high performance home designs
25 Questions to Ask a Zero Energy Home Builder in VT
The Context: You’ve decided that it’s time to downsize (or right size) and to do it in Vermont, so now you’re searching for a builder who specializes in high performance / zero energy home construction. You want a builder you can believe in and trust that, when it comes to High Performance construction technology, he…
Read More4 Keys to Know a Net-Zero Home in Vermont Actually Will Be Net Zero
One of the worst fears imaginable is that you contract for a net-zero home in Vermont or New Hampshire and get something else. Maybe you get some form of energy-saving home with solar panels, but it doesn’t achieve net zero. A net zero home, by definition, is a home whose energy consumption is equal to…
Read MoreSpecialized beads and tapes speed up the drywall finishing process
The drywall phase of a project is that major point in a build when people are able to finally visualize the interior spaces of a house. As builders, it comes as second nature to us when the walls are only framed up. I am amazed at how many clients come through after the drywall has…
Read MoreThe modified Cape / Farmhouse look fits the neighborhood
Cost and energy efficiency considerations drove many design decisions for the ProHOME project. But the upgrades inside, like the cabinets and counters in the kitchen and the radiant heat in the bathroom, help to make the sale. Watch this video to see how these factors related to finish a beautiful and affordable production home.
Read MoreProHOME mechanicals demonstrate reasonably priced principles of efficient design.
The ProHOME is an all-electric and solar-ready house. Designing the mechanicals starts with the target R-values, then the design for the heating system. Minisplit heat pumps take care of heating and cooling. Because the ProHOME is airtight, it uses a ventilation system. We use a heat-pump water heater for its efficiency. Radiant heat in…
Read MoreThe Zehnder Ventilation System: Running The Ducting
Tight houses need air exchange. Period. Our target air exchange rate for this house is less than 1 ACH50 and with a goal like that, a clean source of fresh air will be necessary. This was our first time using the Zehnder system. We’ve relied on another heat-recovery ventilator(HRV) product in the past that we’d chosen…
Read MoreBoral’s TruExterior Siding & Trim offers a sharp, clean look
