The home you live in should be efficient to heat and cool with quiet systems. Let the house do the work to maintain a comfortable temperature without constantly adjusting the thermostat. BUT..... Comfort is more than just the air temperature. What else effects comfort? Do you want to minimize the sound that enters the home that may keep you up at night? What about the vibration from the nearby street that may have a semi drive by? What about the harsh lighting from one too many can light? What about the a cold floor on a morning during winter time? And, most importantly, what if you just don't feel at home in the space? These are all considerations when designing your remodel or new home build. All these factors of comfort can be addressed and a solution found and implemented.

Well, sure! We are first and foremost a consulting service, but that doesn't mean we can't build a house or do an extensive remodel or addition. We are very picky when it comes to the projects we take part in. Our standard rule is no more than two large projects at a time and the two projects must be geographically close to one another. See my personal house THE TEST HOUSE for an example of all the newest construction materials where I had the opportunity to experiment with unique construction techniques that we implement into all of our new projects.

Fresh air will be filtered and added to bedrooms and stale air containing C02, allergens, and VOCs will be removed. High VOC foams should be minimized in the interior of the home. Humidity will be controlled to prevent mold. The exterior of the house will be air tight and keep out dust, bugs, and allergens. A home should also be ready for the owners to age in place. This means things like blocking in the walls of the shower and toilet for handrails (yes, they even make nice looking ones), lighting down low to minimize tripping hazards, walk in showers so no stepping over a curb, and minimizing the amount of times you have to bend over by raising washer/dryers, ovens, etc. A healthy home is one where you can be assured the time you spend inside is one of the healthiest and accessible environments you have access to now and in the future.

How about 20 questions? These are taken from one of the best construction educators, Matt Risinger (I have bolded the ones I believe are most important). Remember, "This is how we have always done things" is not a good reason to cut corners or not use the latest products or construction techniques. If you aren't learning and adapting you are falling behind. 1. What is your approach to water proofing strategies and window installation? 2. How many years of experience do you have? 3. Who will be responsible for building my home? 4. Can you show me examples of similar past projects or current projects you're working on? 5. What's your educational background and do you have any relevant certifications, memberships, or ongoing education? 6. Have you been involved in any bankruptcies, unsatisfied judgements or litigations, and if so what happened? 7. Can you explain why you build a better home than others? 8. How do you handle change orders on your projects? 9. How do you estimate the cost of the project and ensure it stays in budget 10. Can you give me an example of a problem on a past project, what was the situation, what action did you take and what were the results? 11. Tell me about a house you worked on with a difficult client. What was the situation, actions, and result? 12. Tell me about a time when you used logic and good judgement on a job site. 13. Tell me about a time when you had to many things to do and you were required to prioritize tasks. How do you organize your day? 14. Can you give me an example of how you motivated an unwilling subcontractor or inspector to go your way. 15. What's the worst failure you've had on a building after the owner moved in and how did you handle it. 17. Tell me about a time you had to fire a subcontractor. 18. How did you manage a client's unreal expectations? 19. Tell me about a time you dealt with someone who you didn't like or personally didn't like you? 20. Can you provide references from past projects?

The destroyer of homes is water. Manage the water with large roof overhangs. Windows and doors should be properly sealed to keep out the rain. Minimize penetrations to the exterior. Basements should have a sump pit and strategies to move water away from the foundation. Behind the siding there should always be an air gap or "rain screen" to help dry the exterior and prolong the life of the siding and sheathing. Protect your investment!