Decker Homes, has been constructing energy efficient homes since 1981.

We continuously pursue new heights as a 100% Energy Star builder and the first to build a Solar Electric home in our area. We have also taken Energy Star to the next level by becoming an Inaugural Year member of the Department of Energy Builder America Proram by building homes 15% more efficient than Energy Star. In today’s economy, concern about energy efficiency is serious business. Decker Homes is at the forefront of designing homes that are both stylish and energy efficient while never compromising quality.

Did you know that Decker Homes is:

• Department of Energy Builder America Program member
• 100% Certified Energy Star Builder
• The first Builder in SE Michigan & NW Ohio to offer Solar-Electric (PV) systems with net-metering.
• The first builder in SE Michigan & NW Ohio to build 100% of our homes to EXCEED the Energy Star standards.
• Known as an EXPERT in Green Building & Alternative Energy.
• The Green Energy of Ohio Business of the Year in 2005.
• Has received the Ohio Governor's Commendation Award for Energy Excellence in 2005.
• An active member of the HBA of Greater Toledo.
• Has won numerous HBA Sales & Marketing Council awards including...
• SMC Community of the Year
• SMC Builder of the Year
• A custom builder who typically builds in the $250,000 - $500,000 price range.
• Also has built numerous $1,000,000 homes in the area.
• Has an award winning website.

From one generation to the next,
Decker Homes customers have come to
TRUST and RESPECT our building knowledge and integrity.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and its Building America Challenge program, Decker Homes has developed a new standard for quality, energy-efficient homes. Achieving energy savings of about 40% over traditional construction, our homes feature many advanced products and construction design - including advanced framing techniques, high efficiency and cooling

systems, and effective insulation systems that combine traditional fiberglass batt insulation with foam and sealing procedures in key areas where air leakage and thermal performance is most likely to be a problem. Our HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME program is taking our homes to the next level and preparing them for net zero energy performance with optional solar-electric and geothermal heating/cooling systems. We will continue our commitment to incorporate the best in our ingenuity with improved design, reduced consumption, improved energy conservation, and renewable energy systems to reach our goal to building net zero energy homes.

Whole Building Design and Net-Zero Energy Goal

Bill & Elizabeth Decker formed Decker Homes, Inc. in 1981 because we believed the time had come for high quality energy efficient homes, now commonly called “Green Homes.”

Is it better to have your new home built as inexpensively as possible, or is it better to invest a little more upfront to live in a home that has lower maintenance and utility costs? Did you know that over the last 100 years most homes built in America have been built as cheaply as possible, favoring low upfront cost over long term operational and maintenance value? It has not been uncommon for a new home buyer to have to invest in replacement of building materials in less than 10 years.

With Decker Homes the focus is on whole building design using advanced framing techniques and high quality products with long lasting durability. Our exterior wall design greatly reduces energy losses caused by thermal bridging through the exterior walls. Our framing methods, such as turned stud corners and standoff wall intersections, allow insulation to be installed in these hard to get at areas. Our raised rafter plates allow insulation to be installed over the top of exterior walls.

We install both interior and exterior air barriers that complement each other. The interior air and vapor barrier prevents air leakage of our homes' interior air into the wall cavity and limits convection air losses. Our exterior air barrier limits the ability of air and moisture to penetrate the wall area.

The exterior heated wall area is covered with insulated foam sheathing over structural sheathing to completely insulate the outside wall. To further prevent heat loss and air penetration into our wall cavity, we insulate the basement rim joist area with polyurethane foam and caulk, seal all wall bottom plates, all plumbing and electrical wall penetrations and seal areas around all doors and windows. Insulation is installed behind tubs, fireplaces and cantilevered areas, and interior basement walls are framed and insulated which alone saves about 30% in energy costs. The size of mechanicals that penetrate the framing members is minimized. All of these methods ensure a tight building envelope to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, a major consideration when considering the performance of your new home.

Our whole building design approach considers all of the air sealing, insulation, structural and mechanical systems, and how these systems work together to achieve maximum energy efficiency and homeowner comfort. Our optional high performance homes takes the whole building design another step forward with fully integrated solar electric (PV) and advanced geothermal heat pump systems which eliminate the natural gas furnace and have net zero energy capability, lowering operational cost up to 100% percent.

Every Decker Home is tested for air tightness by a certified independent home rater. Our homebuyers are awarded with the test results, an energy 5-STAR PLUS rating certificate, and a U.S. Department of Energy home performance label certifying the home to be at least 30% better than homes built to current housing codes.

• In 1982, Dale Decker (Son) joined the company became Vice President in 1994 and supervises all construction activities.
• In 1991, we received a Professional Achievement Award from Professional Builder, a National Magazine for our role as a leader in Energy Efficient Housing.
• In 1996, we earned an Energy Value Commendation Housing award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
• In 2001 John Decker Jr. (Grandson) joined the company as WEB/CAD designer and IT specialist and Decker Homes became a three generation family company.
• In 2004, we built our first solar electric demonstration home and began offering optional solar electric (PV) systems on our homes.
• In 2005, we earned a commendation award for our energy efficient construction from the State of Ohio and the 2005 Business of the year award from Green Energy Ohio.
• In 2005, John Decker Jr. was certified in CAD/Drafting Technology bringing our in-house design department full circle.
• In June 2008, we completed our 4th solar electric (PV) installation on our most efficient home to date, our first home combining two technologies, both solar PV and a geothermal heating/cooling system and hot water system, producing electricity on the roof, and transferring heat and cooling from the ground to the home, producing a home 65% more efficient than comparable new homes simply built to code.
• In September 2008, Decker Homes met the U.S. Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge qualifications and was awarded a certificate for our commitment to building a more energy-efficient America with the goal of building net zero homes. (Homes that produce as much energy as they consume).
• In 2009, John Decker Jr. (Grandson) completed courses in PV Design resulting in Solar design certification.

Building a home is a complex process, bringing together hundreds of tradesmen and suppliers, requiring clear communication for the execution of important details. Decker Homes provides the leadership and management necessary to achieve high standards.

We invite you to take a look at our Builder America, Builders Challenge Energy Star Certified homes. You’ll see the results of our efforts…a desire to make a difference in the way homes are built to lower the operating cost, increase homeowner comfort, save energy, help protect our environment, and maximize resale value.