Overland Park, Kan. (April 9, 2008) - Your home’s indoor air quality could be 10 to 15 times more toxic than the outdoors. And that severely affects the millions of Americans who suffer from asthma and allergies. With today’s concern over energy efficiency, builders are tightly sealing up homes, but that often traps allergens and synthetics used on building materials inside, where it can inflame reactions of susceptible people. But there is a way to build a house that is both energy-efficient and healthy. H&S Covenant Homes is proud to present the first-ever KC Health Home.

The idea began two years ago, when H&S Covenant president Frank Pikus’ son was diagnosed with asthma. Frank spent 10 months researching better building techniques and ultimately adopted the building standards established by the American Lung Association, whose Health House program is designed to implement environmentally friendly materials, reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. H&S Covenant is now one of only a handful of builders in the country certified to build this innovative type of home.

The first KC Health Home will include an all concrete exterior, advanced insulation techniques, BluWood interior construction (no mold or rot), high-efficiency air filtration and ventilation system, low-VOC paint and energy-efficient windows, with site inspections and performance testing from American Lung Association officials. The home will be beautifully decorated in French Country style on a treed one-acre lot in one of the most rapidly developing areas of town. The house is located at 10815 W. 153rd Terrace in the Woods at Colton Lake. Visitors are welcome during the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City’s Spring Homes Tour, May 4-18. H&S Covenant is also planning a series of educational symposiums for physicians, architects and realtors at the home, April 29 - May1.

There are a number of corporate sponsors supporting the KC Health Home initiative including Pella Windows, M&I Bank, the American Institute of Architects, the Portland Cement Association and others. Proceeds generated through these sponsorships and donations made during the public tour will benefit the Fox 4 Love Fund for Children. Fox 4 News will also cover the home in a series of reports in April.