Remodeling: Performance Metrics

Who Will Rate the Raters?

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:28:32 EST

It's all fine and dandy if home energy ratings are accurate. But what if the ratings are bogus?

How Energy Codes for New BUildings Can Apply to Existing Homes

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:52:18 EST

Using the International Energy Conservation Code as a guide for improving existing buildings.

Southern Pine Gets New, Lower Design Values

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:43:20 EST

Changes in Southern pine's values will affect trusses, joists, and rafters.

Make It Meaningful: Why Customer Satisfaction Should Be Part of Your Bonus Equation

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:27:50 EST

Some remodelers feel strongly about tying customer satisfaction survey results to employee rewards.

Trouble Shooter: When It Comes to Buying a Thermal Imaging Camera, Consider Cost and Training

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:27:46 EST

Buying an infrared camera doesn't provide instant building performance expertise. Consider these factors before investing in a camera.

Advanced Building Technologies Require Attention to Detail

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:39 EST

ED VOYTOVICH on the need for proper processes and attention to detail if remodelers are going to have success with modern building technologies.

Giving the Green Light: A Remodeler Uses His Own Home as a Green Test Case

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:31:47 EST

A remodeler uses his own home to train himself and his crew in specific green practices so he can better inform clients.

CARL SEVILLE: Don't Forget Green in K&B

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:22 EST

Tips for energy-efficient design for kitchens and baths including proper ventilation and air sealing.

Developing Green: A Team Approach to Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:02:19 EST

Creating a green remodeling template and educating developers so they can use that template in remodeling projects.

Science and Building: Fully Integrating Building Science Into Remodeling

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:25 EST

CARL SEVILLE: Rather than being an afterthought or sideline to a remodeling project, building science should be integral to every remodel, right from the beginning of the process.

Old Saws: Building Science and Remodeling

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:54:19 EST

Building performance may be the most important component of a good remodel. Ed Voytovich busts two building performance myths.

Spreading the Green: MyGreenBuildings Aims to Share Its Expertise

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:47:56 EST

For a fee, this Florida-based green building franchise offers to help remodelers go green with a strong brand and business coaching.

Power Windows: High-Performance Photovoltaic Glass Units

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:47:54 EST

Pythagoras Solar's photovoltaic glass units combine low-E selective glass with integral PV cells and optics.

Green From the Start: Steps to Sustainable Remodeling

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:44:58 EST

CARL SEVILLE: It takes only a bit of extra effort to create a truly sustainable remodel. And that effort is worth it, both in terms of client satisfaction and the benefit to the environment.

Shades of Green: Green Design Is a Combination of Building Science and Product Choices

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:37:56 EST

Two designers talk about the ways they share "green" ideas with clients.

Making His Mark: Tom Kelly Wins the 2011 Fred Case Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:37:53 EST

For his business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry involvement, Pacific Northwest remodeler Tom Kelly wins this year's Fred Case Award.

Air Me Out: A Building Performance Pro and Mechanical Ventilation to the Rescue

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:18:55 EST

What to do with a remodel that's too tight but still leaky and has continuing indoor air quality issues — sometimes building better makes things worse. It pays to have a pro weigh in.

BPI Hits 25,000 Home Performance Certifications

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:14:01 EST

The Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI) reached 25,000 active certifications this week, more than tripling its total number of professional certifications in the home performance and weatherization workforce in just 18 months.

Baby Steps on the Path to High-Performance Homes

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:10:11 EST

As a consultant (which I recently learned is a euphemism for "unemployed"), I find that my income streams seem to change fairly regularly. One year I do a lot of speaking and teaching, then suddenly most of my work is building certification, and the next year it is something else. I liken my business model to fishing; that is, I eat what I catch. My newest “catch” is performance testing of new homes for energy code compliance.

Spray-Foam Insulation: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:09:30 EST

The pros and cons of each type of insulation.