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”
Construction Design-Simple Air Sealing Strategies
I built my first home for a customer back in 2000, I’ve learned a lot since then. One of the areas I’ve learned the most is in building tightness. These days I’m working more as an energy auditor. Conducting code compliance blower door testing on new homes and conducting energy audits, some with blower door testing on older homes. I get to see where homes leak. Continue reading “Construction Design-Simple Air Sealing Strategies”
Building Science-Custom Shower
Wait…What? Building science and a custom shower? Yep! As some of you may know from my Instagram feed, I can’t stay busy doing energy audit, assessments and building diagnostics or residential energy design in my area. Continue reading “Building Science-Custom Shower”
The Energy Assessment
This is the first time I’ve been to this home. The first time I’ve met the people living in this home. But I know a little about them. I have two years of electricity use data to form a basic impression. They use a lot of power. Even more in the winter. Continue reading “The Energy Assessment”
Construction Design-Keeping Ducts Where They Belong
Ductwork in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces can create problems in all climates. Undesirable positive or negative house pressures, moisture and mold issues and increased energy costs are often the result. Continue reading “Construction Design-Keeping Ducts Where They Belong”
Energy Audit-Ventilation Recommendations
I’ve been asked this question a few times. “At what point do I need to add mechanical ventilation to my home?” The answer, it depends. Continue reading “Energy Audit-Ventilation Recommendations”
Never Seen Again
When was the last time had your hair cut? Did you walk in and say I have $15, do whatever you can for that budget, or did you have something more specific in mind? Continue reading “Never Seen Again”
Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Mechanical Systems.
The concreteless slab on grade home had a lot of unique building materials and techniques, at least for my area of Northern Minnesota. The mechanicals of the home were no different. Continue reading “Construction Design-Concreteless Slab on Grade-Mechanical Systems.”