–Victoria Markovitz
Knowing the Rules Puts Parr Lumber In Front for Creating Green Building Service
Builders may be unsure of which green construction methods to use or where to start in the green building process. After consulting several standards, the Hillsboro, Ore.-based Parr Co.’s Parr Lumber started its own green building service. Its High Performance System guides builders through the green building process, from planning a home to its completion.
By using the service, builders trim construction time, cut lumber waste by 75%, improve home indoor air quality, create consistent indoor temperatures, and save homeowners from 30% to 45% on utility bills, the company says. The dealer also gives builders a spreadsheet on which parts of the house comply with green standards.
The service, launched in January, begins with a pre-construction meeting for builders and subcontractors. This makes for a coordinated effort in producing the home. During the meeting, Parr talks about the building methods that go into a high-performance home, such as sealing ducts for air leaks and pouring a straight and even foundation.”We enlist everyone’s support,” sales director Nate Bond says. Parr’s construction company then builds, delivers, and installs a trade-ready structure. It assembles the walls in its plant, produces roof trusses that allow for more insulation, and makes open-web floor trusses to keep duct work in a conditioned space. Building these parts in a controlled environment lets Parr use advanced framing techniques and optimize each cut, leading to the 75% decrease in lumber waste.
The service continues after the home is done. Parr runs tests to ensure that everything was built and installed correctly. Blower door testing, duct blasting, and thermal imaging show if the building envelope is complete and tight in a “visual and undeniable way,” Bond says. Parr also provides builders with marketing materials to promote the benefits of their High Performance home.
–Victoria Markovitz
