How we build matters.
​Truly affordable housing is well constructed so that homeowners are not forced to spend their disposable income on repairs. Truly affordable housing reduces consumption of resources so that homeowners benefit from reduced utilities costs. Truly affordable housing does not pass on environmental costs to future generations.

​​To ensure that our homes are truly affordable, we take the following measures when we build:

• We install high efficiency home heating: The Evolution 96 Gas Furnace from Bryant combines top-of-the-line performance with bottom-line energy savings, with an energy efficiency rating of up to 96% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency).
• ​​We install efficient shower and faucet heads: Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators reduce home water consumption.
• We use soy based Earth Foam insulation: Earth Foam is a spray-in-place polyurethane insulation that is 70% bio based polyurethane. This specially developed product has excellent thermal and acoustical insulation qualities. Earth Foam expands in the wall or the roof cavity to completely fill all spaces and therefore is a highly efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss.
• We install energy recovery ventilators: Energy recovery ventilators provide a controlled way of ventilating a home of airborne impurities while minimizing energy loss. ERVs also reduce the cost of heating and cooling. 
• We install tankless water heaters: Avoiding the standby heat loss of traditional storage water heaters, tankless water heaters provide two to five gallons of hot water per minute.
• We install LED lighting: An Energy Star-qualified LED light bulb saves approximately $30 over its lifetime and pays for itself in about six months. It uses 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
• We install an automatic set-back programmable thermostat:The average household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills — nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
• We install high performance windows: New Energy Star-qualified windows provide 14% more insulation than regular windows and reduce energy bills by up to 15%. In addition, these windows deliver more comfort, create less condensation, and protect furnishings from sun damage better than conventional clear-glass double-paned alternatives. Extra south-facing windows are built into the design of the home to take advantage of solar heat gains.
• We install Energy Star Appliances: Energy Star qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.
• We utilize advanced framing and building science techniques: Iowa Valley Habitat utilizes a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the building process, such as rectangular design of the home to reduce concrete costs, insulating headers, raised energy heel trusses and California corners. Spacing is 24 inches on center, allowing for one-third less lumber used and more room for insulation. Putting roof trusses directly above wall studs increases the overall strength of the home structure.

These efforts help put Habitat for Humanity on the cutting edge of home construction, which is why we are honored by Builder Magazine as 18th on the Builder 100 List.

​​Volunteer
​Every volunteer makes a difference. Whether you are an experienced carpenter or a novice, you are welcome.

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Every donation provides
an opportunity to build a stronger, more stable,
​self-reliant future. 

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ReStore
​Every customer, donor and volunteer helps us build. Income from the ReStore supports our affordable housing efforts.

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