Houston Builders Produce Nation's First Certified Green Renovation

(HOUSTON, TX, July 11, 2010, Houston Remodeling Guide Magazine) - With money getting tighter and people becoming more aware of their own carbon footprints, the green movement has reached new heights. It not only affects the great outdoors, but the indoors as well. The government is offering tax incentives to homeowners for making green improvements to their homes. More trees are being planted, and consumers are asking for the most environmentally friendly products available.

In 2009, the National Association of Home Builders began offering green certification at three different levels. The nation's first Certified Bronze Level Green Renovation and Additions is right here in Houston, inside the loop. The home is a Certified Green Home under ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard.

"There's been a change in the market," said remodeler Allen Griffin, CGR, GMB, CAPS, CGP, of Gryphon Builders. "Where people used to tear down older inner city homes and replace them with new construction, they are now realizing that revitalizing older homes makes sense economically. Remodeling is a better option for the overall environment because much of the old structure is reused and updated with the latest technologies, compared to a tear down which would all be in a landfill."

Read full story or Tour our new green home!

"Allen Griffin's understanding of the unique remodeling dynamic keeps him well regarded in the industry."

(HOUSTON, TX, May 1, 2010, Texas Builder Magazine) - When we say the word "house," we tend to think of the physical characteristics associated with the structure: the roof, the windows, the front door, one story or two, etc. Conversely, saying the word "home" brings to mind family, traditions and memories which are directly connected to feelings. Being cognizant of this issue is the reason why Allen Griffin of Gryphon Builders, in Houston, has a successful remodeling career and is referred to as a friend by many of his clients.

"Remodeling is just more personal. Building a new home is more of a product, but when you remodel, you are working where memorries have already been created. You have to be sensitive to that."

Griffin discovered his love for drafting and construction when he took an architectural class in high school. The idea of designing something and then seeing it come to fruition was very appealing and continues to be so now.

It's a Two-Way Street
Giving credit where credit is due, Griffin attributes a great deal of his success to his association with remodelers and builders that hold themselves to a higher standard. Throughout his career, Griffin has established lasting relationships that continue to influence him both professionally and personally.

"I respect the business practices of men like Stephan Hann and Russell Bird," Griffin said. "They set the bar pretty high in this industry. And as members of the Greater Houston Builders Association, I decided to follow their example and join as well. It was the first thing I did after getting my DBA and it turned out to be one of the smartest things I've ever done."

Staying Ahead of the Pack
Like any profession, a changing market can translate into fiercer competition within an industry. For this reason, and a commitment to being among the best in the business, Griffin has made it a priority to obtain professional credentials and designations. The National Association of Home Builders' University of Housing offers comprehensive training programs to builders, remodelers, and other industry specialists. Griffin's completion of the rigorous course requirements exemplifies his passion for designing, building and remodeling. He has obtained his Certified Green Professional (CGP), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designations.

As the insignia suggests, "Designing, Building, and Remodeling with Excellence" is the cornerstone to his business philosophy. He makes every effort to ensure minimal disruption and maximum satisfaction for his clients, because this is the Gryphon Builders promise.

Read full story in Texas Builder Magazine, May/June 2010

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