C'mon, this house looks no better than a Habitat for Humanity house except maybe wider. And what's with the front porch... is that all that was in available at Home Depot? A $254,000 price tag and the front porch, the first thing you see, is nothing but "toothpicks" . Toothpicks equal weakness which equals cheap. All the builder has to do is look at a few older houses and see how proportion works - it works wonders.

I see the porch comments on many posts about Habitat homes..one question always lingers with me..I was told you are to let the wood season for a year before painting, maybe that is why they look like that? We built new steps on the back of our house and of course I wanted to paint them immediately but was told to let them "season" over the winter and paint them the following late spring. Any one else heard that? Cute house, but big price tag.

^ I have heard that too.

I'm no expert, but I believe it's generally advised to let new lumber dry before painting. How long would depend on the type of wood and the climate, but I've seen numbers around 6 months for moderate climates.

I am one of the principles in Custom Modern Homes. I am glad to see that there has been some discussion about our Oakley project. Let me first say that although the porch columns are not the oversized wood columns that you see on many of the old houses it is because they are made from a composite material that is both “green” and engineered with a steel tubing on the interior of the post itself. The porch is actually cantilevered into the structure, so not much support is required, so what we used is actually quite a bit more than is required. What folks don’t see when they look at just the price of an urban energy efficient infill home is the additional costs that it takes to purchase and develop land in these desirable areas. The other thing that is different about these homes is the amount of expense that is put into the envelope itself (What’s behind the walls). All of the exterior walls are 2x6 construction which allows for the extra insulation and overall strength of the structure. Because of the extra expense in the energy efficiency components, the owner of this home will be able to realize total energy costs that will be less than half of similar homes in the neighborhood. When you couple that with the ten year tax abatement, the homeowner will realize hundreds of dollars per month in savings. These projects are really about reducing the overall cost of homeownership.

To comment on the painting of the wood; It really depends on how wet the wood is when you purchase it and the time of year. If you are going to use paint, it will probably take a few months to dry out. Our painting contractor suggested a white base “solid deck stain”. The stains are much better at penetrating the wood. They also won’t peel like paint will. Thanks again for taking the time to look at our development. We would be happy to answer anymore questions.

I know that is is difficult to build at the "price point" that you are at, particulary given the energy efficiency issues.

I do think however that the porch doesnt quite "make it" architecturally, and gives the home more of an "old house that has been remuddled look".

I wish more builders going after LEED certification would consider the use of historic recycled materials in their projects. Salvage companies are full to the rafters with pocket doors stained glass, staircases and even porch elements that could be sucessfully integrated into modern construction and put a project like this a "cut above" the typical.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THOSE HOMES KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I WISH MOST BUILDERS WOULD BE LIKE YOURS

Covering the bare wood is not really the issue though it may help to give a more finished look to the porch. Would you put bicycle tires on a Hummer? Maybe if they were built out of titanium(?) but it would still look wrong even if they were painted. I am sure this is a super-great house in many ways. However, it sounds like the porch and house were "designed" by an Engineer (hopefully). Engineers are known more for making things work with lesser regard for how they look. If the engineer would meet and "marry" a designer (Architect or Industrial Designer) they could create beautiful functional things that appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. Don't worry your house will sell. Not everyone these days knows or cares about the aesthetics of a front porch among other things, unfortunately.

The last post was removed for possible libel.

What is sad is that the only thing "green" about this home is the trailer that it was shipped on! This home was built in a factory in Brookville, OH that has no heat, no running water or useable plumbing, and has piles of trash stacked out back to fool the people that walked through the plant. Green is in the pockets of this companies share holders, and that is it. The employees have not been paid for their hours worked, the holidays, or their vacations. They have canceled the health insurance, won't contact Paychex to list us as terminated employees so that we can withdraw our 401k., and now, Mr. Tom Hennings is looking for a handful of employees to go finish a home that is sitting in the plant under contract instead of listing them as an employee! Are thes the types of companies people are willing to buy homes from?

For more information on Phoenix Building Solutions

Http://phoenixbuildingsolutions.blogspot.com

Too bad these guys didn't stick to the automotive business and the kwik e mart business. That price? knowing their business practices, Someone here is getting a their pockets lined and someone (the purchaser) is getting hosed.

Tom, Nick, Ed did you pay for the materials for this home? or just build it on the backs of you unpaid employees?

These guys must be a quality company. They don't return phone calls, removed their website, don't pay employees or for materials, are in foreclosure, and just filed for chapter 7. Great people Tom Hennings, Ed Fanning and Nick Jevic are. Maybe they looking for a government bailout.

I will just direct people here if they have beefs with the company: http://phoenixbuildingsolutions.blogspot.com.

Comments on this particular house have long since ended, so comments are now closed.