F.A.Q.'s Questions and Answers

1. How long does it take to complete a Green Heart Home?
The average home takes about 8 weeks to complete from groundbreaking. This is dependant on variables such as terrain, accessibility to site, weather and availability of essentials such as water. In projects such as hybrid houses (greenheart and concrete mixed) the initial concrete works will require an additional 6-8 weeks.

From initial discussions, how long will I take to move into my house?
The following are the stages in the implementation:

1. Initial conversation and receipt of sketch and site visit- 1 week.
2. Preparation of Preliminary Plans for presentation to lending institution- 1-2 weeks.
3. Deliberation by lending institution including mortgage preparation and planning approvals- 8-12 weeks.
4. Construction of Unit- 8-12 weeks (dependent on respective site).

Please note that in the case of cash clients, due to requirements of financial institutions as concerns source of funds and compliance with anti money laundering laws, we require that the client pay us by setting up a letter of credit or Bankers Guarantee.

These bank instruments assure you our client, that we will deliver what we say will and assures us of your full commitment to the project. In the event that budget makes the cost difficult, GHH will bear the cost.

Total time: - 7 months from thought to finish.

2. Are shipping costs included in the price of the building?
The estimate includes all shipping costs including customs charges. For our US and UK customers this will depend on the distances involved.

3. What are the ranges of homes available?
We strive, in line with our philosophy, to ensure that we give absolute value for money. A variety of sample plans are available from which you can choose. If you desire to make changes or alterations our in-house architect is available to assist you with your desired changes free of charge. We can build according to your plans from a standard house to as lavish a house as your budget allows, and we also supply units for resorts and hotel projects.

4. What is the price range for a Green Heart Home in my country?
The price ranges in the sample plans can range from $40,000- $200,000 USD. There may be increases or decreases of up to 30% based on the market. Larger markets such as Jamaica and Trinidad may be less expensive because of higher volumes of purchasing and reduced operating costs. The smaller islands may have higher costs for commodities and labor. Markets such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, which are non Caricom States may experience increases up to 70% due to higher costs of maintaining labor, tariffs and materials to European Standards. The US and UK markets will be based on the additional cost of operations and extensive liability insurance involved.

5. How long will my Greenheart Home Last?
We fully expect your house to last up to 50 years without any maintenance beyond the normal painting. However, the norm for roofing materials is 30 years. We can show you, if required, units constructed in 1961, which have not needed more than cursory maintenance. We guarantee to replace any lumber up to 10 years after construction of the unit, if defect is spotted and will use our discretion in the case of any time after that.

6. Can I have my home constructed using part concrete and part Greenheart timber? (Hybrid House).
We certainly aim to please and will construct to your specifications. However, the cost of the unit may be higher because of the increased cost of labor and material. We offer hardwood flooring to the Trinidad market or can consult in other islands based on floor area. Flooring is 9.00USD per sq ft in the Trinidad Market. Please email flooring@greenhearthomes.com for more detailed information.

7. Will I be able to get insurance for my Greenheart house?
Yes. We have arrangements with Insurance companies for insurance ranging from $160-$200 USD per year in the low-income range of units. However, we can negotiate on your behalf for a cheaper price based on volume business.

8. Can I have my own contractor build my home?
Certainly! The estimate we provide will have a labor cost which, based on our experience, will complete the building. We will confirm with your lending institution that we are not responsible for the construction and that your contractor will be required to submit a quote to the bank. We can provide assistance and advice to ensure the efficiency of construction.

9. Can I order Greenheart timber only for my home?
This is possible and we will ensure that the materials supplied are in lengths, which ensures little wastage during construction.

10. Can Greenheart Homes assist in building a resort?
Yes we can. We can assist from conceptualization of the layout of the building and designs to the marketing plans to ensure that the project is viable. If you do have a concern, simply contact us and we can allow you to visit an already constructed building.

11. Who is responsible for clearing the land for construction?
The client is responsible for clearing the land and ensuring that all survey pegs are visible. In the event that the pegs are not visible the client is responsible for survey costs.

12. What must I do to prepare a lot for construction?
Before construction, the client must ensure:

1. There is a temporary connection of water and electricity (this usually takes up to 5 weeks).
2. Right of access to the building lot which must be discussed with respective neighbours.

13. Do the houses include kitchen/bathroom cupboards and closets in the rooms?
Cupboards and closets are not included. It is difficult to give a standard package for these because of varying tastes and designs. We can recommend persons who can supply these at moderate costs on a custom design basis.

14. What materials are the doors and windows constructed from?
The doors and windows are in Green Heart or can be changed at client’s requests, based on location and implementation time frame to other materials and sizes. Costs may vary in this case.

15. Can I choose my own locks and hinges?
The locks and hinges are priced based on standard units for construction. Any additional changes will be borne by the client with consideration for current funds allocated.

16. Is the bathroom area made of Greenheart only?
The bathrooms are constructed in Greenheart but are cladded in concrete to facilitate tiling.

17. What is the floor made of?
The floor is constructed in Greenheart lumber - this can be highly polished or left natural based on client’s requests. If you require the floor in concrete there will be additional costs.

18. I am interested in a Greenheart home but I do not know if it is available in my country.
Please feel free to contact us. We are constantly growing and will be able to facilitate you regardless of location. We will ensure that costs are kept in check. We currently supply all Caribbean islands, the U.S. and U.K.

19. I love the houses but I do not have land, can GHH help?
Yes. By the end of October our Website will have links to GHH developments throughout the Caribbean, which will allow you to select a GHH house and land in your desired area. Just fill out the contact page with your specific request and we will do the rest.

20. What kind of ceiling is used?
We use the open rafter system but can use the dropped ceiling if required at an additional cost.

21. What types of sinks are used in the kitchen?
We use standard double sinks with swivel faucets. Should you require differently we can supply based on your specifications.

22. I am interested in advertising my services on your website - is this possible?
We actively encourage our clients to strive for diversity and thus would like to offer them as much as possible a range of products and services, which will meet their individual wishes. Therefore, you may fill out our contact page and we will respond as soon as possible indicating fees and specific requirements.

23. Would you make changes to suit property in an unfavorable environment?
Yes we will. For example, the use of stainless steel nails, bolts, locks and hinges will eliminate corrosion. In certain markets such as Montserrat, we add a coating of fire retardant to the building, which ensures that in addition to Green Heart's fire resistant qualities, that the building is able to withstand considerable wear and tear from ash fall. The use of asphalt-shingled roofs is also an additional safety precaution.

24. Are columns included in the quotation?
Price includes columns. In the event that tie beams are required, because of steepness of terrain, then this may increase the cost.

25. Would you supply alternative hardwoods for flooring?
Yes, we can supply other requested materials. Please examine our site for the timber that suits your particular taste.

26. Do I use paint or stain on the house?
Most clients prefer to stain the house. These are available in many shades and hues and are available widely. There are UV repellant brands which make it possible to prevent fading over time. However should you decide to use paint any oil based paint is satisfactory.

27. What is the procedure for purchasing a home from Greenheart Homes?

1. Sketch a plan with your house size or print out one of our floor plans and make adjustments to your desire.
2. Mail, Email or Fax it to us.
3. Make payment using your Credit Card, Money Order or Wire Transfer.
4. Within 7 days you will receive via your choice of Fax, Email or Courier your plan for presentation to your Bank.
5. Attach full drawings to copy of your survey plan and submit to your housing department for approvals to begin construction.
6. You can choose from our list of approved contractors for your country or select a contractor of your choice and ask for a quote for labor
7. Attach contractors quote to your quotation and approved plans and present to Bank.
8. Bank will give you letter of approval at which time you will need to register mortgage to bank.
9. Bank to set up Bankers Guarantee or LC for Greenheart materials GHH.
10. Materials available locally are purchased to commence construction.
11. Material is delivered within 6 weeks to the site or respective storage facility at which time your bank makes payment to GHH for materials delivered.
12. Contractor submits completion documents for respective stages of project.
13. Payments are made for different materials on a needs basis until completion.
14. On completion 1-3% of contractors fees are held back to ensure workmanship.

Feature House Plans

Please select a part of you house option from the examples below to view a larger image.