HOMES MORE& Fossil fuel to be eliminated in new home construction

Anupdate to the Building Stretch Code begins its implementation this July and becomes the new norm on January 1, 2024 when new construction homes will be required to meet lower HERS ratings thus forcing builders to build homes completely electric.

Any building permit applications submitted after July 1st will be required to adhere to the new stretch code which has more stringent energy efficiency requirements to help the state reach its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions goals of a 50 percent reduction by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050.

508-826-7661 lisasells@remaxexec.com www.lisashawsells.com

One local builder is being very pro-active and has already started constructing to these new standards. Ron Henault of Henault Builders, Inc. of Grafton MA started permitting a 13 acre site, Mike’s Way named after his Uncle who previously owned the land almost 2 years ago. When Ron learned of the new upcoming code and how he could offer homeowners a more comfortable way of life, he saw no reason not to get started right away.

The first 2 homes in this 18 home cul-de-sac community offers Zero Energy Ready homes in accordance with the new, updated 2023 Stretch Code which is more stringent and requires the houses to be built to a higher energy efficiency. Because of this our HERS ratings are consistently 44-45. The homes are heated with electric forced hot air furnaces and hybrid electric water heaters. They are also insulated and sealed to meet the higher energy code as well creating a Net Zero or Zero energy home. What that means is if the owner installs solar panels, the house will create more energy than it actually consumes resulting in little to no utility costs for the homeowners. The new code also requires ERV’s (energy recovery ventilator) in each home. These ERV (energy recovery ventilator) helps control humidity levels in your home, cleans your indoor air and saves you money on utilities. Together these systems save you money and provide you better air quality!

Two models are being offered, a 1650 SF one level ranch and a 2200 SF ranch with a large bonus room on the 2nd level. While these are condos, there is nothing attached above ground and there is no HOA fee.

Each homeowner has exclusive use of their half of the lot and maintains their own yard and driveway or can opt into a landscaping service if they prefer. There is town water and a separate septic system at each home. The street, Mike’s Way is lined with vintage look street lights and finished with sidewalks and will become a town street maintained and plowed by the town. These homes along with being front runners in energy efficiency also offer a great location within 10 miles of Routes 495 and 146 and surrounded by several small towns with plenty of local grocery stores and restaurants, they’re the new, healthier, more comfortable way to live! Check it out at www.mikesway.info

Lisa Shaw, Remax Executive Realty 508 826-7661