Building science gives us the insights and tools to create comfortable and healthy living environments. Why it matters: We should no longer accept “rules of thumb” or the notion that “we’ve always done it that way” when it comes to the places we live. 🔬 Zoom in: Our comfort and our health rely on integrated systems. […]
🏡🧪 The Build Science Behind Comfort and Health Read More »
“If a building doesn’t last, it doesn’t matter.” Why it matters: Designing and building homes that hold up to the challenges of Mother Nature IS the job of the architect and builder. 🥊 The bottom line: Water kills buildings. But using the right practices and materials can keep the water out. 🔭 Zoom out: Have you ever
🏡🧪 The Build Science Behind Durability Read More »
How would you answer this question: Why do we build? Read the intro to this series here. 🖼️ The big picture: Building has one primary objective: control. If we can control our buildings, we have created a predictable, conditioned space. 🔭 Zoom out: We’ve been doing this since the advent of fire and our ancestors’ days of
🏡🧪 Why Do We Build? Read More »
The latest offering from the Build Show Network is a free 10 unit course on building science. As I go through the course, I’ll include highlights in the Smart Homeowner Daily Email. Why it matters: If you’re ready for some truth, here it is: Building quality standards and expectations are pitifully low. I see it
🏡🧪 Why Build Science? Read More »
In case you missed it, the subject line is a quote from the original Ghostbusters. 😉 I’m wrapping up my “Ghost behind the dishwasher” series with some general concepts and a final show-and-tell. Click here for Part 1, here for part 2. Why it matters: Anytime you have work done on your house and an
🎙️ How is Elvis, and have you seen him lately? Read More »
After getting down to the studs behind my dishwasher, I got to work air sealing. Why it matters: Air, moisture, heat and pests all need a pathway to get in the house. ⚙️ How it works: Blocking the air pathway can be accomplished with several methods. 👉 Start with rigid material for larger gaps Plywood, OSB, Zip
When my dishwasher mounting brackets broke, I decided to use the opportunity to address a bigger issue. Why it matters: Hidden areas behind appliances and cabinets can be a major a source of air leakage in a house. 🖼️ The big picture: I’ll show you how I dealt with this over the next few days, but
👻 The ghost behind the dishwasher Read More »
If you’re still in shock from your summer electricity bills, you might be thinking … We really need more insulation. ✋ Stop. Insulation is step 2. 🔦 Pro Spotlight Cody Bridwell of Blown Away Insulation starts with step 1. 📣 Air sealing is step 1. Insulating without air sealing is like going outside when it’s 20 degrees and
🧥 Before you add insulation Read More »
Hot water is one of those luxuries that you never fully appreciate until you travel to places without it! Yes, even in the summer. 😉 🥊 The bottom line: Federal tax credits and utility rebates make the best options even more affordable. 🔬 Zoom in: Two great options are tankless natural gas and electric heat
🔥🚿 Are you in hot water? Read More »
When you think about it, there are 5 major parts of the Texas Electricity Market. ERCOT managing the stability of the grid. Power generators generating the electricity. Utility companies that transmit and distribute electricity. Retail electric providers who manage the consumers of electricity (residential and commercial). And you! Why it matters: Knowing what power you
🏭 ERCOT, Oncor & you: Part 4 Read More »
