Lake Tahoe Homes that Protect the Environment
Timberstone Construction homes are designed to provide homeowners with comfortable, durable, environmentally friendly homes that are cost-effective to own and operate. These resource-efficient homes are crafted to exceed Lake Tahoe building codes and provide homeowners with years of healthy, quality living, while protecting the precious Northwest environment.

Green: As a starting point for our Green building methods we follow the Green Building Guidelines. From there we evaluate each site and design to determine how we can work to make each home more “Green”. We have outlined some examples below.

Energy Efficiency: As an Energy Star Partner, all of our homes are built to the EPA’s “Energy Star” guidelines. This means we design Energy Efficiency into the home and have a 3rd party test and verify the performance of the home. This is how we are doing our part to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with Global Warming. The best part is it greatly reduces Utility costs for the homeowner. We also have experience with alternative energy sources, such as solar, geothermal, alternative fuel furnaces and energy efficient water heaters.

Recycling: We promote recycling before, during, and after completion of our homes. We use at least 20% recycled flyash and recycled aggregate in our home’s foundations and paving. Once construction begins we have an on-site recycling program that allows us to reduce our overall construction material waste. Once the home is complete it comes standard with recycling stations built right into the kitchen cabinets. Due to the organization of materials on site for recycling, we are often able to reclaim and utilize materials that would normally be wasted.

Low Impact Development: Whenever possible avoid affecting the natural environment where our homes are placed. Each one of our sites also has a strict erosion and sediment control plan that prevents unnecessary pollutants from entering our natural streams and rivers. This is a coordinated effort with the architect and civil engineer to ensure Best Management Practices during and after the construction of the home.

Air Quality and Comfort: When you spend half your life sleeping in your home and breathing the indoor air, it is important that the air is as clean as possible. Whenever possible we use non toxic paints and materials that won’t emit potentially dangerous chemicals over the years. To avoid the distribution of dust and allergy causing particles associated with forced air systems, we use Hydronic in floor heating which provides a consistent, comfortable, warm indoor environment.

Building Frame and Envelope: As a general practice we use efficient framing practices to ensure minimal lumber waste. Wherever possible the use of engineered or recycled content lumber is used to reduce use of solid sawn lumber. When available we have the option of using FSC wood to ensure it is coming from a sustainable harvested forest.

Insulation: We ensure all insulation types are formaldehyde free to improve indoor air quality. The use of spray in foam insulation is used whenever possible to reduce gaps and create a tight building envelope.

Electronic Monitoring and Control: Monitoring your home’s lights, thermostats, and mechanical systems remotely can reduce energy consumption considerably. Our homes are available with Internet access to your home via a web page, where everything can be controlled remotely. This means no more worrying about having left anything on when you leave or what temperature your home’s thermostat is set to.

Third Party Verification: To ensure to our homeowners that they truly own a Green home, we use a 3rd party to check our work and rate it. This rating system assesses how environmentally friendly or "green" a home is. The home is then awarded a point value based on the green methods and materials used in the home’s construction. We also have a 3rd party test and verify the home, to gain the Energy Star award based on its level of Energy Efficiency.