When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, air quality plays a crucial role. In today’s world, where people spend most of their time indoors, it has become imperative to have a reliable and efficient ventilation system. Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) and Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems have been gaining popularity over the past few years. In this article, we will help explain ERV and HRV systems, how they work, and some of the benefits associated with adequate home ventilation. Table of Contents What is an ERV System? An ERV (energy recovery ventilation ..read more

Many people dream of building a custom home or vacation retreat. Designing a custom home floor plan is exciting. In fact, of all the steps involved in building a custom home, our clients say the design phase is the most rewarding. There are, however; a few practical things to consider before designing custom home floor plans. Considering these potential pitfalls can take much of the stress out of your planning process. Budget Your Custom Home Floor Plan Square Footage Most of us must work within a budget. Whether building an 1800 square foot home or one with 5,000 square feet, sticking to ..read more

As the world becomes more aware of the need to address climate change, building codes are evolving to ensure that the construction industry meets its environmental targets. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is one of the essential building codes used in the United States to achieve this objective. The IECC is a model code that sets minimum standards for the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings. The IECC is updated every three years, with the latest updates released in 2021 and 2023. In this article, we will look at which states are transitioning to these new ..read more

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice of building material in the United States. The energy efficiency, speed of construction, and improved indoor air quality provided by SIPs are some of the main reasons. The use of SIPs in residential construction has been increasing steadily in the past decade as homeowners and builders are becoming more aware of the benefits of SIPs. As the demand for building with SIPs increases, so have the questions regarding how they are used, why they are used, and when they are used. In this article, we will help to answer s ..read more

We all love new construction. The smell of fresh paint, the crispness of a clean floor. But if you’re considering building a home in 2023, there are some things to consider before jumping in. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of new construction during a period of economic uncertainty. Overview The housing market is currently experiencing a downturn, and the media has reported on it extensively. But this is not news to us—the housing market is cyclical, and we know it will recover. In fact, we’ve seen this before: after the 2008 financial crisis, the housing market took years ..read more

No one has ever said that new construction is easy… and in the Rocky Mountain West, builders face some unique challenges. As you navigate through the Rockies, whether by road or air, you’ll be astounded by the sheer remoteness and dispersion of towns, neighborhoods, ranches, homes, and cities. You’ll drive or fly miles between signs of life besides your occasional herd of elk, deer, or pronghorn dashing off in the distance. The remote nature of the rocky mountain west draws individuals from all walks of life to visit or relocate to the area. Yet what is often underestimated is how the natura ..read more

Sustainable Building refers to both the completed structure, as well as the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. EPA on Green Building For nearly two centuries in the United States, there was no legislation enforcing energy efficiency in either residential or commercial construction. It wasn’t until 1977, following the national energy crisis, that the Department of Energy (DOE) was created to help reduce energy us ..read more

Panelized homes are becoming the norm in the US and around the world. SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels, are at the forefront of the movement as the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to residential construction. If you’re new to SIPs and want to learn more about their composition, how they are used in residential construction, and the ease of assembly… you’ve come to the right place. Join in as we unwrap the world of panelized construction using SIPS. Table of Contents What is a SIP (Structural Insulated Panel), and How Do They Work? Structural Insulated Panels (SI ..read more

Historically coined as mail-order homes, kit homes have been constructed across the United States since the early 1900s. Over the years, the term Kit Home has molded into many different offerings such as; panelized homes, mill-cut homes, pre-cut homes, catalog homes, prefab/prefabricated homes, and mail-order homes. Do any of those terms sound familiar? Well, chances are, if you’ve been in the market for new construction, you’ve come across at least one of the offerings. As the US housing market continues to grow at an exponential rate, builders are hard-pressed for lumber and labor. Kit ho ..read more

DISCLAIMER: The considerations presented here are in no way an exhaustive list of all considerations when preparing for off-grid living. A 100% off-grid lifestyle requires extensive research, and commitment. Most people we speak with are looking for a semi-off-grid solution, usually in the form of a cabin. Have you been thinking about off-grid living? Building an off-grid cabin or timber frame home is a fond dream of many. But buying a piece of land to start living the dream is the first step that deters quite a few. Others drive for miles searching for the perfect piece of land for off-gri ..read more