Frequently Asked Questions
 How much more does building green cost than building normally?
This is a difficult question, as we do not build non-green homes so we do not price our projects as green and non-green to be able to directly compare project costs. We routinely compete with and win contracts against non-green home builders and have not seen a significant difference in price. The square foot pricing for homes and remodels built by Earth Bound Homes ranges from $275 - $580/sq. ft.. This is well within the range of local, non-green builders and remodelers, whose cost is typically $225 - $750/sq. ft.
Sometimes, by paying more for more durable and sustainable materials upfront, you save money during and after construction. For example, at Earth Bound Homes, we only frame with kiln dried lumber that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This sustainably harvested lumber costs about 6-12% more than standard wood. However, since it is straighter, there is less waste than in the standard green lumber found in Home Depot or any typical lumber yard. In addition, because this wood will not shrink, you’ll not experience costly drywell defects after the home is built.
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Do you only build designs from architects and designers or do you also do Design/Build?
| No. We only build projects designed by outside architects and designers. We no longer do design/build. We find that when the architect and builder each focus and excel at their specific roles, the end result is always better than when you have one company trying to be an expert in both roles. |
My Architect or Designer doesn’t do construction administration or materials specifications, what can I do?
We can recommend several architects and interior designers that can do this work, even if they are not the architect of record on the project. However, we strongly believe that it is in the best interest of the client to work with their architect or designer through the entire construction project, including having the architect do detail drawings, specifications and construction administration.
In addition to building your home, Earth Bound Homes can provide the following:
- structural engineering
- utility disconnects or connections
- deconstruction
- value engineering
- materials selections
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How much do your projects cost?
| Depending on the project size, scope, location, site access, detail, complexity, finish materials and performance, our projects have historically ranged from $225 – $605 per square foot. |
Will you do parts of the project if I, the homeowner, want to do part of the project myself?
| Yes, we will happily work with the homeowner on a project if the homeowner would like to do some of the work themselves. However, any work done by Earth Bound Homes that is damaged by the homeowner will not be covered by our warrantee. Any work done by us that is dependant on work done by the homeowners, shall be billed at time and materials rates and not at fixed price as most of our work is billed. Additionally, there will be no warrantee for any work placed on top of or dependant on work done by the homeowner. |
What if I want to hire some of my own subcontractors to do some of the work, will you still do other portions of the job?
| No, we cannot work with subcontractors who are not our own. The subcontractors who work at our jobs are some of the best in the industry. They are extremely responsive to the needs of the project and fairly priced.
We spend a lot of time working with our subcontractors to develop the most green and cost effective way to build our homes. Because of this close relationship, these companies have become integral partners to the successful completion of our homes and remodels.
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How long will my project take?
Similar to the variability in project cost, the time to complete a job depends on many, many variables. As a rough guideline:
- New homes: 10-18 months
- Full home remodel: 6-12 months
- Additions: 4-10 months
- Kitchen and bathrooms: 1-4 months
- Smaller scale remodels: 1-4 months
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Do I have to get permits for the work done at my house?
Yes, Earth Bound Homes will not work without valid permits pertaining to the scope of work being performed. Either you can get the permits or we can get them for you. This is for your protection: the Building Department and their inspectors are there to make sure that the work is done safely and correctly.
Any contractor who offers to do work without getting permits is breaking the law as well as potentially trying to pass off shoddy and sub-standard work.
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Do you do small jobs?
| Yes and no. Our smallest jobs during the year are usually smaller remodels combined with building performance upgrades. These can include kitchens and bathroom remodels together with improvements to the heating system, insulation, water efficiency, lighting, waterproofing, etc. While we will do handyman work for past and existing clients, we do not have a have a handyman service for new clients. |
Do you do LEED accreditation for other builders?
| No, we do not do LEED rating for projects that are not our own. Clients can get certification for a Earth Bound Homes project through a third party LEED-AP. Our role would be to furnish all associated paperwork and relevant pictures to the LEED rater. |
Do you do any work besides single family residential work?
| No, we do not do any multi-family residential, commercial, retail, tenant improvement or industrial work.
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How much money could I save in utility and water bills?
| That depends on several variables: your usage habits, appliances, the size and layout of your house, whether you have a pool or a air conditioner, etc. As a reference, our top performing home has yearly gas and electric bills of $159 and a water bill of ~$250. Sewer, recycling and trash and other fixed fees add another $382 per year. |
Do you install Photovoltaic and Solar thermal systems on all your houses?
| No, all projects are different and not all projects would have the extra budget to add in PV or Solar thermal. However, we do highly recommend these systems. They are a great way to insulate yourself from future energy rate hikes and reduce our dependence on coal and nuclear-fired power plants. |
Are Photovoltaic panels always a good investment?
It’s most effective to increase the energy efficiency of the house first and then buying a smaller PV system to offset this diminished usage.
Examples of reducing energy consumption include:
- replacing your incandescent lights with florescent light bulbs
- turning off the lights when you leave a room
- turning off the computer when you are done using it
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How long have you been in business?
| Since 2002, when David Edwards founded Earth Bound Construction. In 2006 we changed our name to Earth Bound Homes and moved to our current office in Santa Clara. |
How many people work in your company?
| Currently there are 15 people who work for Earth Bound Homes- nine in the field and six in the office. |
Have you installed Greywater systems?
| Yes, several of our homes have functioning greywater systems. They are fantastic at dispersing a large portion of the home’s water used into landscape irrigation and aquifer replenishment. These are effective, simple systems that do not require a lot of energy. |
Do you use your greywater system to flush the toilets?
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Can’t Find an Answer?
Contact us at:
1103 Bluebird Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
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Office: (408) 244-5392
Fax: (408) 244-1123
or submit an inquiry |
