HEALTHY AT HOME. This winter, with rising cases of Omicron, staying healthy is more important than ever. Enter GreenHalo Builds' net-zero ready healthy home – the first of its kind in Eau Claire. (Submitted image)

Now more than ever, families are prioritizing staying healthy, and that starts at home. And no, not with Clorox-wiping your doorknobs or sanitizing your groceries – living in a net-zero ready healthy home, such as the new one GreenHalo Builds is building at 38 Queens Drive in Eau Claire. 

The Minnesota-based home builder sought to move into the Eau Claire market after eyeing the City of Eau Claire’s Green City initiative, which – among other goals – aims for the city to use 25% renewable energy by 2025.

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This is a community that is really dedicated to the next generation.

Jud Manor

Greenhalo Builds

 “This is a community that is really dedicated to the next generation,” said Jud Manor, Chippewa Valley territory owner for GreenHalo Builds. “That’s obviously so important to us, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.” 

The Chippewa Valley’s first net-zero ready and healthy home (though notably not the first net-zero home) – complete with an electric charging station, solar panels, GAF Timberline shingles, James Hardie siding, Andersen Windows, Insulspan SIP panels, Sense System monitors, Green Home Solutions, and TrueFRESH ventilation systems – offers a glimpse into homes of the future, combining high-end appliances with the luxury and comfort of modern residential living. (A net-zero ready home is one that is ultra-energy efficient, and with further modifications could generate all of the energy it needs.)

Midwestern homeowners appreciate the energy-efficient Energy Savers fireplaces, which are used in every GreenHalo Builds home. But the homes aren’t only luxurious; they’re affordable – or at least that is one of many goals of GreenHalo Builds.

They aim to maintain transparency in their pricing, detailing how and why their prices are what they are. Their choice in high-end finishes and appliances comes mostly as a result of their dedication to going green. While the up-front cost seems high, the durable materials and appliances pay off without a need for repair or replacement costs down the line.

While energy efficiency and sustainability is at the top of their priority list, GreenHalo Builds also prioritizes health, using Green Home Solutions for mold remediation and protection and odor removal, ensuring that the air you breathe every day in your home is safe, clean, and won’t exacerbate any health conditions. 

For example, you know when you move into a typical “college house,” and you can smell that distinct paint scent? After a few minutes, a headache might come around. GreenHalo Builds chooses paints and finishes that avoid that caustic combination of chemicals, ensuring you can breathe happy – and healthy. 

The company’s dedication to sustainability came about after CEO John Sharkey – after over two decades constructing high-end luxury houses – knew there had to be a more sustainable approach. 

“Sometimes you do things because you feel like it’s the right thing to do,” Manor said, “and I really feel like that’s what we’re doing. We’re doing really cool designs, we love what we do, and sometimes you have to create a product for people to realize that they really need it.” 

Perhaps the biggest appeal to the GreenHalo homes is their customization, using high-end architecture, cabinetry, and design solutions. They have an on-staff interior designer ready to help create a home that works with your family and lifestyle.

“Whatever you can dream up,” Manor said, “we can do.”

The first net-zero ready healthy home in Eau Claire will reach completion by this summer and will be part of the 2022 Chippewa Valley Parade of Homes. For more information about GreenHalo Builds, visit greenhalobuilds.com.