Building Sustainably

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through the Tim O'Brien Homes 'Build On Your Lot' program, which affords homebuyers with the same attention to detail, construction standards, green building practices and outstanding service as those who purchase a home in one of our established neighborhoods. 

In this episode, Tim is joined by Laura Loucks, who is a board member on the Waukesha County Green Team, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote environmental and economic sustainability in Waukesha County communities through education, communication, and local action. Tim and Laura discuss ways in which community members can get involved including educational forums, networking events, and projects that help to conserve Waukesha County resources and to build a sustainable future.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Joe Nebbia who is a Technical Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy and Operations Director for its Zero Energy Ready Home Program. Tim and Joe discuss the Housing Innovation Awards and the rigorous application process, which is designed to recognize innovative homebuilders across the country that strive for excellence in High Performance home building practices. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien delves into the history of the housing industry supply chain and discusses the challenges it has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, including labor force shortages and manufacturing halts. Tim highlights the importance of creating positive builder-supplier relationships in order to mitigate disruptions in the building process and tells homebuyers what to expect when building a new home in the current market conditions.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through some things to think about as you start your new home search. Tim discusses the importance of asking your builder the right questions when choosing to build or buy a new construction home and highlights the benefits of choosing a High Performance homebuilder backed by a proven process and established industry certifications.

For more resources on this topic and to download our guide to choosing the right homebuilder, visit info.timobrienhomes.com/live-in-better

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by  the Program Director of  RESNET, Ryan Meres, to discuss the meaning of The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and why new home buyers should better understand how and why this Index is calculated. 

Ryan Meres has 15 years of experience in energy and water efficiency, energy policy and building energy codes and has worked at the Federal, state, and local level. As the Program Director for the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Ryan currently leads numerous programs, including implementation of RESNET’s HERSH2O whole-house water efficiency rating; as well as initiatives to get energy and water efficiency valued in the real estate transaction process. Ryan got started in the energy efficiency industry as an EarthCraft House Technical Advisor, working with builders in the Atlanta metro area to make their homes more energy efficient. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design and lives in upstate New York with his wife and their three children. 

Tim O’Brien Homes is proud to have been a part of the RESNET program and truly believe in what the program stands for. In fact, we’re a part of your EnergySmart Builder Program, which requires us to guarantee that every single home we build is a HERS rated. We’ve had every home we’ve ever built go through the HERS program since Tim O’Brien Homes was founded in 2007. 

For more information about RESNET:
www.resnet.us/

For more information about the HERS Index:
www.hersindex.com/hers-index/what-is-the-hers-index/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Senior Environmental Project Engineer at Kohler, Olivia Fritz, to discuss ways in which Kohler's focus on water conservation and environmental design can contribute to the homebuilding industry's push toward sustainability.

For more information about Kohler's commitment to sustainability and Design For Environment program, visit www.kohlercompany.com/sustainability/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our Director of Sales and his long-time colleague and friend, Pete Lange. Pete began his career in the homebuilding industry in 1990 and continued until 2009, serving  in roles ranging from Customer Service Manager to Production Manager to Vice President of Sales. He then followed his passion for teaching and music, teaching Band and Choir from 2009 to 2017. Pete  Re-entered homebuilding and joining Tim O’Brien Homes in 2016 and  continues teaching Sales, Customer Service, and Construction.

During the interview, Pete shares his insights on frequently asked questions by homebuyers looking to build or buy new construction. Tim and Pete discuss the benefits of buying new, the financing process, and much more! 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process from the Pre-Move-In Orientation and beyond. Tim details some of our standard and manufacturer warranties and highlights ways in which our Customer Care team strives to educate homeowners on how to care for their home to ensure lasting value. 
 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Marketing and Research Analyst at Newport Partners, Sam Bowles, to discuss the U.S. D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program. This program recognizes home the top 1% percent of home builders in the country meeting the extraordinary levels of excellence in energy and performance specified in the national program requirements.

Sam highlights the history and goals of the program, as well as the ways in which  every certified Zero Energy Ready Homes represents a whole new level of performance with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, healthy, and durability.

Zero Energy Ready Home Program
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-homes

NewPort Partners LLC
https://www.newportpartnersllc.com/

Tim O'Brien Homes
https://www.timobrienhomes.com/