Southern Crafted Homes builds eco-friendly homes in 3 bay area communities

We're all doing our part in reducing our carbon footprint by switching our old light bulbs for the new compact fluorescent bulbs and upgrading our appliances to new more energy-efficient ones. While these steps have a positive impact, what if the entire house was designed and built with the goal of being more environmentally friendly?

Southern Crafted Homes, which builds green and has earned several awards and designations for its success, is helping families throughout the Tampa Bay area not only to move into homes of their dreams but also to live in homes that put less of a strain on the environment, said Jim Deitch, chief operating officer for Southern Crafted Homes.

"Customer satisfaction is huge for us so we make every effort to exceed expectations, and that includes taking the initiative to build eco-friendly homes that are built to last, provide a healthy living environment, and increase energy efficiency, which saves the homeowner money," Deitch said.

"We put quality and service above all and are committed to the customer experience."

How well received are Southern Crafted Homes?

The Florida Green Building Coalition named Southern Crafted Homes Builder of the Year 2011. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the homebuilder its Leadership in Housing Award in 2011. And, probably most telling of all, Southern Crafted Homes' sales increased by 33 percent over 2010 despite a dismal economy and a volatile real estate market.

"The response has been fantastic," he said. "We've experienced continued growth and it's a trend we believe will continue."

Southern Crafted Homes has been building homes in the Tampa Bay area since 1990 and started building "green" homes in 2009.

"Now, every home we build is RES-NET certified and green certified for Florida Green Building Coalition standards," Deitch said. "Our homes are built under the Eco-Crafted Brand, which combines energy efficient homes, water conservation, healthier living environments, and sustainable building practices. And every home is certified by a third party for both Florida Green Building Coalition Green Certifications and energy-efficiency certification from the Residential Energy Services Network (RES-NET)."

Southern Crafted Homes builds home in three local communities: the Preserve at Quail Woods in Wesley Chapel, Devonwood in north Tampa, and Stonegate, also in north Tampa. Each of the communities, conveniently located to downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport and the beaches of Pinellas County, is gated and there are no community development district fees. All homes include the 2-10 Homebuyers Warranty, Four-Year Systems Service Agreement and a $1 million dollar TAEXX termite guarantee.

* The Preserve at Quail Woods, just two miles from Interstate 75, features homes on oversized homesites priced from the $190,000's to $500,000's. The community features a gazebo, park, playground and walking trails. Homes range in size from 1,700 to 4,500 square feet of living space.

* Devonwood features luxury, low-maintenance villas in North Tampa, just six miles east of the Suncoast Parkway and less than one mile west of State Road 41 on State Road 54. Homes are priced from the $150,000's to $300,000's. All exterior maintenance is handled by the HOA. The community includes a swimming pool, cabanas, gazebo and park. Homes range in size from 1,461 to 2,500 square feet.

* Stonegate features three product lines in five villages and is located in North Tampa just six miles east of the Suncoast Parkway and less than one mile west of State Road 41 on State Road 54. Homes are priced from the $180,000's to $500,000's. The community includes a lap pool, resort pool, clubhouse, gym, playground, park, walking trails, and a catch and release fishing dock. Homes range in size from 1,700 to 4,500 square feet.

Champions Club, located in Trinity, features semi-custom and custom homes from 3,800 square feet and up. There are golf course and standard home sites.

Deitch said that, in addition to building in these communities, Southern Crafted Homes will build on customers' private home sites using one of their own plans or a custom plan designed specifically for the customer.

In addition, an in-house design team can help families design and customize their homes.

For more information, visit southerncraftedhomes.com, or call Preserve at Quail Woods at (813) 973-8914; Devonwood Luxury Villas at (813) 949-9273; Stonegate at (813) 242-7817; or Champions Club (813) 892-7344.