At Ivory Homes, quality isn’t just a word—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Recently, Mark LaLiberte from Construction Instruction joined us to break down what that quality truly means for both the people building our homes and the families who live in them. His insights highlighted not only where the housing market is headed but also why choosing a new Ivory home offers unmatched value, comfort, and peace of mind.

Value Over Price

When it comes to building or buying a home, value should always outweigh price. Mark reminded us that while market conditions fluctuate, the enduring benefits of energy efficiency, craftsmanship, and comfort are what truly matter in the long run. 

Mark said this about Ivory’s energy efficient homes, “You have all of this as a standard. These are things that are upgrades for any other builder.”

Market Predictions & New Construction

Looking ahead, the housing market shows promise:

• 2–4% sales growth for new homes by region
• Mortgage rates expected to fall by late 2025
• Advancing codes will continue to shape construction
• Energy efficiency is no longer optional—it’s inevitable, essential, and profitable

Meanwhile, the cost of energy continues to rise. With a national average of 11.18 cents per kilowatt hour, efficiency has never been more important. That’s why Ivory builds homes designed not just for today’s needs but for long-term savings and comfort.

The Challenge of Existing Homes

There are 125 million existing homes in the U.S., and many of them need significant upgrades:

• 34% (42 million homes) require modest improvements like new windows, insulation, and air sealing
• 26% (32 million homes) need deep upgrades including exterior insulation, new equipment, and major system overhauls

As Mark explained:

“You could either go spend all of that money, time, and angst in higher trades—or you could have a brand-new house.”

That’s the Ivory difference: homes built right from the start.

Building Smarter, Healthier Homes

Today’s houses are more complex than ever, with advanced mechanical systems, automation, renewable energy features, and increased airtightness. While that complexity could create challenges, Ivory turns it into opportunity by prioritizing health, comfort, and durability.

• Draft-free construction: fewer insects, less dust, better energy efficiency
• Customer satisfaction: Ivory homes consistently deliver beyond expectations
• Community impact: through Ivory Innovations, we are shaping healthier communities with better air quality and performance

As Mark shared:

“Tight buildings reduce insects, dust, improve energy efficiency and allow you control. We don’t say tight—we say draft-free homes.”

The Ivory Difference: Comfort at Every Level

• Windows: Mark calls these comfort windows designed for performance and efficiency
• Insulation: A full “blanket” around your home, regulating temperature, reducing outside noise, and enhancing durability
• Tight Construction: Also known as better construction by Mark, fewer drafts, less dust, fewer bugs, and much quieter living
• HVAC comfort systems: Quiet, efficient, and equipped with advanced filtration and ventilation for healthier air and lower energy bills

Together, these elements create homes that are safer, healthier, more comfortable, more durable, and more sustainable.

Building Beyond Code

Ivory Homes consistently builds beyond the standard energy codes. We’ve recently made a commitment to integrate Tyvek house wraps, a trusted brand in construction, to further improve durability and indoor comfort. Mark spoke highly of Tyvek and mentioned benefits that include:

• Fewer drafts and reduced dust
• Improved cladding durability
• Enhanced air quality and energy efficiency
• Better drying times for long-term resilience

Craftsmanship & Integrity

While advanced technology and efficiency are critical, craftsmanship still matters. Mark highlighted that Ivory strikes a rare balance:

“Ivory builds a house that is incredibly affordable in price and remarkable in craftsmanship and workmanship. Rare combination.”

We believe in doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. As C.S. Lewis said:

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Over 80% of the work on a home is hidden behind the walls, yet our teams go above and beyond to ensure every layer meets the Ivory standard.

Building for Today—and for Generations

John Ruskin once said:

“When we build let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for…”

At Ivory, we take this to heart. We don’t just build homes—we build legacies. Generations of families will enjoy the comfort, durability, and value of an Ivory Home because we build them right the first time.

Our motto says it all:

“We care about your home today and its value tomorrow.”

And we live that every day.

Watch this video to see Mark talk about our Charleston Place model home in Holladay, Utah.