Builders Circle Project Blog

In January 2011, the HBA of Greater Springfield announced it would partner with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield to build the first two homes in Habitat’s new Builders Circle development. The homes will be certified to the National Green Building Standard and their construction will serve as a demonstration of flexible and affordable methods by which construction professionals can build green in a residential setting.

Home builder Scott Kisling, himself a Certified Green Professional (CGP), is managing the project on behalf of the HBA. Here, Scott’s Builders Circle Project Blog helps keep HBA industry professionals and curious consumers up to date on the latest green building features being incorporated into the project. The blog also provides updates on the project’s latest progress and upcoming needs. Those who would like to help with the project are encouraged to leave their comments at the end of blog posts. Or, e-mail Scott directly to offer your assistance.

Builders’ Circle Blog: Don’t duck in the attic!

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Jim Baker

Yes, I have the title right. I meant “duck” (as to move, to avoid). I know the title doesn’t seem to make sense because we do want to duck in the attic, don’t we? If you have ever hit your head in the attic, it was an accident, you were not thinking or paying attention, and it hurt for a …

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Merry Christmas! Families Cut Ribbon on Green-Built HBA/Habitat Homes

Posted on December 26, 2011 by HBA Staff Report

Habitat for Humanity of Springfield hosted a very special “Hammering for the Holidays” dedication ceremony on December 22 to celebrate the completion of three Green Certified, Energy Star rated homes. Two of these homes (sponsored by BancorpSouth with financing provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas) have been purchased by the Barnett and Carpenter families, and were built …

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Builders’ Circle Blog: Is that Santa Up on the Roof?

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Jim Baker

No Santa, no red suit, no “Ho, Ho Ho”…in fact there is almost no sound at all on this roof. The color up there is a yellowish brown and is the gift that keeps on giving year-round. What’s “up on the roof top”, you ask? It is open cell spray foam, found on the under-side of the roof deck in …

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Builders’ Circle Blog: Do People Dream in Color?

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Jim Baker

It is an old question, but it seems Yahoo has figured it out. In a 2012 Yahoo study it was discovered that Americans today dream of a “Green” home. They found that 81% of Americans want to own a home and 50% of them want it to be “Green.” The second favorite “dream” was a home with a water view …

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Builders Circle Blog: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Jim Baker

We all have things we would rather not think about. Three that come to mind are taxes, dental appointments, and Crawl Spaces. Even though we may not like to think about any of these, the last two are definitely in the “do not like to go there” category. Are you surprised to find Crawl Space in my list? Most are …

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Builders Circle Blog: How to Save $6 and Build a Better House!

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Jim Baker

Building green is about building better. It involves selecting the best of renewable resources, energy efficiency, conservation, sustainability…and simplicity. The biggest enemy of accomplishing these is habit. “The way we always do it” is hardly ever changed because “that’s the way we’ve always done it”. But in the first HBA Habitat Green Verified house it was decided to save $6.00 …

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Builders’ Circle: HVAC, Plumbing, Wiring, Soffit and More!

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Scott Kisling

This was a milestone week for the two HBA-led Habitat for Humanity homes under construction at Builder’s Circle subdivision, as both homes are now officially and fully “under roof.” And, with roofing now complete on both houses, we should really begin to see rapid progress from this point forward!A big “Thank You” to Dale’s Roofing for roofing our second home …

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Builders’ Circle Update: Under Roof! See the Photos Here

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Scott Kisling

We are making progress on the two HBA/Habitat for Humanity homes in Builders’ Circle. Now that the framing stage is basically behind us, I anticipate that progress on these homes will come pretty quickly. Green building elements will be highlighted in the weeks ahead, as we work to use this project as demonstration to the industry and consumers of how …

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Builders Circle Update: Call to Action for HBA Members!

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Scott Kisling

Between the HBA Home Remodeling Expo, the Joplin Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build and just the general work load we all are carrying these days, it certainly is a crazy time for HBA members! That makes it all the more gratifying when we receive an encouraging word or a donation or just general support for the HBA’s official two-home build …

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BUILDERS CIRCLE: Help Wanted! (and see an advanced framing video)

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Scott Kisling

Once again this week, I want to give a big THANK YOU to the Habitat for Humanity volunteers that continue to provide helping hands as we build two Habitat for Humanity Homes to the National Green Building Standard. These volunteers work on Habitat Homes all the time, so there is great value in their learning about advanced framing techniques and …

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