What’s included with a set of plans, and how much does it cost?

 

A set of plans includes the construction drawings, a specifications document, and a selections workbook to track your specific choices for materials, fixtures and more. Here’s a document that outlines our process and our pricing.

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What should I keep in mind as I look for a site to build a net zero home?

 

Site selection can be daunting. The location is the least changeable aspect of a building. Here are some things to consider when selecting a building site:

• Solar orientation: 

  • It is ideal if the “long” side of the property faces within 30 degrees of south, to align with the south side of the desired house plan. 

  • A site without tall trees or adjacent buildings within 30 feet of where the south wall of the house will sit, and also not at what will be the southeast and southwest corners of the building site, to allow the sun to reach the roof of the house for as many hours as possible in the winter. 

• Water management:

  • Don’t plan to build in a low spot, where water will collect.

  • Think about how water will drain on the site around the building, and also where the water from the roof of the building will go.

• If you want a slab-on-grade home, look for a site that is relatively level. It’s best if the lot doesn't slope more than 3' across the building area.

  • If your property (or the site that you love and want) has a steeper slope, you may want to consider having a basement.

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Will other standard designs be offered by Just Housing?

 

Yes! We are planning more zero energy models, including duplexes, two-bedroom homes, and a lofted versions. Please check our website for updates.

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Can the standardized wall construction be panelized, and built off-site?

 

Yes, as long as care is taken to maintain the continuity of the air barrier and the continuous insulation when connecting sections of wall. It is also possible to have the structural stud walls built in a panelized or modular fashion (on or off site) and assembled on site, and the layer of continuous insulation installed on site. If you want to have your walls built off-site, we suggest you contact us to discuss your approach so that the outcome meets the intended performance.

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I already have a home design, but the house is planned for standard code construction. Can Just Housing help me upgrade my planned construction to zero energy standards?

 

We do sell a packet of our details and specifications that can be used with a home design not created by Just Housing. Using our standards may not get your home to net zero energy performance, but the methods and assemblies we provide offer a comprehensive approach to improve building energy performance and durability. Please send us an email or give us a call to see if our standard detail packet is a good fit for your project.

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These homes are not designed with attached garages. Why? 

 

Several important reasons:

• Indoor air quality in a home is of utmost importance. Attaching a garage to a house requires careful and vigilant separation of the two spaces to keep any fumes from cars (or volatile items stored in a garage) out of the house.

• Detached garages allow for building placement and land development most responsive to each unique building site. 

  • The detached garage can be located with a driveway where it best suits the house. 

  • The finished floor elevation of the house and the garage can be different, tailored to the conditions on the building site.

  • The solar orientation of the house is very important. Separating the garage from the house provides more flexibility to orient the house properly with regard to the sun, while also placing the garage where it makes the most sense.

• The simple roof forms on each design allow for effective management of rainwater and snow. Attaching a garage to a home often also complicates the rooflines, which adds cost and makes it even harder to manage water and snow.

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Why is “radical transformation” in housing necessary?

 

In Defense of Housing - If you only read one book about housing, this is the one to read.

 

“Everyone needs and deserves housing. But today our homes are being transformed into commodities, making the inequalities of the city ever more acute. Profit has become more important than social need. The poor are forced to pay more for worse housing. Communities are faced with the violence of displacement and gentrification. And the benefits of decent housing are only available for those who can afford it. …[T]he housing crisis has deep political and economic roots—and therefore requires a radical response.”

 

Source: Verso Books

 

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Can you make modifications to Just Housing designs? 

 

Interior modifications, which may result in changes to door and/or window layout, are possible. Additionally, we can provide modifications to elements outside of the thermal envelope, like resizing a porch or adding a deck.

 

Our homes are designed with intention for cost effectiveness. The designs remain cost effective by limiting changes that affect the overall character and performance of the house. Therefore, we do not modify the essential size or form of the building.​​