Green Building for New Construction & Additions

EcoBuilders of Virginia promotes sustainable building to minimize impact on the earth’s resources. The first business in Hampton Roads to participate in the 2030 Challenge, we look for ways to make a home use as little energy as possible.  We minimize construction waste and use environmentally positive building materials to create healthy indoor air and use resources wisely.

We recommend several methods to have your new home weathertight in a few weeks, with little construction waste, while saving money and valuable resources. Plus mold and mildew don’t have an opportunity to begin to grow.

Energy Efficient, High performance, Construction Options

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are high performing panels with a solid core of plastic foam sandwiched between two skins of OSB board. They are built in a local factory where all waste is recycled. Walls and roof are lifted into place by a crane, providing a weathertight home in a few days. Take a peak at this video [ Attention: this video has music] to see how a SIPs home is built.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) use dense foam blocks as forms for poured concrete, providing walls with an effective R value of R50 with no possibility for air leaks or insect infestation. ICFs provide the foundation as well as all exterior walls. Watch a time lapse video. (Attnetion: this video has sound.) You’ll have a weathertight home in no time!

Another quick and energy efficient method of framing is building with Steel Studs which are prefabricated in sections and bolted together on site.  Complete by adding a thermal barrier on the outside and insulation within for a cozy home. The steel wall sections are lightweight enough for two people to raise in place and install yet strong enough to withstand hurricanes.

Green Energy Efficient Additions

EcoBuilders applies the same high standards when we add an addition to a home.  Check out this green home where we added a third floor room, a rooftop deck and four other decks on two levels totaling 700 square feet.

Prefabricated Homes

Prefabricated homes may have had a bad rep in the past, but they are now one of the best options for new construction.  Made in a factory, waste is greatly reduced and often recycled, making them one of the greenest options available.  All decisions are made ahead of time so there are no costly change orders and cost overruns. Here are some of the reasons why we LOVE prefabricated homes:

  • There are ENDLESS options for your dream home
  • Our favorite manufacturers offer so much variety that we can find you that beach cottage or that old Victorian you’ve always dreamed of!
  • Since the homes are built indoors and assembled onsite in a day or two, they are immediately protected from bugs, bad weather, mold, mildew and dirt
  • Superior insulation and air sealing leads to better indoor air quality and money saved on utilities
  • They eliminate construction site waste and are less damaging to the environment
  • They are designed to withstand severe weather
  • Constructing your dream prefab home can save TIME and MONEY!

We partner with manufacturers of pre-fabulous homes that can guarantee LEED, NAHB or Energy Star Certification.