Guess what? I just won the lottery! (Not really, but for the purpose of this blog, let’s pretend.) I’m looking to build myself a new home. I have choices. I could build a McMansion with plenty of space I don’t need and will never use. I could concentrate only on the interior finishes and how the house looks. If you’ve ever read my blog, you already know what direction I’ll take. The house won’t be big, a couple thousand square feet is plenty for me, maybe a rambler with a second story over part of it built on a slab, no basement or crawlspace. Being a BS* guy, I would make an invest in the stuff that is hidden, those pesky control layers I often talk about. It would be based on the Pretty Good House concept. Continue reading “Construction Design-Randy’s Dream Design”
Construction Materials-Smart Vapor Retarders
I have now had the opportunity to work with the three smart vapor retarders available in the United States. Each has there own qualities. They all work in cold climate construction. But…my in opinion there is a good, better and best. This blog will outline my impressions of each. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Smart Vapor Retarders”
Energy Audit-High Voltage
High Voltage, the first thing that comes to mind is AC/DC’s 1976 album of the same name. (I was 7 when that album was released.) An awesome first album from a band that eventually becomes one of classic rocks best. But high voltage can be a big problem with electronics and electrical equipment in houses and businesses. My brother, who is an electrical engineer and master electrician, gave me the idea for this blog post. He had to recently trouble shoot a problem. Continue reading “Energy Audit-High Voltage”
Construction Design-Floor Covering and In-floor Heat
In-floor heat has been a very popular choice for heating systems in my area for the past couple decades. One of my first jobs as an apprentice electrician 25 years ago was plowing electrical heating cable for a basement slab heating system. (I was the mule pulling the plow.) Continue reading “Construction Design-Floor Covering and In-floor Heat”
Building Science-A Visual for Blower Door Testing
I recently tested the Code Minimum House for air tightness at the rough framing stage. We ended up where I was hoping at this first test, .55 ACH50, 140 CFM. Given the volume of the home, the leakage area is equal to approximately 15 square inches. Continue reading “Building Science-A Visual for Blower Door Testing”
Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Framing
In my last posting about the Code Minimum House, I talked about how the foundation was constructed. Next up, the framing. This home is being built with a small budget. To keep costs in line, Continue reading “Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Framing”
My Cape-Window Installation
It’s been a while since I last posted about my home. Exterior work continues…north and west siding is complete and I’ve started work on the back yard Continue reading “My Cape-Window Installation”
Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Foundation
The design at the Code Minimum House calls for a frost protected shallow foundation. I have built several homes using this type of foundation and found it works well for a budget friendly build. Continue reading “Construction Design-Code Minimum House-Foundation”
Construction Design-The Code-Minimum House-An Introduction
I am currently involved in a new home build working with my friend and general contractor, Strommer Home Improvements. My involvement in the build is that of the designer, tester, and laborer. Yep, I’m back swinging a hammer Continue reading “Construction Design-The Code-Minimum House-An Introduction”
Energy Audit-Comparing a Great Blower Door Test to a Code Minimum Test
I recently blower door tested the tightest new home I have tested to date. .82 air changes per hour at 50 pascals (ACH50), nearly one-quarter of the code required 3 ACH50 requirement. After the test, the builder and I decided to open a window to see how much additional leakage it would take to get the home to the code minimum 3. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Comparing a Great Blower Door Test to a Code Minimum Test”