Minnesota Baseline Specification Review
Baseline Specification Review Home
- 11 Urban
- 7 Suburban
- 3 Rural/Greater MN
- 10 Non-profit
- 6 For profit
- 2 Public
- 3 Not provided
- 9 New Construction
- 3 Rehabs
- 2 Substantial Rehabs
- 7 not provided
Flooring
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/flooring.png)
- 100% of the MN housing units specified vinyl flooring.
- 76% of projects specified carpeting, over half of which had carpets with CRI (The Carpet and Rug Institute) Green Label Certification. (This industry-backed certification is for VOC emissions only; non-VOC chemicals hazards are excluded).
Paint
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/paint.png)
- 74% of projects specified some level of VOC limit for paints
- 57% of projects specified a low-VOC (less than 50g/L) ceiling paint.
- Most projects specified a VOC limit for paints used on walls and trim, but the limit was fairly high (100 g/l).
- 3 projects specified paints with Green Seal certifications.
Drywall
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/drywall.png)
- A majority of the projects specified a board type (e.g., moisture or mildew resistent), but only a few included requirements related to health or the environment.
- 76% of projects specified orange peel wall texture.
Insulation
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/insulation.png)
- In total, 56 insulation products were specified in MN projects.
- 42% of MN projects specify formaldehyde-free unfaced fiberglass batts.
- 42% of MN projects specify spray polyurethane foam (SPF), but in gap sealing applications only.
Countertops
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/countertops.png)
Two countertop materials dominate in Minnesota affordable housing projects:
- Plastic laminate was specified for 88% of the kitchens.
- Cultured marble (crushed limestone & polyester resin) was specified for 100% of the bathrooms
Cabinetry & Millwork
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/cabinetry-millwork.png)
- Majority of projects specifying cabinets included the option of hardwood plywood construction. MDF and particleboard was used for shelves, drawers, and other components.
- Most projects specified cabinet manufacturers, but did not include specific product lines.
Doors
![](https://informed.habitablefuture.org/index.php/images/product-categories/doors.png)
- 86% of MN projects specified doors with composite cores
- 24% of MN project specified doors with a factory finish
- Only 1 MN project specified a particular product; the others provided general information about which materials should be used.