Ferrier Homes Presentation. President Don Ferrier

Don Ferrier, President of Ferrier, builds energy efficient homes.  He is a third generation home builder who build his first energy efficient home in 1982 and hasn't looked back.  He came to our class to show us how homes can be built or remodeled to be highly energy efficient.  They also build and remodel commercial buildings to meet strict energy efficient standards.

Don said he gets three types of customers.

First are baby boomers, who are looking to build their "last" home.  He said they may have more money to spend, but are, or will soon be living on retirement income and want to make their monthly dollars stretch as far as possible, so they look to energy efficiency to keep monthly expenses as low as possible.

Second, he sees younger couples and families who want to build a highly efficient home because they are looking for smart design, and want to be green to be socially responsible.

Third, he get's customers who want to be completely self sufficient.  These are survivalists, often termed, "Preppers" because they are preparing for hard times, or even the Apocalypse.

He then spoke about three projects his company has completed.  First is a cabin.  The customer wanted to be "off grid."  They designed the cabin to be as highly energy efficient as possible, and installed a windmill on a poll to provide for the electrical needs of the cabin.

Next he spoke about a remodel he did for his daughter.  She had been living in another home Don built that was very energy efficient and wanted to transport another home.  Here are the results of that remodel:

The third project was a commercial building for a small energy company.  Here are some of the stats of that remodel (from the Ferrier Custom Homes website):

• Structural insulated panels
• Tankless water heater
• Low voltage lighting
• Stained & sealed concrete floors
• Low VOC paints & stains
• Highly reflective metal roof
• Energy Star certified

Ferrier Homes also has an "Affordable Green Home."  Which is a production style home that offers sustainability at about $100 per square foot.

To learn more about Ferrier Homes, here's a link to their website:
http://www.ferriercustomhomes.com/home/