I would like to hear experiences of those who have built demonstration homes.  I'm hoping to build at least an Energy Star rated house (but preferably LEED) and there are none in my area.  I've found that a lot of builders are interested in what I'm planning but they have very limited experience in some of the techniques such as OVE, SIPs, geothermal, etc.  I've heard some of the suppliers would give a break on price in exchange for advertising and promotion of their products - hopefully this would allow me to use some of the products and materials that are just out of reach for my budget.

Has anyone been down this road?
How long did you show the house?
Was it worth the trouble?

Thanks!

awhite;

are you suggesting that your home is to be built at a lower price in exchange for using as a show home?

Hi Chris,
Not really.  I know builders wouldn't agree to that, since they would be subject to risk in trying something new.  I'm building green regardless - I work in the water/wastewater industry, and since we push green technologies at work I might as well do it at home.

There doesn't seem to be much interest in green homes here in my part of the deep south, so I'd like to build a house that looks "normal" but is so much more efficient than comparable homes that people would consider building something similar.  When I mention building a LEED home people automatically assume I'm talking about a modern-style house that would look very much out of place in a traditional neighborhood.  I have in mind opening the house for a few weeks and having some displays of the materials and methods used.

I do wonder, though, about all these show homes I see in other parts of the country that have sponsors and advertising for the materials used.  Does the builder/owner get a break on pricing in exchange for the publicity?  If so, maybe I could do the same thing here.

Funny you should ask;  yes a builder /owner might get a break on some items , but not usually an owner /builder.