"The cost of our COSC membership has been returned many times and is the best value that I have ever been associated with."

Why did you become a member of COSC?

I live on an acreage by Adel where Paris Boehm and I designed and built this new home. I have always wanted to build my own home and have studied, purchased books and magazines, etc for over twenty years. My first priority was always energy efficiency and the second was indoor air quality. I moved back to Des Moines about 15 years ago after living in New Hampshire for 10 years. There, I was exposed to timber framing and many different methods of green building. I became frustrated here in Des Moines trying to find someone that understood what I was talking about. Finally, I discovered COSC through Paris. She told me about this organization and I have been involved ever since.

Give us some background on your building project.

My parents purchased the farm property in Adel in 1950 and it's where I grew up. When my mother passed away in July 2007, I created a mini-plat from the farm so that I could sell off the farmhouse and out buildings.  However, when the acreage hadn't sold, I decided to purchase the property from my siblings. My original intent was to renovate the old farm home. I had multiple bids to restore the farmhouse when it became apparent that it would not be cost effective to continue. The decision was made to build new. Paris and I had ideas in mind and finally found a builder who understood what we were talking about.

I hired Nick Knight in May of 2009 and we started to develop the plans. Energy efficiency and indoor air quality were paramount in the design along with the type of materials used. It was very important to me to "do things the right way" while honoring the location that has been so important to my family and me. The home is a 1900 sq.ft. single level house with a partial basement and a walk-up attic.

How has COSC influenced the project?

The cost of our COSC membership has been returned many times and is the best value that I have ever been associated with. COSC had, and still has, an incredible influence on this home. As I stated earlier, I have been purchasing books and magazines for years trying to put the whole project together. Taking COSC’s classes by Marc Richmond and attending many others, that included the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home workshops, provided the best information to ensure our home was built "the right way."

The valuable guidance started with the footings and never stopped. For instance, Paris had the builder remove the already-installed windows and re-install them the way we learned in COSC sessions!  And, to top it off, COSC’s Jacob Kvinlaug advised us and trained our builder and his crew. He was an invaluable resource. Our home is sustainably built and very comfortable. I am looking forward to winter and enjoying the radiant heated floors!

Were there unexpected positive experiences gained?

Meeting some wonderful craftsmen who really care about their work was priceless. We've also thoroughly enjoyed sitting back and taking in the view from the family room while relishing the fact that this is a home that we designed and built together.

What obstacles have you overcome as you incorporated these priorities?

Initially, there were some difficulties finding materials and getting subcontractors to buy into our methods but the ‘green movement’ has helped make acceptance easier. Also, our attitude of being consistent (no compromises) and persistent (working with crew and colleagues until we got what we wanted) has paid off in the long run.

When you're not building a new home, how do you spend your time?

I am a Realtor an hav been with Iowa Realty since 2002. I am retired from AT&T where I worked with large businesses designing wide area networks, disaster recovery plans, and web hosting and internet applications. I am an avid blue water sailor, love to SCUBA, snorkel, bike and enjoy travel. I have three children and five grandchildren all of whom live in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area.

RICHARD MYERS, EcoBroker Certified
Iowa Realty Co., Inc., West Des Moines, IA
www.iowarealty.com | 515-453-6259 | richmyers@iowarealty.com