Better Homes: We can rebuild them. We have the technology.

A couple of articles came on construction techniques came across the transom in the latest issues of Builder and EcoHome magazines.

The first article summarizes the traditional with a twist methods used by FirstCoast Homes to achieve Energy Star-ratings for all of its starter and move-up homes. Their efforts combine design, construction technique, and appropriate appliance upgrades, which limit the total cost to an estimated $1,000 per home.

[Note: As always, I try to bring additional value via hyperlinks. Take a look at all of them for additional information]

The 5 ways revealed to Builder:
1. Improve upon traditional methods through proper installation and 3rd party evaluation of various systems. Be sure to read this ode to traditional techniques from the February 2008 edition of EcoHome.
2. Build a tighter envelope through foam sealing penetrations, caulking baseplates, and use low-expansion foam around portals. These techniques and more reduce potential air intrusion “by about 30%,” according to FirstCoast. Duct blaster and blower tests ensure that the building is tight before the irreversible work begins. (Johns Manville believes 5-25% of ducted air is lost through leakage.)
3. Correctly install the right insulation by using a mix of foam around penetrations and fiberglass elsewhere. Make sure contractors install it right and protect it from crushing, moisture, and other damage during buildout.
4. True value engineering identifies areas to spend smarter, not just less. By reducing the number of windows, FirstCoast reduces the direct cost of windows, but also the size of the HVAC system, saving an additional $400-800 per house.
5. Identify other revenue sources by working with utility companies, and government incentives to reduce the cost of homes, appliances, and testing.

At sister publication EcoHome, green building consultant Mark LaLiberte highlights 5 common errors made in all construction:
1. HVAC ducting through unconditioned space needlessly reduces the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. Put the ducts in soffits or between floors to maintain their ambient temperature. Research from WSU provides great detail on HVAC in conditioned spaces.
2. Tightened envelopes without intentional ventilation can cause stale air, odors, or moisture to accumulate. Install a whole house ventilation system to bring about 50CFM of fresh air 3-4 times per hour.
3. Improper flashing and drainage leads to moisture buildup and reduces the effectiveness of insulation and moisture barriers. Multifamily folks know all to well the hazards of moisture and mold growth, so this should be well-trod ground. For additional information, Freddie Mac offers a Moisture Management Plan to help identify sources of moisture build up.
4. Poorly installed/selected installation reduces energy efficiency and adds to costs (see above). Exposing it to moisture during the installation process can cause a cascade of additional systemic failures. Watch out for improperly insulated thermal bridges, particularly metal studs that have contact with exterior surfaces. This can be an unfortunate method of reducing the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
5. Excess waste leads to excess costs and can be offset by better reuse of construction materials but more importantly through increased standardization of all materials. All systems have a ‘commodity size’ and making use of these common measurements reduces the potential for waste and on the interior, unsightly seams.