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Christian Builders • Elk River, MN

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About the Builder - Christian Builders

Christian Builders was founded in 1974 and has become one of the largest residential builders in the Minneapolis, Minnesota Northwest suburbs. We specialize in designing homes to fit the natural contours of the land, utilizing unique materials to enhance the character of the home. Christian Builders is striving to be recognized as this areas premier energy efficient, homebuilder that pro-motes healthy living environments and addresses resource efficiency by using recycled materials. We take into consideration the mechanical components available to build a healthy environment for your family. Christian Builders is committed to providing our homebuyers with affordable, high quality, high value homes. 

Christian Builders was recognized in 1999 by the National Home Builders Research Center as a leader in energy and resource efficiency in construction. As a Gold Winner of the Energy Value Housing Award, Christian Builders has demonstrated a commitment to building energy efficient custom homes, in the Cold Climate region.

Design Philosophy and Application

Because of our longevity in the building industry, we recognize the importance of building energy efficiency homes. We take pride in exceeding the current State of Minnesota building codes, which are one of the most stringent in the country. When we compare the current Minnesota energy code standards with the Energy House II homes we build, our customers can see a 25% reduction in energy costs annually. Christian Builders embraces and implements new technology so our customers can enjoy a more comfortable, durable and healthier home.

Christian Builders Features

Mechanical System Characteristics

• 92% AFUE sealed combustion furnace 
• 12.5 SEER air conditioner 
• Balanced heat recovery ventilation system, 80% recovery efficiency 
• Power vented natural gas water heater

System Improvements 

• Balanced heat recovery ventilation system 
• Exterior air flow retarder system, sealed house-wrap • Interior air/vapor barrier system, sealed poly-ethylene 
• High performance glazing 
• Sealed sump pail 
• Sealed polyethylene moisture barrier below slab 
• Sealed foam boxes used to seal recessed lighting 
• Raised heel trusses used to maximize insulation depth at top plates 

Envelope Characteristics

• Floor area: 3,570 square feet 
• Foundation: Block walls with cap blocks and sealed finger joints, sealed R-4 rigid foam insulation on interior, 2X4 furred wall with R-11 batts
• Wall System: Advanced framed, 2X6 with high density R-21 batts and interior air/vapor barrier 
• Attic/Roof: Raised heel truss system with R-44 blown fiberglass insulation and sealed wind-wash barrier 
• Windows: Fiberglass framed, double glazed, argon filled with Low-E coating U: 0.30

Measured Leakage Characteristics: 

• Total envelope CFM at 50 pascals: 738 
• 0.21 CFM/Square foot of floor 
• 1.16 ACH50

 Product Choices:

• Low or no VOC paints and sealants 
• Central vacuum 
• Maximized coverage of hard surface flooring 
• Recycled plastic carpet