Well, our project was not selected to participate in the Massachusetts Energy Star Zero Energy Challenge.  My presumption about why is two-fold.  1 – We are not contractors.  2 – Our application package deliberately challenges contractors to build better houses at market rates rather than charging a premium for “green” construction.

We received our rejection letter via email.  I replied with a note both thanking them for the opportunity to apply, and throwing down the gauntlet… If it turns out our house is more energy efficient that those selected for the contest, our story to the press will be even more compelling.

We selected Affordable Excavation and Septic Services from Sutton, MA for our site work.  The owner, Bob Miller, has been licensed to install septic systems in the town of Douglas for the past 11 years with no complaints on file.  We expect to break ground within the next two weeks.  Provided everything goes as planned, our Oasis foundation is scheduled to be delivered on Monday, June 23rd.

We’ve already made friends with our new neighbors.  Tammy has graciously agreed to be our unofficial photographer.  She lives right next door.  What’s more cool is that their house is also constructed with SIPs and they have a GSHP.  Bob Miller also did the site work on their house (although they are the second owners).

We made our final selections for the house and provided our construction deposit.  We should receive a production date, and tentative delivery date for the modules, in the next week or so.  We still have hopes of being in the house before the start of school, but we already anticipate that it is going to be tight.

Hopefully my next post will include some pictures.