This Denton-area builder prides himself on constructing homes that are better than the proverbial American Dream—they’re the perfect dream home.

  Dan Fette Builders, Inc. and the Denton Affordable Housing Corporation (DAHC) cooperatively developed Nevada Court, a three-acre subdivision in Denton. New homes strictly follow Dan Fette’s philosophy that the construction of a home should minimize the footprint it leaves on the environment. The builder focuses every aspect of construction on smart design, energy efficiency, and innovative uses of resources—all standard features—and prices homes affordably by comparison at almost 40 percent less than the city’s average.

  The 14 homes incorporate a broad range of energy conservation attributes, ranging from light-colored shingles and radiant barrier sheathing to hydronic-heating systems. The foundations contain 25 percent coal-fly ash, which diverts it from the landfills.

  To reduce water usage, Fette uses a hot water on-demand system, low-flow toilets and showerheads, and xeriscaping. State-of-the-art rainwater capture systems and cisterns store up to 1,600 gallons of rainwater to accommodate all of the property’s irrigation needs, assuming at least average rainfall. Finally, each home is positioned at an angle that decreases sunlight exposure during the summer and increases sunlight during the winter.

  Environmental benefits include lower energy demand, reduced water usage, and recycled construction waste. DAHC believes residents will consume less than half the electricity, natural gas, and water typically used by households in similar-sized, conventionally-built homes. For two years after purchase, DAHC guarantees that utility usage will not exceed a predetermined level, offering a 1,340 square foot house an average energy bill of about $50 per month at current prices.

  New homeowners love the smart design of their green homes, love the affordability of the homes to finally attain the American Dream, and love the environmental features that save them green dollars.