Gallegos, Gives His 2 Cents on Green Builders in NoVa.
A conclusion that many people come to when shopping for a green home in Northern Virginia is that there are not many available. To get a high quality home that has the energy efficiency, water conservation, healthy indoor air quality and minimal environmental impact you want… you often have to have the home custom built. This scenario also has its obvious benefits.
The good news is that green has attracted the best builders in Northern Virginia. These are men and woman that stay a cut above their peers. They are using the latest materials and building practices. They are finding ways to build higher quality, higher performing homes for a reasonable cost. Efficiencies on the job site are allowing them to waste fewer materials than traditional home builders so they are able to invest more money in ways that will benefit the future home owner.
Not all green builders are created equal. They approach the art of green home building from different angles. So were do you start looking for a green home builder for your future home in Northern Virginia?
Arlington County has been a big proponent of green home building. They were one of the first counties in the country to brand their own green home certification – Arlington Green Home Choice. If you are planning to build a green home in Arlington I recommend contacting the folks at Arlington Green Home Choice. They have had the opportunity to work directly with a number of green builders and review their work.
Here is a list of the builders they endorse on the Green Home Choice web page.
- Advantage Properties, Inc.
- Arlington Designer Homes, Inc.
- Arlington Property Ventures
- Barrett Development, LC
- Concepts and Contours, Inc.
- Coyle Construction
- DWD Construction Services
- D.W. Ricks, Architects
- EnviroHomeDesign
- Fulcrum Builders, LLC
- Greenbuilt Homes/Celebrity Homes
- Griffin Head
- Cari, Harlan, Brennan & Company Architects
- New Dimensions, Inc.
- Sagatov Associates
- SAI Contractors
- Sarakinis Construction
- Stanley Martin Custom Homes
There is a regional green home certification called Earth Craft House Virginia. Their technical advisers are out on the job sites working working with builders every day. They help builders succeed with certifying through the Earth Craft program. They also certify LEED, Energy Star and EPA Indoor AirPLUS. The local technical adviser for Earth Craft is Chris Conway. Chris is a knowledgeable guy with a very direct approach that I think you will appreciate.
I have also had the opportunity to get to know the top green builders in the area. Based on your needs and wants I am happy to introduce you to a local green builder that will be a good match. We are also able to help you find the right building site that will accommodate your home, lifestyle and financial goals.
-Adam Gallegos
