Press

In an age where waste is prevalent and trash typically does not look like treasure, it is refreshing to know that old material can be given a new chance to
be useful again. Most material that is reused or recycled becomes part of a new product altogether, losing the form and character that it has acquired over
the years. Fortunately, there are many materials that not only can be saved from the landfill, but their texture and patina can add tremendous character, style and beauty to the overall design of a home.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. and one of the most important rooms in which to do a green renovation. When designing a kitchen, be aware that some components may actually release pollutants into the air in the form of chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Atlantans are experiencing typical hot and humid conditions during this summer

season, but don't knock the sun too much for causing this typical weather

for Hotlanta-be thankful. The strong sun is actually doing a whole lot of good.

"Georgia on your mind" is a natural fit when "going green" is also on your mind, thanks to the great minds and creative initiatives that are making Georgia more sustainable.

When the 32-year-old CEO of the Hoots Group isn’t fielding calls from homeowners who want to retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient, he’s researching green design concepts or scouring state and federal websites for rebates and incentives for his customers.

The Hoots Group is a name that has become synomomous with leading environmental design, construction and innovation.

Our very own architect - Jimmy Carrion had one of our projects featured in Sarah Susanka’s latest book not so big remodeling.   Located in the VA Highlands in Atlanta, GA- it takes an attic addition and squeezes out some more space for a couple more bedrooms.  Not only was the renovation worthy of Susanks’s book, it was certified as an EarthCraft House renovation because of it’s focus on energy efficiency.

 

As people become more eco-conscious, their homes and habits are changing. Some have incorporated the basics like recycling and using ”green” cleaners; other are taking it to the next level and building entire home that are sustainable and energy-efficient…

EcoLumina, the 2008 Southern Building Showcase Home, displays the latest techniques and products employed in green building. This project by the Hoots Group, a sustainable builder and remodeler, demonstrates how builders can provide these benefits cost effectively without making aesthetic compromises.

Building green is increasingly becoming the only way to build for many builders because it increases overall product value and customer quality of life…

Green building equals market differentiation among builders, it also increases overall product quality and customer satisfaction. Building green is building smarter.

If you are new to the eco-friendly movement, it might be a good idea to start by tackling one room at a time. The bathroom is a great place to begin!

Many homeowners wish they could live in new dream homes equipped with the most advanced Technologies, but Bert Jones has gone a step further- he helps create them. His house in Sandy Springs, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, has become a research lab for his unique hobby.

On June 11th, the Southern Building Show is going greener than ever. This conference will educate builders, remodelers and design professionals with both a green building aisle and a green home show.

Atlanta/March 17, 2008/ — Southface and The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) today announced the winners of the 2008 EarthCraft House Builder Award. The EarthCraft House Awards honors builders, developers, renovators and manufacturers that are dedicated to protecting the environment through sustainable design and construction of homes, communities and products…

 

The Renovator of the Year, won by The Hoots Group, distinguishes an EarthCraft House renovator that is going beyond the established measures to decrease energy consumption in an existing home. The Hoots Group was the only builder to certify all renovation projects to EarthCraft House standards.

Don’t let the word “audit” scare you! An energy audit is really just an efficiency “checkup” for your home. Whether you have lived in your home for 30 years or just purchased a newly constructed home, you may need to make some improvements to reduce energy loss and improve efficiency.

This year’s Southern Builder Showcase Home, EcoLumina, is going through the paces. The creators are seeking LEED certification, which no previous showcase home has received.

Matt Hoots of The Hoots Group says he had been sitting on plans for a “green” kitchen for nearly two years before these Alpharetta homeowners contacted his firm about doing a “green” renovation of their existing builder’s grade white kitchen.

Matt Hoots, founder and President of his eponymous design/build firm The Hoots Group, credits his parent with his affinity for and success in the green building industry.

By the fourth grade, BC student Matt Hoots had already decided on a career. Though his science project building a solar house earned him recognition from teachers, it also set the groundwork for a career combining his love of building with his passion for the environment.

Not all basements can become space for living. But when possible and if the project is well - thought - out, a basement can provide valuable square footage for a family room or functions other than sleeping.

Brenda Gallagher says her family was considering a move, but were caught in a weak housing market… Instead of selling their home they decided to fix the place up. She hired a contractor Matt Hoots to weather seal her doors and windows, and reinsulated the crawl space below her house.

When you’re looking at some of Atlanta’s most environmentally friendly homes, all that you see from the outside are distinctive residences that are beautiful representations of varied architectural styles. Once you step inside, all that you see are striking homes that reflect their owner’s individual tastes.

The Hoots Group, Atlanta's pioneer in green building, announced that it is teaming with HeadsUp Technologies of Overland Park, KS to use its construction project management software. The Hoots Group will use HeadsUp to schedule its new, remodel and energy upgrade projects.

I’ve heard that there’s some sort of tax credit for making green renovations and buying green products. What does this apply to, and do you have any more information on it?

When Brandon Rhodes decided to add a garage to his Home Park house, he had no idea that he would be embarking on an addition and remodeling project that would double his square footage and earn the house EarthCraft certification.

As anyone who's ever hosted a party knows, most guests wind up in the kitchen.