Sawhorse Construction, Residential Green Building - Matt Hoots

Matt Hoots, the president of Sawhorse construction,  one of Atlanta’s premier residential remodeling firms. Known for their innovation, professionalism, and energy-efficient building practices, winning  more than 100 national & regional awards. It’s easy to find Matt’s content on YouTube with great series like the green myth busters, fresh air Fridays, and lots of great videos on everything from understanding insulation, to selecting better kitchen appliances.  As an Atlanta green influencer, Matt is a passionate advocate for the positive impacts of better construction on peoples’ lives.  Enjoy!

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.
Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com.
To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visit www.creativeinterface.design.

Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

Transcript

Common Sense for Better Construction: A Green Building Journey

 Introduction: 

- Welcome to "Common Sense for Better Construction," bridging the information gap to create a brighter future in the built world.

- Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, committed to making sustainable construction practically impactful. Visit www.Creativeinterface.design.

 Introduction of Guest: 

- Meet Matt Hoots, President of Sawhorse Construction, one of Atlanta's premier residential remodeling firms with over 40 years of experience.

- Sawhorse Construction is known for innovation, professionalism, and energy-efficient building practices, winning over 100 national and regional awards.

- Matt is a green builder, content creator, and home improvement specialist, passionate about advocating for the positive impacts of better construction.

 Discussion on Sustainability: 

- Matt emphasizes the importance of sustainability for long-term benefits and cost savings.

- He shares experiences of problems arising when not incorporating green certifications or third-party verifications in projects.

- Sustainability addresses issues like building envelope, moisture mitigation, and humidity control, ensuring long-term durability and cost savings.

- Matt highlights the significance of making the right decisions upfront to avoid problems down the line.

 Long-Term Impact of Decisions: 

- Matt discusses the importance of clients making informed decisions for products that last 50 to 100 years.

- He criticizes the luxury construction industry for compromising on essential components like HVAC, windows, and insulation.

- Matt encourages clients to focus on durability and quality, especially for elements that are permanent and challenging to upgrade.

 Products with Longevity: 

- Matt expresses frustration with certain choices in the luxury construction industry, emphasizing the importance of quality over cost.

- He discusses the durability of materials, debunking the myth that sustainable options are always more expensive.

- Matt encourages clients to consider life cycle analysis, explaining how investing more initially can lead to long-term savings.

 Challenges in Promoting Sustainable Practices: 

- Matt acknowledges the resistance and pushback faced in promoting sustainability, especially in custom home construction.

- He highlights the importance of understanding clients' pain points and tailoring solutions to their specific needs.

- Matt discusses the challenge of addressing misinformation and the need for more education in the industry.

 Positive Impacts and Solutions: 

- Matt shares ways his efforts aim to create a positive impact, focusing on improving the built environment for clients.

- He discusses the environmental movement's focus on conservation and the need for solutions that immediately save money.

- Matt encourages clients to consider the operating costs of a structure, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach.

 Overcoming Resistance: 

- Matt employs sales techniques to understand clients' needs and promote sustainable options.

- He discusses the challenges faced in the industry when builders prioritize the minimum standard over higher sustainability goals.

- Matt emphasizes the need for more options and information to help clients make better decisions.

 Potential Losses for the Industry: 

- Matt discusses the potential consequences if the building industry does not embrace sustainable practices.

- He shares his belief that there are more people looking for solutions and improvements than those resisting change.

- Matt emphasizes the need for creating awareness and providing solutions to address common problems in the built environment.

 The Role of Education and Content Creation: 

- Matt talks about his content creation efforts on YouTube to educate clients and builders.

- He aims to simplify the decision-making process by categorizing and organizing information on various topics.

- Matt emphasizes the importance of providing practical solutions and addressing misperceptions in the industry.

 Myth Busting and Practical Solutions: 

- Matt discusses the need for myth-busting in the industry and the importance of providing solutions to problems.

- He shares examples of clients changing their minds after being educated on various construction practices.

- Matt talks about creating content to showcase real-life scenarios and practical solutions, making sustainability more accessible.

 Encouraging Electrification and Efficient Solutions: 

- Matt shares experiences with promoting electrification and efficient HVAC solutions.

- He discusses the safety concerns associated with gas appliances and highlights the benefits of electric alternatives.

- Matt encourages builders to consider health and wellness when making decisions about materials and appliances.

 Positive Feedback and Client Impact: 

- Matt shares positive feedback from clients who changed their preferences after learning about better alternatives.

- He emphasizes the need for providing information about health implications related to construction decisions.

- Matt discusses the significance of addressing cooking practices and the impact of induction cooktops on health and efficiency.

 The Importance of Education and Myth Busting: 

- Matt underscores the importance of educating clients about efficient solutions and dispelling myths.

- He talks about the need for market awareness and helping clients understand the benefits of various technologies.

- Matt shares experiences from events and videos that demonstrate the efficiency of electric solutions over traditional gas appliances.

 Conclusion: 

- Matt concludes by reiterating the goals of Sawhorse Construction: to educate, inspire, and inform.

- He emphasizes the practicality of their approach and the importance of collaboration in the industry.

- Matt invites others to use their content for educating clients and promoting sustainable practices.

 Outro: 

- Thank you for joining "Common Sense for Better Construction."