Efficiency top feature in new homes

January 7, 1:12 AMReal Estate ExaminerChuck Harvey

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It should come as no surprise that energy efficiency has become a top feature in new homes, especially in the Inland Empire and other locals where summer heat and winter cold send utility costs soaring.  Efficient homes are also part of the green movement to build homes that are less damaging to the environment.  One feature gaining popularity is the placement of solar panels on roofs to provide power and to help prevent brown-outs during summer heatwaves.  Solar systems can add as much as $10,000 on to the cost of a home, but they provide long-term savings and can be factored into the mortgage.  Made to look like ordinary roof tiles, the solar panels blend in to become almost invisible. To date, most of the solar homes are in Northern California.  But homebuilders say its just a matter of time until they become common in the Southland.  Look for solar homes among the stars in Hollywood.  MasterCraft Homes has launched a solar-powered "all green" community called The Gatsby Hollywood at the corner of Fountain and Wilcox avenues. The new 34-single-family detached homes will carry the Certified California Green Builder stamp of approval.  The plan is to reduce each resident's carbon footprint and lower monthly utility bills by as much as 60%

Expect energy-efficient homes to become available to all levels of buyers from first-timers to the luxury set.  Top energy-efficient builders include Christopherson Homes, Barratt American Homes, Pardee Homes, MBK Homes, Lennar Homes and Centex Homes.  Barratt American Homes recently provided energy efficiency and luxury at Amore at Vellano in Chino Hills.  The homes meet Energy Star energy conserving qualifications set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The 50 two-story homes include composite wood entry doors, low-ultra violet emittance windows, hearing and air conditioning systems with multiple zone controls and two 50-gallon energy-saving water heaters.  To achieve green building certification, builders must provide homes with water-saving plumbing features, duel-pane windows and green building materials that conserve natural resources.  Examples include fiberboard, particleboard, fiberglass front doors and reclaimed paving materials.