BUILDING BACKGROUND: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bulldozers are knocking down almost 700 houses every day. Since 2007, the non-for-profit organization, Builders of Hope (BOH) has worked to turn those houses into safe and affordable homes for working families. BOH has major development projects underway in North Carolina and has recently planted roots in Louisiana and Texas, and is working with officials in other cities. The organization works with buyers to help them with financial programming and credit counseling.
ALL ABOUT THE HOMES: The homes are affordable, environmentally friendly, and they are built to last. Thanks to extreme green building practices, residents pay lower utility bills each month. BOH uses several green techniques in the construction of its homes including spray foam insulation, low to no volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and adhesives, rain barrels for irrigation, and energy-efficient windows. The homes feature hardwood and tile floors, large front porches, custom cabinetry, Energy Star appliances, and drought-tolerant landscaping. All of the homes for sale also come with free computers, and most of the communities have free or low-cost wireless Internet service for residents.