The Hemp Club
hemp renovations
How this works:
1. THC buys a house for renovation at or below RV in New Zealand (ex: NZ$250k)
2. THC renovates the house with hemp, incorporating some or all of the improvements described below (ex: NZ$50k)
3. An approved valuer re-values the hemp renovation to increase the RV (ex: NZ$300k)
4. The hemp renovation is re-listed for sale at or above the new RV (ex: NZ$350k+)
5. THC retains half the net profit after close of escrow and the other half is paid out as dividends to THC members, proportionate to investment.
If you’d like to know more, follow this link to complete the Expression of Interest form. When we have 20 members we’ll start the first hemp renovation.
This home is now under contract for NZ$290,000 ($25k below RV) with a 1317 M2 (14,176 F2) section in a good area of New Plymouth. THC would do the following:
- Renovate and insulate with hemp to increase energy efficiency
- Survey to sub-divide section to create 2nd building lot
- Increase windows insulation to <0.35 U-Value
- Open the floor plan to provide more space and light
- Add a full or half bathroom
- Upgrade electrical, plumbing to current building codes
- Replace hot water tank with tankless system, capturing space
- Upgrade all interior/exterior lighting to reduce energy costs
- Upgrade kitchen for aesthetics and entertaining
- Add attractive decking for outdoor living space
- New (low VOC) paint throughout
- Update landscaping for increased curb appeal
- Contract new valuation (RV)
- List renovated hemp home for sale at new RV ~$419k
- Build a new 15-1700 sqft hemp home at $150/sqft ($1500/M2) $255k
- Landscape to create curb appeal
- Contract new valuation (RV)
- List hemp home for sale at between $393k to 425k
For every $1 saved in annual energy costs resale value increases by $20!
And it’s quite simple really; topping-up or installing adequate hemp insulation can reduce the annual energy cost by up to 80%. That equates to $25,000 additional resale value immediately. And that’s besides the other improvements we’ve listed below for each project. Plus, we’ve reduced CO2 by some 4 metric tons/year!
Hemp: The time is NOW
Register your Expression of Interest for The Hemp Club and be part of hemp renovations. There’s no bigger or better way to show the benefits of hemp than by renovating, building and insulating with it.
ONLY hemp friends, advocates and followers are eligible to join this program and must complete the “Expression of Interest” form first. If we get enough interest then we’ll start the hunt for our first hemp renovation project.
Click here for Expression of Interest form
New Zealand grown “Kompolti”, “USO 31” and “Ferimon” hemp and locally sourced limes make pricing so much more competitive than even “pink batts” and the houses we remodel and build will be carbohydrate based instead of petrochemical based and that’s something we can all be proud to be a part of.
Being a member of The Hemp Club is being pro-active in using hemp building materials and we can all make a difference together and share the benefits. When the US Government and other countries do finally legalize the growing of Industrial Hemp AGAIN we can duplicate this business model where everyone with a little pools together for the same common cause: to grow hemp homes.
If you are a hemp advocate then you can participate in this hemp renovation opportunity and claim some ownership in being proactive with Industrial Hemp instead of waiting on the side lines for it to become legal where you live.
Click here to register your interest in The Hemp Club
Here are some of the improvements we make to get the best bang for the buck in hemp home renovations and new builds, even in a tight real estate market:
In real estate, dark and cramped are not good, so a little light goes a long way. If the home has small rooms that block the flow of natural light we’ll knock down some walls and open up the floor plan. Open floor plans usually involve combining kitchen, dining and living areas into one big space that suits a casual lifestyle. This creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining because sooner or later everyone hangs out in the kitchen anyway and for small children it’s easier to keep an eye on them while you’re cooking dinner. We also look at widening doorways to 36” (where possible) to help with that feeling of openness.
Insulation saves money, increases home comfort and protects the environment by reducing energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a typical family spends close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. DOE statistics show that, typically, 44% of the homeowner’s utility bill goes for heating and cooling costs. DOE also states that increasing the amount of thermal insulation in an existing or new home could reduce energy bills by 10-50%.
Hemp, mixed with lime is a fantastic thermal insulator and sound absorber. Fire, termite, mold and insect resistant, Hemp insulation is also carbon negative at 3 kg (6.6 lbs) per square foot (108 kg/m3).
The average house contains 23 light bulbs. If lighting accounts for about 20% of the annual household electricity bill (~$200 per year) then replacing incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs like LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) will produce significant benefits, and hence increase the value of the home.
Example
10 (Incandescent) bulbs x 60 watts x 3 hours per day
1800 watts or 1.8 kilowatt hours x $0.10c/kWh
$0.18c per day x 365 days
$65.70 per year
VS
10 (LED) bulbs x 6-8 watts x 3 hours per day
80 watts or .24 kilowatts x $0.10c/kWh
$0.024c per day x 365 days
$8.76 per year
This chart shows cost comparisons between LEDs, CFLs and Incandescent bulbs
Green is IN and many companies are looking for ways to trim costs and minimize their carbon footprint. One way is to offer telecommuting options for employees. Creating a dedicated work space (home office) not only adds value to the house but can also be tax deductible. Converting an unused den, sunroom or extra bedroom, or adding a room is a great way to take care of business from the comfort of home. We also include an ergonomic workstation with additional phone jacks and data ports.
If the house doesn’t look appealing from the outside chances are the potential buyer will never make it inside! A good first impression can add 5-10% to the value of the home. We choose colors and exterior detail to match the period of the house. Shutters add charm and depth. Paving a driveway or walkway that is in disrepair is a must because that’s what leads people to the house so we want it to be welcoming. Attractive, manicured landscaping also add value. Drought-tolerant plants and easy to care for perennials are a good option as we’re builders without green thumbs :) Sprucing up or adding a deck or patio with attractive furniture appeals to buyers who more and more wish to commune with nature.
Bridging the gap between the home and the outdoors, sunrooms are part of today’s popular “outdoor living” trend that includes outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and upscale patios. Sunrooms can be either heated (4 seasons) or unheated (3 seasons). Adding a sunroom is an affordable way to increase the home’s square footage (less than half the cost of adding a standard room) and very attractive to homebuyers, especially in colder climates. Locating the sunroom near the kitchen, living or dining area becomes the overflow area when entertaining guests.
Today’s homeowners crave outdoor living space and are looking for something a little more special than just plain square planks. Decks should have an interesting shape and maybe enhancements like a built-in fire pit, benches or raised garden beds. We use higher grade materials for the flooring and railings that not only enhances the addition but makes it easier to maintain.
Painting is one of the least expensive ways to freshen and improve a home’s look and appeal, and consequently its value. People today crave color so “eggshell white” in every room is out and a wide range of hues are available in low VOC paints and finishes. Just don’t use “hot pink” or “neon yellow”. Painting is an affordable home enhancement.
Landscaping is more than just greenery; it includes lighting, fences, rocks features, paths, ponds and other hard scape features. A curved pathway, bench and a few well placed lights can greatly enhance a homes appeal, especially in more temperate climates where plantings are visible year round…..and the bottom line.
If there’s an empty, unused room downstairs then why add a room? Basements can easily be transformed into recreational rooms, media centers, or even a “man-cave”, not to mention an extra bedroom or rental unit. If there’s a separate entrance this space will bring more sales dollars. The presence of a bathroom in the basement area can dramatically increase the property’s value.
If you’v ever lived in a house that doesn’t have enough bathrooms, then you’ll know firsthand how valuable these rooms are to potential buyers. Updating or adding bathrooms, especially master baths (ensuite), will add considerable value to the house. A master suite with his and her sinks, spacious showers and plenty of space are what buyers are looking for. Heated floors, steam showers and spa baths do wonders and ample storage is a must. Traditional ceramic tiles are preferred over wood or linoleum because they handle water better. Half baths can be created out of small closets or under eaves. Low-flow toilets and skylights (or solar tubes) are good choices too.
Everyone gravitates to the kitchen during a dinner party; it’s known as the heart of the house for a good reason. This draw has the same value to potential buyers so investing in an updated and efficient kitchen design adds value to the house and appeals to buyers emotions. Plenty of counter and cabinet space is essential and granite counter tops are popular with buyers. Stainless steel appliances are a hot ticket but everything must be co-ordinated. An island counter is great if there’s space and they can be used for homework, grabbing a quick bite or for guests to hang while you’re cooking.
Click here to register your interest.
