EcoCraft is a Pittsburgh-based eco homes builder. They offer prefab custom homes that are eco-friendly and meet Passive House requirements.
They’re one of only a few Pittsburgh home builders that design and build with the environment and sustainability in mind.
About EcoCraft
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EcoCraft was founded in 2012 by Elliot Fabri Sr., a long-time builder. The company is family-owned, and their mission is to build greener, smarter homes. Using their sustainable approach to building, EcoCraft can build luxurious custom homes in as little as 90 days.
What Sets EcoCraft Apart from the Competition?
Peace and Quiet
EcoCraft designs their Pennsylvania prefab homes to offer a space that’s quiet and free from distractions.
- Extra-thick walls and Energy Star windows help block exterior noise.
- Mechanical systems are ultra-quiet.
A quiet space helps improve productivity, sleep and overall life quality.
Energy Efficiency
EcoCraft is a certified Passive House builder, Living Building Challenge participant and an Energy Star builder. They also have experience building Zero Energy homes.
EcoCraft homes are 100% Energy Star-compliant and cost half as much to operate compared to a conventional home. The company’s advanced manufacturing process allows their homes to meet net zero energy consumption for electricity, heating and cooling.
Some of the many features that make their homes energy efficient include:
- LEDs for high-quality, energy-efficient lighting.
- 98% efficient tankless water heaters that use recirculation for on-demand hot water at a lower energy cost.
- Plumbing fixtures are Water Sense labeled to reduce consumption.
- PEX water lines, which simplify the installation process and offer cost savings.
- Un-faced fiberglass butts insulation in walls and floors.
- Blown fiberglass insulation in attics.
- Spray foam insulation to seal any air leaks that may run up energy costs.
- Low flow fixtures are a standard feature, with dual flush toilets to reduce water consumption.
EcoCraft uses thick-wall construction and at least 1” of continuous exterior insulation. By eliminating thermal bridges and sealing up homes tightly, the company maximizes each home’s energy performance. Their standard attic insulation package is R-60 – more than double what’s required by code.
Reducing heating and cooling loads means that EcoCraft can install more efficient and smaller HVAC systems that are less costly than standard systems.
- Heating system: 98% efficient, true variable speed, modulating equipment. These systems save on costs because they ramp up or down with precision and do not short cycle.
- Cooling system: Air source heat pumps that use VRF technology. These systems have a SEER rating of 21+.
Customers also have the option of having a whole-house water filtration system installed. Rainwater capture systems can also be installed to further reduce water consumption. Cisterns with special filtration systems allow rainwater to be used for irrigation and toilets.
Exceptional Indoor Air Quality
EcoCraft designs and builds their homes with indoor air quality in mind. They choose materials that won’t off-gas into the home.
- Insulation is formaldehyde-free
- Paint, sealants and adhesives are low- or no-VOC
- Urea-free OSB
Homes also come equipped with heat recovery ventilators that cycle fresh air throughout the home. This not only improves indoor air quality, but further cuts down on energy costs. Eliminating toxic materials also means that the home’s energy recovery ventilators won’t have to work as hard to clean the air.
Passive House Certification
EcoCraft is Passive House certified. Homes that are built to meet Passive House standards consume 80% less energy than conventionally built homes. They also provide better indoor air quality, a higher level of comfort and greater durability.
As a solar home builder, EcoCraft homes can be made to meet Passive House standards through the following technologies/methods:
- Ultra-efficient windows and doors
- Airtight building envelope
- Elimination of thermal bridges
- Mechanical ventilation system with energy recovery
- Passive solar
The Ecocraft Building Process
EcoCraft homes start at $285,000. Floor plans can be customized. The cost of the home typically includes everything:
- The home itself (prefabricated in a factory)
- Basic excavation
- Unfinished basement
- Plumbing
- Roof
- Walls
- Finishes
- Appliances
- Electrical
- Delivery and installation
Provided your location is within 60 miles of Pittsburgh, the cost will also include the finish. The company has an owner/builder program for those who are living outside of their typical service area.
The process starts with the design phase. A representative will walk you through the process of customizing your floor plan if that’s what you desire.
Like any other modular home, homes are manufactured in a climate-controlled facility by highly trained technicians. Modules are delivered to the home site and set onto the foundation with a crane. Installation can be completed in as little as one day.
Customers are free to visit the factory and see their home being built. They can even take photos of their home during the fabrication phase.
Typically, it takes 4-6 weeks for a home to be built in the factory.
Here’s a brief rundown of the building process:
- Site evaluation
- Consultation
- Pre-construction agreement
- Pricing
- Financing
- Permitting and construction
Whenever possible and if necessary, EcoCraft will connect you with professionals that can help guide you through some stages of the process, such as financing.
Service Area
EcoCraft serves Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas within a 60-mile radius. In certain circumstances, they may work outside of their service area, but this is not common.
All homes are built locally in a factory that’s within 90 miles of Pittsburgh. EcoCraft also uses local contractors and local materials, which helps support the local economy.
EcoCraft homes offer sustainable, eco-friendly homes that can be made to meet Passive House standards.
Visit EcoCraft-Homes.com for more information
