G.W. Robinson

What is building green? Building “green” is all about sustainability. It is the practice of building structures in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green buildings are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

What is the HERS score and how can I measure my house? HERS stands for Home Energy Rating Service and is a rating system developed by RESNET in order to measure how efficient a home performs. A home that just meets code has a HERS Index of 100. For every point above or below 100, the home is that % less or more efficient than the same home built to code. For example, a home with a HERS Index of 70 is 30% more efficient than its code-built counterpart. In other words, lower numbers are better. A HERS Index of zero means it’s a Net Zero Home (i.e., it produces as much energy as it uses each year). To find a professionally licensed inspector near you, visit http://www.resnet.us/.

What is the average score vs. GW? Most existing homes built before 2006 have a HERS Index over 100. If a rated home gets a HERS index of 100, it can be expected to use the same amount of energy as a code-minimum home of the same size — a home equipped with “typical” lighting and appliances that are operated according to average American usage patterns. New homes built by GW are guaranteed to be below 60.

What are ways to improve efficiency? To improve energy efficiency, install energy-star appliances and light fixtures as well as energy efficient light bulbs, such as Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFLs. Order a free energy audit from your electric company and consider adding insulation to your attic.

Introducing the New GWR Series  

Series levels and differences: G.W. Robinson has simplified the selection of upgrades by creating three levels of home packages.  The levels and main differences are:

• ePremiere – granite in kitchen, GE SS appliances, chrome fixtures, level 1 wood or tile in kitchen, foyer and family room, crown molding, garden tub, Anderson windows, Hardiboard, CFL bulbs, HERS score under 60. 
•  iGrande – includes iHome package, granite in kitchen and baths, GE Profile SS appliances, brushed or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, glazed kitchen cabinets, level 2 wood or tile in kitchen, foyer and family,  rounded corners, jetted master tub, family room ceiling treatment, window casings, stone and/or brick exterior accents, dimmable CFI light bulbs, Carrier humidity control HVAC system.
•   iLegacy – includes enhanced iHome package with cameras, GE s/s Café appliances, granite in kitchen and baths, brushed or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures , glazed kitchen cabinets, Level 3 wood or tile in kitchen, foyer and family, rounded corners,  jetted master tub, family room and master ceiling treatment, window casings, stone and/or brick w/stucco exterior, dimmable CFI light bulbs, landscape lighting

Start with the level that best meets your lifestyle and then you can customize further to meet your specific needs.

Announcement of Parade of Homes and descriptions about which homes will be in them: The Annual Gainesville Spring Parade of Homes is going to be in full swing for the public April 21-29. The Garison Way community will have two homes on the tour; the Avondale and the Oxford models. The Turnberry Lake community will also have two homes in the Parade . The Guilford model is a beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath home complete with the iGrande features while the community model center is an Amesbury II iLegacy Home with 4 bedroom/4.5 bath with bonus and study.

GW Robinson and Bosshardt Realty will be hosting a Realtor Showcase of the G. W. Robinson Smart Homes for the 2012 Spring Parade on Tuesday, April 24th from 11:30 – 2:30. Lunch will be at Garison Way and Dessert at Turnberry Lake. Catering by Mildred’s Big City Food.

Rezoning– neighborhoods along 241 have been rezoned to the brand new Meadowbrook Elementary School on NW 39^thAvenue, just west of I-75.  The principal of Talbot will be the new principal, with the school opening this Fall.  Turnberry Lake residents are now zoned for this wonderful new school!  Click this link for more information on this great new school: http://sbac.edu/~wpops/Meadowbrook/

Want to network with your neighbors?  Find out about what’s going on in your community? Visit our Garison Way or Turnberry Lake Facebook groups to keep up to date with neighborhood news or join the i-neighbors.org  for Turnberry Lake.

How would you like an extra $34,000 to purchase a new home? Yeah, we’d love it, too. learn more