| Oct 6, 2007 10:00 am | to | Oct 7, 2007 8:00 pm |

We’re starting to hear “Green” everywhere, and even people who’d we never thought would think green are now discussing the subject openly. Beginning this weekend, we will have the opportunity to visit a first of it’s kind in our area-seven green-built homes where builders will display green construction, energy-saving appliances and innovation in design and materials.
From the outside, it’s hard to tell that these homes are any different. They don’t ‘look’ like green houses which was important. Green doesn’t have to mean ugly. Once you walk inside, the first thing you notice is the calm, utter silence you encounter (well, probably not with all the show-goers!). With the new design six-inch thick foam insulation, double-pane windows and other materials, a home will be very insulated from not only the weather, but outside noises.
Update: We had the opportunity to visit these homes this weekend. Having seen model homes all over the metroplex for years, we must compliment these builders as having created among the most beautiful homes we have visited. And while the prices aren’t inexpensive, unquestionably, the value is extensive and they all sit on acreages. Several include guest garden homes, massive beamed patios, incredible stone and brickwork, top of the line appliances and floor plans that are very livable and comfortable. One builder we visited with even mentioned a guarantee of $125 max for monthly utility bills, on a home almost 4,000 square feet! You could walk in his home’s attic where the temperature was no warmer than the rest of the house. I don’t know about you, but my attic is an oven!
These homes, ranging from 3,500 to over 5,000 square feet had to meet more than three dozen construction requirements to be Green by today’s standards. They have low-emission paint, flower bed mulch made of recycled tires, natural limestone floors, building materials made of recycled trash bags, and foam walls are the norm including an attic insulated with spray-on soy foam.
The seven parade homes will be open from Saturday, Sept 22- Sunday, Oct 7, 2007, 10am-8pm each day.
Admission is $12-adults, $10-seniors, $6-children. NOTE: Save $1 on each ticket by purchasing them at a Tom Thumb store in advance!
Directions: Take I-35 to the north edge of Denton to University/Hwy 380. Turn right and drive for 10 min. to Hwy 377 N. Once on Hwy 377 turn at your first left on Fishtrap Rd Proceed to entrance and parking in Forest Hills on right.
For the official 2007 Parade of Homes website, click here.