Going Green in the St. Louis Housing Market

Posted by JasonB on November 13, 2009

As the green building movement becomes more popular, you may be wondering what it’s all about or, at the very least, whether or not it’s worth considering a green approach to your own home building plans. To help clarify, green practices conserve natural resources and better our environment by reducing waste, energy consumption, and improve air and water quality.  There are many different ways to achieve these practices, and determining the right way to “go green” is unique to each and every person.

A leader in the regional building industry since 1945, Fischer & Frichtel officially launched its “GreenBuilt” program in the Spring of 2009.   The GreenBuilt program strives to bring energy efficiency to new home construction, featuring the latest in earth-friendly products and energy-saving technologies.  Through the use of energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems, and with meticulous detail to moisture control, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and low-emission components, GreenBuilt homes are able to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative, without sacrificing quality or comfort. 

Wherever possible, Fischer & Frichtel uses materials with recycled content and show special preference for products that are locally or regionally produced, pre-finished or created from sustainable resources.  Special framing techniques are also used to reduce dependence on natural resources and material usage, without compromising structural integrity.  

All GreenBuilt homes are certified in accordance with the Model Green Home Building, a standard established by the National Association of Home Builders, and is now a part of every single-family home constructed by Fischer & Frichtel. You can see the many energy-conserving components of your GreenBuilt Fischer and Frichtel home by taking a look at our GreenBuilt Brochure here.  Or, contact us to set up a tour of one of our new GreenBuilt homes!

Tax Credit Extension Alert!

Posted by JasonB on November 6, 2009

With November 30 just around the corner, there has been a lot of media talk about a possible extension to the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.  As apart of a new $24 billion economic stimulus package, the Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would extend and expand the current tax credit.  The House voted 403-12 on Thursday, and President Barak Obama has his pen in hand, ready to sign off.   The extension will include pushing the tax credit’s December 1 expiration date to April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.  In addition to the extension, the program includes a $6,500 tax credit to prospective homebuyers who have owned a home for 5 of the last 8 years.  Income limits will also be increased, from the current $75,000 and $150,000, to $125,000 for singles and $250,000 for couples.  The credit phases out for people making more than those amounts.

We’ll be keeping our eyes on Washington throughout the day for official word.  Stay tuned!