ZN Custom Building Joins ProConnect to Assist in Its Green Building Efforts

As part of its progressive efforts to cost-effectively build high-quality green homes, Massachusetts-based ZN Custom Building recently joined ProConnect, a partnership program between the propane and home construction industries.

Almost two years ago, the modular building specialist, recently featured in the Boston Globe and Billerica Minuteman, switched from constructing traditional stick-built homes to those built in the factory — and it hasn’t looked back since.

Because of the cost efficiencies and quality-control capabilities that are an inherent part of the factory-built process, company president and CEO Michael Zenga and his business partner, Attila Javor, have enjoyed solid growth since focusing on the modular housing market. As of July 31, the company had contracts in place to build 14 factory-built homes in Massachusetts during 2008.

“After thoroughly comparing the differences between building stick-built homes and modular homes, we as a company decided, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them,’” says Zenga. “By offering factory-built homes, we can provide a higher-quality product that can save the home buyer a substantial amount of money while at the same time reduce our costs, increase profits, and help the environment.

Although most of the homes ZN Custom Building constructs include natural gas appliances (because they are built in areas where the fuel is readily available), Zenga is looking to build with propane in the future whenever natural gas is not an option. He sees his membership in ProConnect as an opportunity to facilitate this desire.

“We’re enthused about joining ProConnect because propane is green and costcompetitive when compared to heating oil and electricity,” says Zenga. “We look at this program as a chance to build important relationships with propane retailers who can help us integrate propane products into our high-quality modular home portfolio.”

Several things about ProConnect appeal to Zenga and he hopes to take advantage of them. “Obviously, the special promotions, such as being able to receive $500 for each installation of a propane water heater and a central heating system in our homes, will work for me. Not only will I be providing a quality product, but I’ll also be paid for being green.”

Zenga also notes that he likes the fact that he can go to ProConnect’s website (ne.ProConnectHome.com) and gather information on propane appliance options that he can present to his prospective homebuyers, or he can download case studies to further educate himself and his clients on the benefits of propane.

“To tell you the truth,” he continues, “I think there are a lot of people in the New England area that need to be educated on the benefits of this fuel. Some of them have used heating oil or electric appliances for such a long time, they don’t know anything else, and they have misperceptions about the value of propane.” 

It is perceptions like these that stand to make ProConnect a very valuable resource for both the propane and home construction industries.

“By bringing progressive builders such as ZN Custom Building into the ProConnect program," says Joe Rose, president and CEO of the Propane Gas Association of New England, "we’ll be able to provide value to his company by working directly with him to educate his potential customers about the clean-burning, low-cost, domestic benefits of our fuel source.”

Rose notes that Zenga’s company is not alone. He strongly believes that there are several builders in the New England area that are interested in installing propane appliances in modular homes that aren’t currently doing so, but they may need assistance from the propane industry to help communicate the fuel’s many benefits.

“We as an industry are stepping up to strengthen our relationship with the construction industry,” adds Rose. “We have the ability to help identify potential propane customers as well as make the installation of propane appliances a simple process. By bringing both parties together through a relationship-driven program such as ProConnect, we can ensure that these connections are made.”

To learn more about ZN Custom Building, visit their website at www.zncustombuilding.com.