Mission Statement

 Moisture is the number one cause of building failure. Moisture is delivered to the building via rain, vapor, and air movement. Rain is controlled by exterior sheathing, roof systems, and redirecting rain runoff. Vapor is controlled by designed wall systems and home ventilation. Moisture delivered by air movement is controlled by building a tight home with appropriate ventilation to insure healthy air quality. 

 Large advances have been made in the affordability of alternative heating methods and the efficiency of standardized systems. Highly efficient Geo-thermal and photovoltaic systems have large tax rebates, Heat pumps are being designed to operate effectively in colder and colder climates, and the strategies of increasing the efficiency of ducting and location of the mechanical room are being implemented. 

 The Federal Government has mandated that homes be “Net-Zero” by the year 2030; meaning that homes consume no more energy than they use. This is being attained today; accomplished through various means: Solar, Geo-Thermal, Wind, Building Design, Highly Efficient Materials, and Siting to name a few. Rating systems such as Energy Star, HERS, and EPS help us define the energy efficiency of a home. 

 Windows are the largest heat transmission problem of a home. A variety of window options and materials exist and should be reviewed based upon the climate zones. Window frames can be constructed from vinyl, fiberglass, or wood; they can be fixed paned, slider, single hung, double hung, or casement. Windows can be double paned, triple paned, with various coatings and gases. 

 Sustainability focuses on reconciling the building to the environment, balancing economic demands, and providing consideration of social equity. If you double the life of a building, you halve its environmental impact (and Carbon Footprint); thus increasing the sustainability of the building. 

 Eco-Charrette is an intensive problem solving and planning session(s) where multi-disciplinary teams assemble to address principles of sustainability of the home. In other words, a fancy French word for “let’s meet as a team and review the construction process.” 

 Advanced Framing techniques are utilized to ensure an air tight, energy efficient, moisture resistant, and sustainable home. Some Advance Framing techniques include:

• Staggered Stud Framing
• 24” On-Center Framing
• Insulated Headers
• Raised Heel Trusses
• Ducting in Conditioned Space
• Air Sealing

Throughout the year the sun travels from being high in the sky (summer) to being low in the sky (winter).  By generating a computer model of this for your building site, optimized siting and  eave overhangs can be determined.

 There are a variety of methods that can be used to insulate a home to prevent Thermal Bridging. Fiberglass Batts or blow, cellulose blow, spray foam, rock wool, and rigid board are a few of the most common; each with its pluses in specific situations and climates. An infrared camera can be used to determine the effectiveness of insulation. Additionally, Advance Framing techniques such as staggered studs, raised heal trusses, and air sealing have significant impacts on thermal bridging. 

Radon gas is at least the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer; and it is easily preventable.  Every home should be checked periodically for Radon gas; new homes are required to have at least a passive Radon gas mitigation system installed.

Feel free to call me and let's discuss how my experiences can get you the best built home.