Housing Recovery STARTS in the Basement
Superior Walls of America Sees 20% Growth Over Last Year
According to leadership at Superior Walls of America, the housing market recovery is in the basement --- literally. The leading manufacturer of precast concrete foundation systems has seen a 20 percent increase in year-to-date sales for 2013 over the same January through May timeframe in 2012.
“Our business definitely began increasing once new construction started back on a positive track,” says Jim Costello, president of Superior Walls. “Just for the month of May this year we hit sales numbers that we have not seen for any month since October of 2008. That’s a great indicator that we’re in for a solid, growth-oriented 2013.”
Younger Home Buyers Desire Basements
The precast concrete panels manufactured at Superior Walls facilities across the country are the foundation system of choice for both energy-conscious homeowners and construction-savvy builders. According to the 2012 National Association of Home Builders™ (NAHB®) “What Home Buyers Really Want” study, basements are considered especially desirable in homes by younger home buyers and those living in colder climates.
“The study findings show that 76 percent of Gen Y respondents and 74 percent of Gen X respondents would prefer a basement in their homes,” says Costello. “Younger home buyers, who are investing in new construction homes, are looking for added living space and easily-accessible storage areas in the homes they purchase.”
Energy-Efficient Basements on the “Must Have” List
The same study showed that energy efficient features of products are extremely important to home buyers in all age ranges and in all geographic locations. This does not surprise Costello, whose company has seen steady growth of sales over the years thanks to the energy efficiency qualities of their precast concrete basement foundation systems.
“Superior Walls can help create an ENERGY STAR® qualified home. As a custom wall assembly, Superior Walls contribute to the overall home insulation value and reduce air infiltration into the home, thereby making a huge impact on the overall energy efficient rating of the house.
“When homeowners select a Superior Walls basement system, they’re adding comfortable, energy efficient living space to their home. Choosing a precast Xi™ or Xi Plus™ concrete foundation can help save on the total heat loss in a home. That’s a ‘bottom up’ consideration that has long-term financial benefits for a home buyer.”
Xi precast concrete panels by Superior Walls are steel-reinforced and created in the manufacturing process with DOW® insulation boards, which provide excellent rigid foam insulation. The resulting wall panels provide a dry, warm and exceptionally energy-efficient foundation for a home.
Superior Walls insulated precast concrete wall systems have earned the Green Approved Product designation by the NAHB Research Center. For homeowners, the benefits of Superior Walls foundations systems are substantial. The energy-efficient walls help lower energy costs and reduce energy leakage while providing increased living space in a comfortable setting.
For more information visit www.superiorwalls.com.
Superior Walls
Available nationwide through licensees in a variety of states, Superior Walls foundations have been installed since 1981 when the company introduced the original R-5 Superior Walls precast foundation system. Superior Walls products are the first and only foundation systems to have attained the Green Approved Product designation by the NAHB Research Center, earning builders points on a project toward a National Green Building Certification. The company is a member of the International Code Council and the US Green Building Council. For more information, call 1-800-452-9255 or visit www.superiorwalls.com
Website: www.superiorwalls.com