Building a High Performance Home

6 days ago

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The author moved from the Bay Area to the East Coast to build a high-performance home due to land constraints.
Finding suitable land was challenging, requiring extensive outreach to potential sellers.
The author faced difficulties with architects and builders, including delays and miscommunications.
Superior Walls were used for the foundation, but issues arose with insulation and design.
Double stud walls were chosen for better insulation and thermal break elimination.
Pella windows were installed but later criticized for poor soundproofing and lack of features like tilt-turn.
HVAC installation had issues, including incorrect duct placement and delayed equipment setup.
Plumbing problems included incorrect pipe materials and installation errors.
Electrical work was mostly solid, but delays occurred due to builder mismanagement.
Insulation was a major issue, with poor installation techniques and inadequate coverage.
Siding installation faced delays, leading to WRB expiration and rework.
Drywall and flooring installations were problematic, with misalignments and poor finishes.
The builder's incompetence led to numerous issues, including deck and grading problems.
Technology integration included Zigbee for home automation and solar panels with a hybrid inverter.
Post-construction, the author reflected on lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of hiring elite builders and detailed contracts.

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