Residential Builders

Commercial Builders

Home Owners

Learning Center

Training Center

Builder Login

Rater Login

LH Associate Login

Home

Welcome to Builder Technical Support!

If you are looking for Local or Federal Tax Incentives, explanations of how to participate in one of the many Green Building Programs across the nation or training in Better Building Practices, GWS is the source for all your Technical Support solutions.

We offer technical support and consulting for LEED for Homes, NAHB National Green Building Standard, DOE Builder's Challenge, EPA ENERGY STAR Certification, ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package, Texas Green Build and a verity of local green building programs.

Being one of the nation's largest 3rd Party Verification Firms we also do the Inspections and Verification for the above mentioned programs as well as IECC Inspections.

We can also help you with Building Specs for Framing, Air Infiltration, Insulation, Electrical, HVAC Design and
HVAC Manual J Criteria.

Tax Incentives for Builders

GWS seeks to provide up to date information on Federal and State Tax Incentives for builders across the nation. Not all states offer an incentive so the best a builder can do in that state is file for the Federal Tax Credit. Below are documents explaining the steps you need to follow as a builder to file for these incentives.

Federal:

As of July 1st, 2010 the Federal Tax Credit has not been extended to include houses built in 2010. There is currently a bill extending the Federal Tax Credit awaiting the signature if President Obama. If you'd like to be notified when this bill is either signed into law or vetoed please contact Curtis Maxwell at cmaxwell@gwssi.com to be placed on our newsletter list.

Individual States:

Oklahoma

As of June 30th, 2010 the Oklahoma Tax Credit has been put on a 2 year moratorium. There is still a question as to whether or not houses started before, but not finished by, June 30th, 2010 can still qualify for the tax credit. For clarification on this issue please contact the Oklahoma State Tax Commission.

Building Science Consultants

GWS provides comprehensive building science consulting services to our clients. We work with builders, individuals and trade contractors to evaluate the construction process, construction techniques and applications of building components to determine the optimal application based on climate conditions, building performance and cost effectiveness.

As part of the consulting process, we develop specific construction details outlining the proper construction techniques based on climate zone in which the homes are constructed as well as the building components being used. GWS’s staff of engineers and building science specialists work with clients to develop building science road maps to guide them in energy efficient construction practices that increase building performance, durability and decrease liability.

• Moisture Movement and Management
• Bio-contaminant Prevention (Mold)
• HVAC Comfort and Performance
• Attic Ventilation Specifications and Consulting
• Development of Building Science Roadmaps
• Building Performance Diagnostics
• Expert Witness
• Trade Contractor Training
• Development of Customized Construction Details
  

LEED for Homes

LEED for Homes is the latest, most comprehensive green building rating system for residential construction. The program is being developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and leading industry experts across the nation. The goal of the LEED for Homes program is the transformation of the mainstream homebuilding industry toward more sustainable practices.

GWS certified the very first LEED Home in the United States. GWS has been designated as a provider for all LEED for Homes services and will work closely with each homebuilder to achieve the desired rating. For more info visit our Learning Center.

NAHB Research Center's National Green Building Standard

The ANSI approved National Green Building Standard defines green building for single and multifamily homes, residential remodeling projects and site development projects while still allowing for the flexibility required for regionally-appropriate best green practices.

A builder, remodeler or developer must incorporate a minimum number of features in the following areas: energy, water, and resource efficiency, lot and site development, indoor environmental quality, and home owner education.

DOE Builder's Challenge

You know you build outstanding homes, but do the homebuyers in your market know it? When it comes to energy performance, the Builders Challenge is your path to a distinct competitive advantage. At last, you have a clear way to highlight your top performers in energy efficiency.

The Builders Challenge Quality Criteria are designed to promote continuous improvement while ensuring construction quality and efficiency so builders and homeowners alike benefit from reduced callbacks and increased comfort, health and durability.

To qualify for the Builders Challenge all homes, regardless of compliance pathway, must comply with the Quality Criteria and the Energy Performance threshold, as well as meet all applicable codes.

GWS has the knowledge and experience to get your building projects qualified for the Builder's Challenge.

ENERGY STAR Certification

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

GWS has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ENERGY STAR Program for almost seven years. We were the first Provider in the states of Oklahoma and Texas and have certified over 35,000 ENERGY STAR homes.

For more information visit our Learning Center or visit the ENERGY STAR web site .

ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package

EPA created the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality in their new homes.

By constructing homes that meet EPA’s stringent specifications, forward-thinking builders can distinguish themselves by being among the first to offer homes designed to deliver lower utility costs, greater comfort, better durability, and reduced risk of indoor air problems.