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LATEST NEWS
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“Temporary” Power
How we start framing with permanent power installed Ideally, we want to have the permanent power operational before we begin framing. But, the utility meter needs to be installed on the building, at least in this area of the country. That poses a bit of a challenge: How can the meter permanently be mounted when…
Net Zero – Is It Worth It?
A net zero home is one that generates as much energy as it consumes over an annual basis, but is it worth the extra expense? If you have ever pondered this question you would be well served to join us next on Thursday the 29th for a workshop titled, “A Tale of Two…
Minisplit System for a Happy Mother-in-Law
The system is sized for temperature control in each room. The ProHOME is heated and cooled with Mitsubishi Heat Pumps. Specifically, there are two outdoor units (MXZ-3C24NAHZ2) that feed five indoor units (two on one outdoor unit and three on the other). This provides 48,000 btu’s of heating capacity, which is overkill for the house,…
Budgeting for Site and Lot Improvements, Part 1
When I estimate construction costs, I separate my estimate in to several categories of costs. This keeps me organized and focused. In my article on our BBI Website, “How much do you charge per Square Foot?” I explained that the total cost of building a new home includes five major categories. They are as follows:…
Net-Zero, “Primary Residence” Homes, Part 1
What is a home? Is it just a house that people live in until they don’t live there anymore? How is a house different than a condo when both could be considered homes? What about apartments and second homes … third homes, etc. I always thought there was only one place we call “home” and…
Energy Interdependence
by David B. Biebel – Editor-in-Chief Early one morning not so long ago, a young neighbor came knocking. Obviously distraught, he said, “I missed my bus. Mom’s at work. Could you give me a ride to school?” In years past, I would not have hesitated. But with the Trayvon Martin case being heard less than…
The Way of the Future
by Paul Biebel, Founder and President, Prudent Living, Inc. If I were a prophet, I would predict that: • The development of Renewable Energy and Strategies for Sustainable Living will prove to be as important to the 21st century as indoor plumbing, electricity, and the telephone were in the last century. • Renewable Energy and…
The Construction of a High-Performance Home: Week 9
With insulation planned for the coming week, the crew has turned their attention to preparing the air barrier on the exterior walls of this high-performance home. The air barrier, which is Intello Plus Membrane, is stapled to the studs on the exterior wall and will hold back the dense packed cellulose insulation. Three-quarter-inch strapping, as…
What Type of Kitchen Cabinets Are Installed?
Last November we installed Crown Point frameless cabinets and glass doors in one of the houses we were working on. They feature some innovative toes kicks and continuous horizontal trim pieces. The kitchen cabinets in the ProHOME are manufactured by Crown Point Cabinetry out of Claremont, N.H. It was nice to work with a company…
What Is A Solar Hot Water System?
Solar hot water systems use basic thermal principles to capture incomingsolar radiation and heat water for domestic and other uses. Over the years,a variety of system designs have been developed and tested to meet speciMc consumer needs and conditions. Due to the cold climate in the Northeastwe use primarily closed loop systems with a 50/50…