Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for prize consideration contestants must construct housing that meets the requirements of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, Bronze Level or above. Entries that achieve higher certification levels will be treated preferentially by the judges.

Verification by inspection of the building process is a contest requirement. Additionally, entries will be judged according to the judging sheet attached as Exhibit C.

The competition is open to any contestant(s) capable of meeting the goals and requirements of the competition

Entries will only be considered that meet the following definition of Affordable Housing : (1) Eligible to 1st time homebuyers with a maximum home price not to exceed $175,000.00; OR (2) single-family or multi-family developments eligible for housing under the Housing Tax Credit Program (IRS Section 42).

Registration

Contestants will register with MHC. MHC will charge a $500.00 registration fee for each entry.

Minimum Contest Participation

At least five (5) unrelated and/or unaffiliated entities must register for the competition for MHC to honor the full prize amounts. A competitor may submit more than one entry to the competition. If less than five (5) entries are received by MHC the prize monies will be reduced by seventy-five percent (75%).

Building Code Requirements

All entries must meet the 2006 International Building Code to include the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. All entries must submit complete drawings with a complete listing and description of all construction features and mechanical systems to MHC at the time the entrant submits plans to a local jurisdiction permit department.

At the entrant's request, the plans received by MHC may be evaluated to be determined that they meet the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. An additional fee of $300.00 must be included with a written request for such evaluation to cover the cost of the third party software evaluation.

Coastal entries must also meet the additional requirements related to flooding and wind. Local building codes, as enforced by local governmental authorities, will take precedence over any provisions of the contest, provided they meet or exceed the requirements of the contest.

Cost Certification

Each entry must have Certified Public Accountant (CPA) cost certify the cost of construction. MHC encourages the entrant to work with suppliers to meet objectives of the program; however, any pricing cost incentives, donated construction materials, or appliance/heating/cooling equipment must be accounted for at the cost that would be incurred in the routine construction of the home.

Unique features that may not be a requirement of green building that enhance living style, such as outdoor living designs, will be considered by the judges.

Verification and Inspection Guidelines

Each home's construction must be verified and inspected by an approved NAHB Certified Verifier. The contestant must notify MHC of any required inspection at least 48 hours prior to the inspection date. All inspections must be made in conformance with the program under which the home is being built to achieve final certification from the appropriate entity. MHC, in coordination with the NAHB local homebuilders association, will make its best efforts to have local press coverage of the inspection event.

Site Approval

MHC must approve the proposed building site and its location. Each entry must have received a Certificate of Occupancy from the appropriate local governing authority prior to November 6, 2009 to be eligible for award consideration. Each entry must receive the appropriate NAHB certification by December 4, 2009.

MHC Construction Financing

MHC will consider construction loan financing of the homes entered in the competition subject to the builder meeting MHC's construction lending requirements.

To download a free copy of the NAHB Model Green Building Guidelines, please visit their website here.