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HBApdx.org
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MAY, 2013
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BUildiNg YOUR BUSiNeSS
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HBA HOME BUILDING NEWS
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15
There are plenty of reasons to
plan ahead and closely consider
the opinions of all participants in
a new construction project. Most
importantly, careful planning
reduces the chances of costly
onsite errors. It can also make
your project eligible for a $500
incentive from Energy Trust of
Oregon. The incentive for early
design assistance is meant to
encourage builders to compile a
team to evaluate projects in their
early planning stages. It replaced
Energy Trust’s previous charrette
incentive beginning in 2013.
The makeup of the team could
include the designer, customer,
subcontractors, supplier and
verifier, and must feature at least
one New Homes program team
member. Consulting each party
and allowing them to weigh in
is a smart move that pays off in
more ways than one. The early
design assistance facilitator cre-
ates an opportunity for all partici-
pants to provide input and voice
their concerns. This in turn gives
the builder a chance to address
any potential problem areas long
before the correction window
closes.
For an example of early de-
sign planning in action, consider
the process when a builder or
architect works with an HVAC
contractor. Traditionally, HVAC
contractors don’t enter the pic-
ture until the home is in the post-
framing stage. This often leaves
them in the unenviable position
of accommodating a home that
wasn’t initially designed for a
specific HVAC system. An early
design planning session helps
to avoid this predicament by
encouraging early collaboration
in the design stage. It allows the
designer to make adjustments,
the framer to maintain proper
clearances and routing, and
keeps plumbers and electricians
aware of potential conflicts. The
end result is a better performing
system that costs less up front, is
less expensive to maintain, and
offers superior comfort – all great
benefits for both the builder and
future homeowner.
In new construction, it pays to plan ahead
Earn your $500
early design
assistance incentive
Energy Trust offers $500
to builders who meet early
design assistance incentive
requirements. For more
information, contact
Energy Trust’s trade ally
coordinator at 877-283-
0698, option 1 or visit
www.energytrust.org/
nhresources.