FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why O?
A: O for many reasons. The circle represents the sphere – which provides the least surface to the greatest interior area, which is at once structural, but also thermally optimum. After 20 years of designing energy efficient buildings, our design team has observed that this fundamental rule is often the most ignored. The OHOME™ has a surface to volume ratio which is closer to the optimum – the sphere, but with a much more practical footprint. O also stands for the completion of a very long process of prototyping and experimentation – coming full circle and arriving at what we feel is as perfect as a circle.

Q:  What is the OHOME™?
A: Simply put, the OHOME is a super-energy-efficient, compact, greener, faster, better home delivered to you by our highly-trained teams. We have selected materials and components at the highest levels of quality, durability, environmental and energy performance, which also simplify shipping and on-site assembly to cut cost and ensure quality control. What is required is some site preparation of foundation installation by a contractor, and conventional construction financing. After the construction crews have completed their work assembling the OHOME (in about three – four weeks), you are left with a finished home, complete with all fixtures, cabinets and appliances in place and fully operational.

Q: What makes the OHOME™ Different?
A: High performance, low-cost, and excellent design. What we offer is a complete super-energy-efficient, compact greener, faster, better home and for an additional fee (if you are located in close proximity to Napa) our sister company, Healthy Buildings, can construct the OHOME and put it together for you. OHOMES can achieve Net-Zero- Electric Energy and all materials have been hand selected by our design team, keeping sustainability in mind at all times.

OHOMEs are the product of a decade of research and design in green building. Healthy Buildings USA has decades of experience in green and prefabricated construction. The OHOME is a result of the distillation of the best of everything we have learned – namely – how to do more with less. What makes the OHOME so affordable is its relatively small footprint, and prefabricated components that reduce labor costs by over 50% and takes the guesswork out of site assembly.

Q: What is included in the pricing for the standard feature OHOMEs for interior and exterior design?
A: See separate pages for each size of  OHOME for individual specifications. You can get there from the HOMEPAGE.

Q: What is included in the pricing for the standard feature OHOMEs for the sustainable elements?
A: See our chart of Sustainable Design Elements HERE.

Q: What is included in the pricing for the entire OHOME™ system?
A: All of the specifications listed in the OHOME specification document for design are included and the sustainable elements listed in the sustainable element chart (the standard features section only) are included in the standard feature pricing listed.  The land, engineering, permits, foundation, utilities, shipping and assembly are not included in the price although quotes are available upon request.  When constructing the OHOME there are a couple of different options: 1) You can construct with 100% our team, 2)  A Mix of our people and local support, 3)  Certified OHOME contractor and your own local support.

Q: Why is the Foundation not included in your standard feature pricing?
A: Each site varies as to the structural design of the foundation and therefore we have not included it in the standard feature pricing. We can assemble an OHOME on either the slab concrete foundation or the raised floor system.

Q: How much does an OHOME™ cost?
A: The 150 sq ft starts at $37,500. The 340 sq ft starts at $65,000. The 640 sq ft starts at $106,900. The 900 sq ft starts at $142,800. The 1260 sq ft starts at $167,000. The 1600 sq ft starts at $225,000. Each series house will be different for upgrade costs because the size of the OHOME will create different cost values associated with the upgrade options. For an example of these upgrade costs and also for an example of the cost to build an entire OHOME™ from the foundation to turn-key, please see the other document called OHOME™ Budget Pricing. Speak with an HBTG representative for specific pricing on the choice options you prefer. Healthy Building Technology Group, Inc., 3432 Valle Verde Drive, Napa, California 94558 USA t: 707.676.8999, f: 707.260.7660

Q: How is your Sustainable Design Fiberboard different than MDF?
A: Medite® II is the high performance workhorse of the SierraPine Sustainable Design Fiberboard (SDF)* product line. Rigorously tested through a long resume of applications around the world, Medite® II is proven to deliver superior design capabilities coupled with environmental stewardship.  Medite® II represents the global environmental standard, matching aggressive MDF design capabilities with a formaldehyde free adhesive system.

  • Formaldehyde-free adhesive system
    • Superior physical properties to standard MDF. Truly high performance screwholding and MOR capabilities, among others.
    • Pre-consumer recycled wood fiber
  • FSC® Certified – available option
  • Potential LEED® 2009 credit support: MRc4, 5, 7 & IEQc4.4
  • Meets CARB ATCM Phase 2 emission limits – CARB NAF Exempt
  • Third party certification – SCS, EPP
  • CHPS Compliant – California section 01350 approved
  • Developed, manufactured with pride, and first offered in 1991 by our plant in Medford, OR.

*About Sustainable Design Fiberboard

SDF products include a broad range of high quality MDF products manufactured by SierraPine to meet or exceed the most stringent global emission standards. Applications for SDF include cabinetry, furniture, moldings and millwork.

For further information regarding this product look on SierraPine’s website at: http://www.sierrapine.com/index.php?pid=67

Q: What if I wanted something that is not listed as an internal or external design feature for the Base or Upgrade options?
A: Additional Upgrades are available to those who desire their own special features at an increased price.  Please be aware – most of these types of upgrades would be actually considered downgrades in regard to Sustainability.  For example, we purposely did not purchase gas ranges because petroleum is a nonrenewable resource and also would not be able to connect to solar/wind for NetZero ability.  Therefore, if this is a purchaser’s choice we can do it, but it would not be the best choice in regards to Sustainability.

Q: How do you ensure sustainability in regards to material sources for your OHOMES?
A: First we purchase our materials keeping in mind all of our Sustainable Elements are achieved.  Additionally, when it comes to sourcing and shipping of materials, we strive for the lowest possible consumption of petroleum in transportation.  For Base and Upgraded Models, all materials have been specifically chosen in regards to sustainability first.  We AIM to always source materials within a 500-mile radius of our factories where the OHOME is produced, including the harvesting process of the materials all the way to manufacturing the final product.  We have some exceptions to this such as Bamboo, steel, windows and doors.  For example:  Bamboo has to be grown in a specific climate; therefore the location where the Bamboo is harvested is in China.  But, we do make sure to use FSC international to ensure fair trade and organic quality.

Q: Does the OHOME qualify for a regular mortgage loan through a bank?
A: The OHOME qualifies once it’s built for a regular conventional mortgage.  Low rate and down payment FHA construction loans are available that are very similar to FHA loans, ask an HBTG person for referrals to these types of loans.

Q: What type of warranty does the OHOME have?
A: Our warranties are exactly the same as for all conventional homes.   These are defined in the California Business and Professional Codes and in the California Civil Code:

- One year “Fit and Finish warranty.”

- Four year warranty on items installed under the contractors license

- Ten year warranty on structural defects

- Individual components will be warranted by the manufacturer of the components, and warranty times vary.

Important:  Warranties for the OHOME will be null and void if the construction of the OHOME is not done by an OHOME certified contractor or you install non-OHOME approved additions to your home later (such as carpet or VOC paint).

Q: Does HBTG construct?
A: Our sister company Healthy Buildings Construction group is a licensed contractor and can build in the area around Napa where it makes sense, but elsewhere, we want to partner with licensed contractors who will undertake everything, including the slab and erection of our components.  We are developing an OHOME certified contractor training and certification program for partners.

Q: Can I purchase the OHOME™ kit myself and put it together without an OHOME certified contractor?
A: No.

Q: How do I become an OHOME™ certified contractor?
A: Contact Healthy Buildings Technology Group at karen (at) hbtg.com and inquire about the OHOME certified contractor training.

Q: Do I have to be a licensed contractor to become an OHOME™ certified contractor?
A: Yes.

Q: Is the OHOME™ a Manufactured Home?
A: No.  OHOMEs panels are factory fabricated.  Manufactured Homes, are not manufactured to permanent building codes. They are prefabricated in large modules that are shipped by road and assembled at their end destination, often with cranes, on conventional foundations. Environmental performance is usually poor and maintenance can be high.

Q: If I purchase a standard feature base model OHOME™ and do not purchase any upgraded sustainable elements and then decide to add a sustainable element after it has been built, would the price of installing the sustainable element stay the same as the original price before construction?  In other words, have you built the OHOME so that it is pre-plumbed and pre-wired for all sustainable elements to be added easily later?
A: If you are considering adding a sustainable element to your OHOME, such as Greywater or Solar Photovoltaics, etc.  you should purchase it at the same time that you purchase your OHOME.  If you wait and add on an element later, the price of adding an additional feature(s) will change dramatically and will not be the same cost as purchasing it at the time of construction.  The OHOMEs are not pre-plumbed or pre-wired for all sustainable elements and therefore it would be a larger cost to add them later than it would be to add them when you initially build your OHOME.

Q: Is it Modular?
A: No, a modular building is one that is made up of complete “rooms” which are manufactured in the factory and shipped as complete units.  These are expensive to ship as most of the module is air.  OHOMES are flat-packed, making for more efficient and lower cost transportation.

Q: Can I put one in a mobile home park?
A: The OHOME requires conventional foundations and cannot be placed in a mobile home park.  However, we intend to launch a “Park Model” OHOME next year which will be on wheels and which will be suitable for mobile home parks.

Q: Does an OHOME™ have fire sprinklers?
A: Yes, whenever local codes require them, or owners prefer them.  However, the sprinklers will not be hidden in the ceiling space, they will be surface-mounted on the ceiling.

Q: Can an OHOME™ be off the Grid?
A: Yes, OHOMES can be equipped for off-grid use, including solar, batteries, wind generators, etc.

Q: Can OHOME manage a snow load?
A: Yes, OHOMES can be engineered and built for any snow load.

Q: Can OHOMES survive hurricanes?
A: OHOMES can be designed to meet the requirements of the severest hurricane code requirements.

Q: Is solar standard?
A: No, but we encourage all OHOME buyers to add solar, it is VERY cost-effective!

Q: Why do you call it healthy?
A:
- healthy for the occupant in terms of no VOCs, no added formaldehyde, etc.
- healthy for the occupant in terms of good air quality, light and ventilation.
- healthy for the planet due to our use of sustainable materials.

Q: Can I put one in my backyard?
A: Yes, if you local authority permits it.  please give us your contact information and we will do the research for you.

Q: Can I take it apart and move it?
A: Yes, the OHOME is designed to be relocatable.

Q: What about termites and mold, I am allergic?
A: Unlike wood framing, OHOME has light gauge steel framing which resists termites and mold.

Q: Can I get one custom-designed?
A: Yes, we would be happy to do this,  but additional design fees will apply.

Q: Can I choose my carpet and paint?
A: We discourage the use of carpet which promotes dust and dirt, instead we encourage the use of area rugs where required.  if you REALLY want wall to wall carpet, please add it after we leave (but it will null your Indoor Air Quality and any warranty in regards to that)!  We carefully select paint to meet the strictest environmental standards and discourage the use of unhealthy paints.

Q: What if I do not want heating or AC?
A: We would be happy to omit it and credit you the appropriate amount.  However, we will not be able to warranty the comfort of the OHOME.

Q: Can I get around in my wheelchair?
A: Yes, we meet the guidelines of Universal Design.

Q: What if I want to add on or remodel?
A: There is no difference between an OHOME and a conventional building, except for the steel framing.  We would be happy to design an addition or remodel for you.

Q: What is the carbon footprint?
A: We plan to measure and report on the carbon footprint of the OHOME as each one is built.  However, the greatest impact is not from the construction, but how the building is used over its life. We encourage all of our customers to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle.

Q: Do you participate in Fair Trade? What is Fair Trade?
A: Fair Trade is the practice of only working with companies that pay their workers a living wage.  We try hard to support this!

Q: If It’s steel, how do I hang pictures?
A:
- we provide a picture rail
- alternatively, pictures can be hung from a screw that is inserted into a stud.

Q: Is the concrete floor cold?
A: The concrete floor will be the same temperature as the room.  However, it may feel cold to the bare foot.  We encourage the use of area rugs in sensitive areas such as bathrooms and beside the bed.

Q: Will the steel rust?
A: No, it is galvanized.

Q: What happens when my wall gets damaged?
A: We ship a replacement panel with every OHOME, this is normally stored in your garage.  Additional panels may be ordered from our website.

Q: Can I add a second story?
A: Yes, but the design will have to be approved by a structural engineer, as with any such addition.

Q: Can I add a deck?
A: Yes, as above, a structural engineer will ensure that good practices are followed.

Q: Can I build on a hillside?
A: Yes, as with conventional construction, there are no restrictions on where an OHOME can be built.

Q: Can I add a garage/carport?
A: Yes, we have standard designs which are economical and which match the OHOME.

Q: Are you a union shop?
A: HBTG is primarily a design and marketing company, we do not undertake general contracting and are not a union shop.

Q: What if I wanted to add a pet door?
A: We are pet-friendly and would be happy to add one at no charge.

Q: Do you think it will change the world?
A: Definitely! The OHOME is a product whose time has come!

Q: Can I choose my cabinets?
A: We carefully select cabinets which are sustainably designed and manufactured, we discourage the use of non-sustainable products.

Q: What if my lot does not have gas /propane?
A: If you do not have gas but want propane, we can design for that. We can also design the OHOME to be all-electric.