Disclaimer

All plans are designed to minimize cost of construction, but actual design features may vary depending on site specific conditions such as orientation, longitude & latitude of project, city jurisdiction codes & ordnances, soil type and density, and client specifications. Plans displayed on this web page are to communicate a basic floor layout only and in no way are intended to be used or communicated as a zero energy home. Once the complete set of construction documents are produced by UDC architects and issued to client for construction will a performance assessment be determined. Clients are encouraged to check back to this web page for future postings of house plans. Custom home clients are encouraged to bring their desired floor plan layout and any other supporting information such as rough sketches and pictures for UDC architects to design from. Almost any house plan can be adapted to be Zero energy, but until the plan is complete and issued to the client for construction, UDC staff, consultants and associates make no claim to performance. Construction management and quality assurance inspection are mandatory throughout varies stages of home construction and are included in the design fee. UDC does not produce “Spec Homes” and each floor plan is designed specifically for the geographic site to ensure performance. There are slight differences specific to the site that will ensure performance levels are met and some floor plans simply can not work under certain conditions. To ensure that the house plan being developed for you site; clients are required to forward a copy of the site plat or survey to be used in a computer modeling and pre-assessment analysis.

All house plans are intended to be constructed only once as per location in which they are designed for and such finished drawings are exclusively the intellectual property of the architect. UDC will ensure the performance of the house only if the construction documents are followed precisely, quality assurance inspectors field verify design objectives are met in the field and are documented. All homes are issued a serial tracking number and performance rating and come with a operation manual for the home owner. Home owner orientation and education concerning the operation of the home is mandatory and will be performed by UDC staff.

Home Builders/ General Contractors

Only consortium members have access to architectural, engineering services and building science research and development. Custom Home builders are welcome to join the consortium as long as the agree to abide by the Universal Design Consortium Bylaws concerning membership and the code of ethics. Information and membership applications are available HERE. It is important for builders to understand that each home is specifically designed per location and that the home must be orientated properly on the site to ensure optimal performance. All homes are designed to exceed LEED Platinum standards (USGBC), but it is the Builders responsibility to provide LEED certification and registration with the USGBC if such registration is requested by the client. All homes are also ADA adaptable and have a multi-functional above ground safe room. It is not required, but recommended that the safe room be registered with the National Storm shelter Association (NSSA). Both handicap, elderly configuration and the safe rooms qualify for state & government incentive and/or reimbursement. It is the responsibility of the builder to file for all state & government incentives and reimbursements. Please contact UDC staff for list of reimbursable elements and state, local and federal contacts. Furthermore, the final certificate of quality and tracking Plaque will be issued to the builder after the final field inspection is completed and all Consortium standards are met.

In regards to zero energy design