SUBMITTED BY: NOR-SON
their properties beyond traditional recommendations with many properties having over 90 percent efficiency ratings. “R-values in homes the code is R-19,” Carder said. “Most of our homes are R-23 now. Spending a little more on better home efficiency insulation packages might be a $3,000-$5,000 upgrade, but they will take that option all day long for a very efficient home.” “We do a lot of in-floor heat throughout almost every structure we build,” Blosberg said. “That is a luxury but it’s a strong selling point. You basically double up on your heating package but it’s comfortable and you create a thermal mass that holds heat
58 MINNESOTA HOME | 2018
well in a house. If you have people go in and out, opening doors and things like that you have a thermal mass versus just heating the air. If it is in front end design development a lot of people want in floor heat.” A great amount of attention is also being paid to outdoor spaces with homes being constructed with large windows overlooking outdoor scenery, and a growing interest in wide open porches, outdoor living spaces and kitchens. Most building trends today are a focus on practicality with style mixed in.