DeMetrick Housewrights: A Pioneer in Rhode Island Sustainable Home Construction
In today's post, we're diving into the world of sustainable construction in Rhode Island, and there's no better guide than Steve DeMetrick, the owner of DeMetrick Housewrights. Since 1998, Steve has been turning his passion for eco-friendly building methods into reality here in the Ocean State. His unwavering commitment to sustainability has cemented DeMetrick Housewrights' reputation as an industry leader in sustainable home construction in South County, Rhode Island. Steve recently invited me to meet him at a build in Charlestown, RI, where his team was finishing up the construction of a new home.
"This is the embodiment of what we're trying to do in that it's not an overly massive house. It's 1,800 square feet, but it's still three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. We've stripped it down to the basics of what it takes to achieve a 100 percent net zero-ready building. And it's already prepped for solar. Once they put panels on, they won't have any energy bills." -Steve DeMetrick
Turning Community Experience into Sustainable Practice
Before his return to Wakefield in 1998, Steve spent two formative years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in inner-city Washington, D.C. as an AmeriCorps member. The experience ingrained in him a deep commitment to community development and ecological responsibility, which he now practices through his company's work. This holistic perspective encompasses not just the structures his team builds but the overall impact of their work on both the environment and the homeowners.
The Future of Home Building: Certified Passive House Construction
As a Certified Passive House Builder, Steve has leveraged his expertise to create energy-efficient homes that exceed the typical expectations of sustainable construction. His crowning achievement was constructing the first PHIUS Certified Passive House in his home state, a testament to his commitment to innovative and sustainable building techniques. As an active member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, Steve constantly engages with the broader industry, driving forward the conversation on sustainable building practices.
This recent build in Charlestown by DeMetrick Housewrights is 1800 square feet. Energy-wise, it's projected to use 6 million BTUs a year – provided 100% by solar panels. If you took the same exact house and built it to the code that a conventional builder would use it would use over 60 million BTUs a year.Reducing Waste with Thoughtful Construction Techniques
One of the unique aspects of Steve's approach to building is the emphasis on simplicity and thoughtfulness. His teams approach each project meticulously, aiming for minimal waste – a philosophy symbolized by the near-empty dumpster on their worksites. For DeMetrick Housewrights, the goal isn't just to build a house; it's to create a sustainable, comfortable, and low-maintenance home that brings owners joy for years to come.
"That dumpster right there, we've only emptied that dumpster twice. That's from when we started the foundation to insulating the house. And it's only a six-yard dumpster." -Steve DeMetrick
Creating Low-Maintenance, High-Comfort Homes
This focus on sustainability continues after the construction process. The company's houses are designed with simplicity and low maintenance in mind, reducing the ongoing economic and environmental impact associated with upkeep. Steve firmly believes that a well-designed home can provide a high level of comfort while having a significantly lower environmental footprint. These homes are so well-designed that customers often report life-changing improvements, such as improved indoor air quality that alleviates health issues such as asthma.
"The people living in it is the most important part. What I really enjoy is hearing the anecdotes from customers about just how amazingly comfortable they are. They didn't know it was going to be this good. They had no idea. We have a customer a couple of miles from here who doesn't need to use her Xantec. It's totally life-changing." -Steve DeMetrick
The Future of Construction: Sustainable, Comfortable Homes for All
Beyond their green building practices, one thing that struck me about DeMetrick Housewrights is that Steve seeks clients who share the company's sustainability and quality values and understand the time, care, and precision involved in crafting their homes. His philosophy is that trust is at the core of these relationships, and he seeks to work with clients who respect and value their craftsmanship and professionalism from the outset.
DeMetrick Housewrights also prides itself on its employee-first approach. The company pays its skilled carpenters well above the industry average, recognizing that the craftsmanship and dedication of these professionals help set the company apart. From building science to custom millwork and cabinetry, all crafted in their own shop, the team brings a wealth of experience and passion to every project.
"If we're going to build, we need to be building like this. And if we are going to build like this, we need to share this with other people, to get more people to realize like, 'Hey, this is how we should be building, and it's not that hard.'" -Steve DeMetrick
