Green building is becoming more popular among buyers. Is the industry moving toward a commonly accepted definition of what exactly constitutes a green-built home?
Downing: We’ve certainly become more aware than ever of green building practices and how to use them in new homes. There is not, however, a standard definition of exactly what constitutes a green-built home.

As more and more builders move in that direction, I believe the need for a common definition will be greater. For now, however, many builders are collaborating with such organizations and programs as Energy Star, Florida Water Star,  JEA Green Built Homes of Florida and FPL BuildSmart in order to get direction and methods about green building.

Builders typically receive the brunt of criticism regarding the problems growth brings. How is your industry helping local government deal with growth-related issues?
Downing: We’re helping in several ways. First, one of the most important and overlooked aspects of launching a development is the cost a builder incurs to pay for community infrastructure. This may include water retention ponds and other areas. We typically put up funds in several different areas that the public is often unaware of.

Second, we work with local and state governments to address school and road issues. This is to ensure that the children in the community will be able to attend schools with reasonable class sizes and that the community won’t have impeded access to the major arteries of the city.

In addition, when we’re building a development we work with county planning departments to minimize the impact on the existing infrastructure of that community.

What do you think buyers are looking for in a new home? Do you think their expectations and demands are different today than they were five or ten years ago?
Downing: The expectations depend on the type of home. Buyers in an average price range focus more on the amenities that are included with each home as well as the quality of the standard finishes and the overall look and feel.

Buyers in the upper price ranges typically want to discuss available upgrades and luxury amenities and finishes. They often opt for such features as summer kitchens or bonus suites that can be turned into offices or guest rooms.

Buyers today also have higher expectations of the type of amenities that are offered in communities. Developers are including a wider range of community assets, such as water parks and slide features, walking trails and community parks and state-of-the-art fitness centers and clubhouses.

What are some technological advances that have impacted home building during the last few years?
Downing: There are several new types of technology that have gained popularity over the last several years.

We’re seeing many more tankless water heaters in homes as well as greater access to wireless internet. There are also new advances in water-intrusion protection and in new insulation products.