Frederick News Post - Nexus EnergyHomes named National Builder of the Year

Originally published February 27, 2012 By Ed Waters Jr. News-Post Staff

The Nexus EnergyHomes net-zero energy houses on North Bentz Street have drawn attention since they opened last year.   The company, based in Stevensville, has earned national honors for those houses, as well as its efforts to promote green building trends in the industry. Nexus EnergyHomes has been presented the Energy Value Housing Award 2012 Builder of the Year. The award is managed by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, in partnership with the NAHB organization, and the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program and National Renewable Energy Program. Nexus EnergyHomes also won the EVHA New Homes Gold Award for Production in Moderate Climate. The company has received "Emerald Certification" from the NAHB, the highest level of green building standards set by the organization.   Mike Murphy, Nexus Construction Division president, said he hopes to make Frederick the Emerald City of Maryland, according to a news release from the company. An EVHA judge commended the company, noting that the homes contain high quality materials, outstanding energy efficient features and the firm uses incredible marketing. The judge called it an outstanding and comprehensive package, according to the news release. At North Pointe, the 55-home community Nexus EnergyHomes is building along North Bentz and West Sixth streets, more than 20 homes are sold or under contract, said Mike Muren, Realtor for the project, along with several associates. "People appreciate the home for what it is," Muren said at the model at 618 N. Bentz St. "It is a quality-built home that offers something no other homebuilder is able to offer right now." Muren said the combination of energy savings and health aspects of the house are key points to sales.  "It is an extremely clean house," Muren said. Air in the house is exchanged every 48 minutes, an exceptional point for those suffering allergies or respiratory problems. The homes also feature solar energy power, geothermal heat and cooling, structurally integrated panel construction that ensures a tighter envelope for the house and Nexus Vision. The latter allows homeowners to use a computer, iPad or other device to control the home's climate, unlock or lock doors and other functions while away from the house. The two homes now existing are priced around $297,000, but energy tax credits and incentives can bring the price down. Buyers span demographics, from first-time buyers to retirees to families with children, Muren said. The location, neighborhoods, features and price, as well as the energy savings are all selling points. He typically gets 50 to 60 visitors a week at the model home. At special open houses, it could be 50 in one day, Muren said.  "It is nice to see Frederick on the national stage," Muren said of the NAHB Awards. The Builder of the Year Award considers how the company integrates exceptional energy performance, attention to detail, cost and energy value, the news release stated. Nexus EnergyHomes was especially recognized for working with the industry to promote green building techniques. Noting that Nexus is a relatively new builder, NAHB said in a news release the company has "enormous potential to affect both the local and national home building industry." Muren said local developers have been talking with Nexus representatives about building houses in other communities. More Nexus homes are planned in Jefferson, New Market and Ijamsville, as well as Frederick.    For details, visit www.homes atnorthpointe.com or call Muren at 301-524-4471. The model home is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.