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Homoly Design Build

HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

At Homoly Design Build, we have been exploring High Performance initiatives long before they became popular.

Company president and owner Andrew Homoly received an Environmental Emphasis in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois, whose Civil Engineering program is consistently ranked #1 in the nation. Andy is one of a select few designated as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), and Master CGP (Certified Green Professional) through the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). With these certifications, Andrew is on the cutting edge of High Performance Building techniques for Residential construction.

While early Green initiatives were costly, inefficently designed, and generally generated low returns on investment, recent advances have made Green techniques much more affordable and effective. Green Building is now Better Building.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Foundation

Homoly Design Build has built some of the most elaborate foundations in the Kansas City area. The foundation shown below is one of the largest residential foundations in the city. The entire structure is set on hundreds of auger pressure filled concrete piers cored into bedrock. It includes walls 32′ high, 24″ thick with footings more than 15′ wide. The basement has 5 separate levels and required more than 20 convoyed concrete trucks and two pumper trucks to pour. This foundation won the “Excellence in Concrete” award for all of Kansas City.

TYPICAL KANSAS CITY FOUNDATION

TYPICAL FOUNDATION

HOMOLY FOUNDATION

HOMOLY FOUNDATION
Learn More About Our Building Techniques
Homoly Design Build

Waterproofing

This step is probably the most important determining factor for long term foundation success. Water is the most destructive force facing a foundation. If the water table in the soil surrounding the foundation rises to near the ground surface, the horizontal force on the foundation wall is doubled. In the summer months, the ground can become so dry as to “pull away” from the foundation. This creates a force in the opposite direction. This constant back and forth action is one of the main reasons for foundation failure. At Homoly Design Build, we utilize a triple guard waterproofing system to protect the structural strength of the foundation wall as well as its initial purpose of keeping the basement dry. We use a waterproofing membrane, an exterior drainage system, and an interior drainage system (see drawing above for details). Note we use several times the normal amount of gravel to ensure our drainage systems work effectively.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Framing

At Homoly Design Build, all of our new homes use floor and roof truss construction. This method is far superior to the traditional “stick built” construction used by the vast majority of home builders in the Kansas City area. Just some of the advantages include:
  • Stronger. One our homes was hit by a tornado in 2004 with the homeowners inside. The shingles were blown off the roof and the spindles were blown out of the front porch handrail, but the home held strong.
  • Faster construction.
  • Less expensive.
  • Able to span nearly double the distance of stick framing. This eliminates most (if not all) columns and beams in a basement.
  • HVAC ducts, plumbing, and electrical can be run THROUGH the open web design instead of underneath the joists. This eliminates the need to "fir down" chases around all of this equipment.
  • 3 1/2" nailing surface for subfloor and drywall instead of a 1 1/2" nailing surface.
  • No squeaks.
  • Less scrap. All trusses arrive at the job site custom to that foundation.
  • Roof trusses span from the front wall to the back wall of the home. Typically, no interior bearing walls are needed for very open designs.
  • An engineer designs the structure of the home rather than counting on framers to make sure they distribute the loads through the home correctly (a reason for many sheetrock cracks on walls and ceilings).

TYPICAL FRAMING VS HOMOLY FRAMING

TYPICAL FRAMING VS HOMOLY FRAMING
Learn More About Our Building Techniques

The five core components of the Homoly High Performance Building Program.

  • Water Efficiency
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Site Selection and Design
  • Resource Efficiency
  • Energy Efficiency
Homoly Design Build has recently completed building two of the high performance homes in Kansas City: the Williams-York Residence and the Homoly Residence, pictured below. Both homes have achieved “net-zero” and at times supply electricity to the power grid. In contrast to the modern architecture of the Williams-York Residence, the Homoly Residence showcases a more traditional style. high performance building techniques have come a long way in providing options for all design-styles.
Williams-York LEED PLATINUM Residence
MG 5036-2
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Master-Bathroom-550x530
Front-Exterior MARKETING small-550x428
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MG 5018
MG 5132
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Site Selection & Design

  • Orientation - the front or back of the home should face south or within 30 degrees of south for passive solar heating and cooling.
  • A proper Green design must consider the temperature zone of the location and design accordingly. A Green home in Minnesota will be designed very differently than a Green home in Florida. The Midwest is toughest location since it has high heating and high cooling loads.
  • Large overhangs and proper window placement for solar heating in the winter (when the sun is low on the horizon) and solar shading in the summer (when the sun is high on the horizon).
  • Orient the home to take advantage of prevailing breezes in the spring, summer, and fall.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Resource Efficiency and Durability

  • "Tear downs" should be "deconstructed" to recycle as many materials as possible. With tax credits, this can often be done at no cost or cost savings.
  • All waste materials (non-recyclable) should be separated in dumpsters by type and removed by a waste hauler to an appropriate facility.
  • Look for FSC certified wood. This is certified to be from a renewable forest.
  • All flashing must be installed "shingle style" to maximize water shed.
  • Create capillary breaks in masonry and wood.
  • Check the "life cycle analysis" of all material used. A renewable Green material like bamboo may not be Green if it has to be shipped from the other side of the world. Oak flooring from a mill less than an hour away may be a better choice.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Energy Efficiency

  • In almost all cases, the additional cost for energy efficient systems (such as geothermal, SIPS, and conditioned attics) will create a rise in the mortgage payment that is less than the utility bill savings created by those systems. In other words, these green features can save monthly cash flow from the very first month of operation.
  • Create a tight thermal envelope using advanced insulation techniques such as SIPS or foam insulation (open or closed cell).
  • Conditioned "sealed attics", especially when ductwork runs through the attic. This technique provides a superior air seal in the attic portion of the thermal envelope since penetrations through the ceiling are now within the envelope. HVAC units and ductwork will gain significant efficiency in the controlled space, especially during the heat of the summer or cold of the winter. Storage areas and living areas within the attic space are now more comfortable.
  • If a high roof pitch or size of the roof makes a sealed attic cost prohibitive, "box in" the HVAC systems and insulate these chases.
  • Geothermal HVAC systems. Earth exchange lines may be drilled vertically, horizontally, and potentially around the foundation of the home or in nearby ponds.
  • The installation of a radiant barrier on the backside of OSB roof sheathing will deflect a large percentage of the sun's radiant energy and keep the attic cooler.
  • For a radiant barrier to work properly, an air gap must be present underneath the radiant barrier surface. This can be accomplished with baffle channels between the sheathing and foam insulation or traditional ceiling insulation.
  • Energy Star appliances.
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs or LED's.
  • Without an air barrier, air will flow through regular insulation and negate the R Value of the insulation.
  • A standard framed wall is made up of 25% wood (studs). This can be visualized by imagining all of the studs in a normal wall have been placed right next to each other on one end of the wall. Wood has an R Value of 3. Therefore, 25% of every wall has an R Value of 3 due to thermal bridging.
  • The installation of 1" to 2" of insulating board on the outside of the exterior walls to eliminate the thermal bridging effect of the studs in a wall.
  • Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) solve several key issues, including the thermal bridging problem of wood studs.
  • Sealing all ductwork.
  • Not using flex duct (not efficient and easy to install incorrectly - pinch areas are common).
  • Foundation wall insulation, preferably on the outside. This should extend all the way up to the rim joist. An 8" concrete wall has an R value of 2. Up to 22% of the heat loss in a home can come through the basement walls above the grade level.
  • Minimize can lights in the upper ceiling of the home to avoid penetrations in the thermal envelope. If they are necessary, "box" them in at the attic location to properly insulate that area.
  • Minimize the number of outlets and light switches in the exterior walls to minimize penetrations in the thermal envelope.
  • Solar systems - these can include electricity generation, hot water heating, and direct heated air circulation systems.
  • Wind generation - Residential "kits" are now available for single home wind power generation. Rotor styles have now brought the cost down from the generator models.
  • A "control panel" website can be set up to continuously monitor the energy usage (or production) of a home. Studies have found that energy usage decreases dramatically when occupants can easily track the actual energy used on a real time basis.
  • To save costs on spray foam, use 1" to 2" in wall cavity for the air barrier and then use traditional insulation in the rest of the cavity.
  • Low e windows are helpful, but not a substitute for proper orientation, overhangs, and window placement.
  • A "Net Zero" home uses no net electricity over the course of a year. Any electricity used during cloudy low wind conditions is offset by extra electricity generated during sunny high wind conditions. The excess electricity is sent back to the grid and sold to the utility company. Net Zero homes are possible with today's technology.
  • Drywall can be used as an airtight seal when properly installed and caulked.
  • Foam under switch plates.
  • "Super" windows are now available with an R Value of 11. These are triple pane windows with multiple low e coatings or window sections with layers of a special heat film.
  • High windows or vents in a cupola type area take advantage of the stack effect and draw cooler air in through the lower windows or vents. This mimics the design of our capital buildings that used the "dome" as a method to air condition the buildings.
  • Minimize tall ceilings.
  • In an existing home, insulation can be applied to the inside of the basement wall to gain the insulating effect. However, the thermal massing properties of the concrete wall are negated with insulation on the inside of the basement.
  • "Advanced" framing techniques will minimize studs and the thermal bridging effect.
  • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's) for foundations and potentially the main exterior walls.
  • Proper tree species placement can assist passive solar heating / cooling by blocking the sun in the summer and allowing the sun to pass through (when the leaves fall off) in the winter.
  • Check completed homes with an infrared camera for heat loss.
  • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's) for foundations and potentially the main exterior walls.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING

Water Efficiency

  • Low volume plumbing fixtures. This includes 1.0 gallon pressure assisted toilets, dual flush toilets, low volume shower heads, low volume faucets, and waterless urinals.
  • Capture rainwater in a storage tank for irrigation or to flush the toilets.
  • Properly landscape for water conservation with the correct species of plants and grasses.
  • Proper placement of the water heaters can negate the need for a circulating pump or running the water to get hot water.
  • A thicker layer of top soil will require less watering in the hot summer months.
  • Use underground drip irrigation in lieu of traditional sprinkler systems.
Homoly Design Build

Indoor Air Quality

  • With a "tight" home, you must use an air exchanger for indoor air quality. An HRV or ERV will use the air exiting the home to heat up or cool down the air entering the system. The ERV will also exchange the humidity control. These systems can be tied into the existing bath fan systems.
  • Properly sized HVAC systems. Most systems are oversized to make sure they cool in the summer, but this can lead to cooling too quickly and not enough time to remove the humidity from the air. A properly sized system will also be smaller and cost less money.
  • Air filters should have a high Merv rating to get the best possible results.
  • Installation of the vapor barrier on the side of the wall (exterior or interior) where the moisture is coming from. Moisture will always drive from wet to dryer air. If the vapor barrier is on the wrong side, water could condensate on the inside of the wall and cause mold. In Kansas City, this is both sides depending upon the season.
  • Closed cell foam insulation acts as a vapor barrier on both sides of a wall.
  • Front loading washing machines for energy efficiency and less humidity in the home.
  • Insulate cold water lines to reduce condensation in the walls.
  • Slightly pressurize the home for better indoor air quality.
  • Use Green label flooring (less or no VOC's)
  • Use Green paint (less or no VOC's).
  • Indoor pollutants are exacerbated at high and low levels of humidity. Humidity levels must be kept between 35% and 50% relative humidity to minimize pollutants.
  • Install timers on exhaust fans in bathrooms and the kitchen.
  • Prepare ahead of time for a radon system while constructing the home with sealed concrete floors and conduits in the walls to the attic.
  • Schedule wood deliveries on a "just in time" basis to avoid unnecessary moisture in the wood.
  • Garages should be detached if possible to avoid the bad air that gets pulled into the home.
  • If the garage cannot be detached, use a fan or other system to keep the garage air from going into the home.
  • Avoid chemical treatments for termites and other pests.
  • Air out carpeting 2 days before installation.
  • Seal off the sump pump and caulk the slab joint to foundation wall to keep earth gasses from entering the home (especially radon).
Homoly Design Build

PRE-CONSTRUCTION
PROCESS TIMELINE

"LET'S TALK" INITIAL MEETING
  • Get to Know Each Other
  • Design Concepts
  • Budget
  • Schedule
  • Pre-Construction Agreement
ARCHITECT MEETINGS
  • Initial Concepts
  • Initial Schematic “Reveal”
  • First Round Schematics
  • Schematics Ready for Pricing
PRELIMINARY PRICING
  • 90 to 95% Accurate Cost Estimate
  • Gives Architect Direction
  • Final Plans and Engineering Underway
BUILDING PERMIT & FINAL PRICING
  • Final Plans Submitted for Permit and Priced Out in Parallel
  • Construction Contract
  • Begin Construction!
Homoly Design Build

CLIENT REVIEWS

Homoly Design Build has been building custom homes and remodeling custom condos and homes since 1997 and is honored to be ranked #1 on Houzz.com in the Kansas City Metro Area. We define success as creating long-lasting relationships. Our clients are happy to share with you their  experience before, during, and long after the completion of their project. Our goal is to earn a 5-Star review from our clients and everyone who has contact with Homoly Design Build. We invite you to join our exclusive client community.

View More Reviews
Homoly Design Build
Homoly Design Build
4.7
Based on 31 reviews
See all reviewsWrite a review
Homoly exceeded our expectations on our basement remodel! We cannot say enough about their professionalism. They strive to provide the best customer service and quality to their clients. We provided a long list of wish list items for our basement and they delivered all of them and ahead of schedule! They didn’t look past one detail. Our basement turned out gorgeous and better than we could have even imagined. There is no doubt, if we do another remodel or build, they will be our first call!
Stacy Frickey
Stacy Frickey
1689531168
Professional people in great builders with amazing design
Chris Gilbreath
Chris Gilbreath
1689035646
Andy leads the company with honesty and experienced skill while backing his work. Almost 4-years in from end of construction Homoly still repaired minor issues that came up. Rare to find this balance of integrity and talent - great to work with. Recommend.
Kevin Tubbesing
Kevin Tubbesing
1633691702
On time. On budget. Trustworthy.Homoly Construction did a 5 month tenant finish for our company in the spring of 2021. Although I can not say that the project went completely smooth, I can say that I am very glad that we had chosen Homoly Construction from beginning to end. They brought a wealth of experience to the table that helped navigate the unknowns that come with this industry. Their friendly staff kept us well informed and when the project was finished it was on time and on budget. Building a home or a new facility has enough stress and moving parts as it is. Working with Homoly greatly reduced that stress knowing they where there to get the job done. I will use them again when the time comesThe TrippNT Team.
Sebastian McLeod
Sebastian McLeod
1624391282
Best construction company out there. Their attention to detail is unrivaled. If you're in the market to build your new custom home this is the company you should consider.
Teresa Matney
Teresa Matney
1620417137
We built our dream home with the Homoly Construction crew and we can’t say enough good things about them. This is a concierge style crew that gives your wants and needs 1st class treatment. They are very creative and have added so much to our experience and made building a total pleasure!
Laura Couch
Laura Couch
1614116283
Homoly Construction just completed an extensive 6 month remodeling project for us. Their knowledge and craftsmanship is the best in the industry. Their in-house team of top notch professionals delivered a product that far exceeded our expectations. The entire Homoly team employed a high level of expertise in the selections, design, construction and other needs of our project, eliminating a lot of stress that is usually experienced in these type projects. The team also demonstrated the highest level of Integrity and honestly from the start of the project to the end. A trusting relationship is vital in these projects. if they tell you they will do it - they do it. TheIr use of the Buildertrend app displayed the project status, scheduling and full financial transparency throughout our project. The entire process was a great client-contractor experience. Without reservation we highly recommend Homoly Construction.
Timothy Berry
Timothy Berry
1593445761
Homily construction delivered a very high quality building - on time and under budget.
Steve Gurwell
Steve Gurwell
1583875503
The Homoly Construction Team is the best! Not only are they the best at what they do, but the team members we worked with over several months on major projects at our home were professional, friendly, knowledgable and flexible. We feel very confident to say that we had the highest quality contractors completing some very complicated work on our home AND at a price that was fair. What a relief from some experiences we've had with other contractors. We would highly recommend Andy Homoly's team of experts not only for major home projects, but for building your home or business from ground up!
Norman Smith
Norman Smith
1582575999
Great home remodel. Remodels are always exhausting—these guy do a wonderful job with all aspects of the project!
Will Duensing
Will Duensing
1582318853
Working with Homoly Signature Homes was an exceptional experience. From the very first meeting with Andrew Homoly to the daily interactions with his team; the entire process was a pleasure. We were based overseas while our house was being built therefore Trust, Communication and Quality were key imperatives in selecting a builder. The Homoly Team exceeded our expectations. During the project we received daily updates and forward looking information which ensured a seamless process. The Quality of build exceeded our already high expectations based on Homoly's reputation. And as mentioned, the team was a pleasure to work with. We are now thoroughly enjoying retirement in our Homoly Signature Home!
keith and reem Sanders
keith and reem Sanders
1582034661
We used Homoly’s new handyman service to repair some drywall, paint, fix a dishwasher panel and to remove a bar top we were taking with us to a new house and wow were we impressed! The guys, Kirby, Chris and Don were prompt, efficient, knowledgeable and did a great job cleaning up! We will definitely use them again!
Kellie Morrison
Kellie Morrison
1580358795
A Fraternity House is a complex system with a narrow and rigid construction timeline. Construction was the least stressful part of the project for me because of Andy. I had a lot riding on Andy and the Homoly team and they came through without a hitch. Homoly Construction was hired because we trusted Andy and he fulfilled every expectation. The Delta Tau Delta Fraternity House at Mizzou will stand for a hundred years or more.
William Anderson
William Anderson
1574173617
Andy, Mason and the entire team did a fantastic job!!! From start to finish, they always deliver a solid experience!!! Great Job guys!!!
Robert Austin
Robert Austin
1571449155
Am happy with your service
Samsul Islam
Samsul Islam
1571315103
Had a great experience with Andy, Mason and the whole team. I would (and do) highly recommend them.
Chris Vogel
Chris Vogel
1559170541
Homoly built our home almost three years ago and we are extremely happy with the building experience as well as living in a great well built home. Most builders will come back within the first year to follow up on minor issues that come to the attention of the homeowner. Homoly did a fantastic job with that first year but they are still here for us. We had an incident with a chandelier over the weekend that was the fault of the sub. To make a long story short, they had an electrician at our home on a Sunday afternoon. They followed up the next day with a work crew and scaffolding to make sure everything was just right. This is a company that stands behind their products. Highest recommendation!!!
Dave Rainey
Dave Rainey
1551305060
Our company has worked for Homoly Construction on numerous occasions. Everyone from their Site Superintendents and Project Managers to the people in the office are easy to work with and super professional. They are a top notch company and I highly recommend them.
Frank Renkoski
Frank Renkoski
1537489435
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Based on 31 reviews
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Sales Office

(913) 205-5398
Robert Girard
924 Oak Street Kansas City, MO 64106

Contact Info

(816) 215-3633
Andy Homoly
ahomoly@homoly.com
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Our team is ready to help you identify your space needs, design preferences, and personal touches to create the perfect plan for your new custom project.

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