March 7, 2008

PATH Case Study Looks at Project from Homeowner's Viewpoint

First study looks at storm-resistant and energy-efficient home in Florida

Over the years, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) has worked with innovative builders leading the way towards implementing better building technologies and practices. While these builders deserve much credit, they are quick to remind you that these innovations only become reality thanks to open-minded and progressive homebuyers.

PATH is taking a look at innovative home construction and remodeling projects from the consumer's point view, in order to understand what motivates them and what they are looking for in their new home.

In the first consumer case study, PATH shares the story of retirees Randy and Karen Wiles who had Buffalo, N.Y. for the sun and fun of Florida. However, after having a brush with Hurricane Charley, the Wiles were committed to storm-resistant construction that took energy efficiency into consideration.

"We've had a few houses built over the years and watched how they do it. We learned from mistakes with previous builders," Randy Wiles says. "I wanted to be a little more hands-on this time around."

The PATH Consumer Case Study details what the Wiles went through trying to educate themselves about housing construction, how they handled the decided on what to include, and their relationship with Mike Romig, president of Tarpon Coast Development, who was selected to build their new home.

The PATH Web site, www.pathnet.org, features many case studies from a builder's point of view, as well as profiles of technologies in practice and performance assessment of technologies.

Content updated on 7/20/2009