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Just Released: A Community Guide To Basic And Cost-Saving Construction In The American Southwest

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Despite strong efforts on the part of concerned
individuals and industry groups, the implementation of
proven, cost-effective, and cost-saving advancements in
housing construction technology strategies still lags in
many parts of the rural Southwest.

A new book developed by HUD's Office of Policy
Development and Research (PD&R) and the Partnership for
Advancing Technology and Housing (PATH) works to address
this lag by showcasing the cost benefits of energy-
efficient home construction and rehabilitation in the
rural Southwest. "A Community Guide to Basic and Cost-
Saving Construction in the American Southwest" is a
bilingual publication aimed at non-profit housing
developers, planning officials, local housing advocates,
do-it-yourself homeowners, and community groups that
provide housing in this region of the country.

Although the quality of the housing stock in the rural
Southwest has improved over the last 20 years, much of it
remains inefficient, unsafe, of substandard quality, and
costly to operate and maintain. The new publication shows
that implementing low- or no-cost construction techniques
can substantially improve the quality and energy
efficiency of homes in this region. Although energy-
efficient technologies often cost more to implement
initially, the extra cost can be offset by long-term
operating savings, and increasingly, through the use of
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs). The book presents
several cost-effective practices that can help affordable
housing providers and owners improve a home's
performance, resulting in efficient, affordable, and high
quality projects.

The book presents more than 30 cost-saving strategies for
housing construction in the rural Southwest.
Additionally, the authors discuss regulatory barriers to
affordable housing development, as well as those that
sometimes arise from outmoded perceptions or views.
Lastly, three case studies are included as examples of
how incorporating cost-saving techniques and strategies
have resulted in the successful development of affordable
housing.

"A Community Guide To Basic And Cost-Saving Construction
In The American Southwest" is available from HUD USER for
a nominal charge by calling 1-800-245-2691. A summary of
the books is also available at
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/destech/cost_saving.html.
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1-800-245-2691
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