The Shift Home

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Many builders and developers give upgrade options like granite countertops and oak hardwood. Boring...

Check out what's happening in the US: More states want solar power to be option on new homes

Part of this is giving home buyers an option for pre-wiring homes for solar power. We think this should be mandatory. Giving an upgrade option for solar panels is a cool idea because then home owners can pay for the cost over 25 years as part of their mortgage rather than a one-time, up front cost.

So this got us seriously thinking about what to offer as standard features and what we could offer for Upgrades. Want a membership to Saskatoon Car Coop with that house purchase?

Here's our first crack at the two lists. We want your feedback to help build and confirm what is offered:

Standard Features of The Shift Home
Solar Water heating panels
Pre-wired for Solar Photovoltaic - might be included as a basic feature
Bike lock system on front porch
Recycling center in kitchen
Compost station in kitchen and backyard
Dual flush toilets -
Low flow shower heads
Drainwater heat recovery system

Upgrades Features of The Shift Home
Solar wall for air warming
Upgrade CFL to LED lights
Bamboo Cabinetry
greywater-ready plumbing
backyard greenhouse
waterless urinal
direct digital controls
recycled tile carpet (if we have carpet)
FSC cert wood products/cabinets
smart car
scooter
membership to Saskatoon Car Coop
bus pass

What options do want in your Shift Home?

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Michael
Posts: 2
Comment
Upgrades
Reply #2 on : Mon May 25, 2009, 19:22:56
A few thoughts on upgrades:

1) Separately wired photovoltaic system sized for charging/running electronics and LED lighting only (potentially a reduced voltage DC system not requiring alternator?); maybe a recumbent bike that plugs into this mini-grid
2) Anaerobic digester slash biogas generator (upgrade on standard composting) for conversion of organic food/yard/salvaged-from-local-restaurant wastes to biogas fuel.
3) Integral Back-Up electric generator, or better yet, a kit for plugging the smart car into the house electrical system to use it as a back-up generator
4) Dimmable, variable-tint windows
5) iPhone plug-in and iPhone based home controller package (http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/Sensor+News/GainSpan-iPhone-App-Demos-Home-Energy-Usage-Contro/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/598126?contextCategoryId=34296)
6) Finished Roof Deck Observatory with Telescope
7) A free copy of all of Neal Stephenson's works of fiction.
8) Espresso Machine
Patrick
Posts: 2
Comment
green roof?
Reply #1 on : Fri April 17, 2009, 11:58:04
With what appears to be a flat roof, It seems ideal to have a green roof option. Great for storm-water management and insulation!