Planning & Designing Sustainable Green Homes

Home under construction by a design build firm
Architecture and plan design

Design-Build Firms: What do they do and are they a good idea?

Explore the design-build model, a single-source solution that integrates architecture and construction. Learn how this approach streamlines green building projects, enhances accountability, and manages costs for both homeowners and professionals. Design-build companies are as simple as the name suggests, they bring…

Concept and design

The two thirds rule of insulation within wall assemblies

The essential building science principle for placing insulation and vapor control layers to prevent condensation and moisture damage in high-performance walls. What is the two thirds rule? How insulation and wall assemblies work best In the world of durable, high-performance green building, few concepts are as…

Lifestyle and environment

What Are the Biggest Energy Consumers in a Home? Top Tips For How to Reduce Utility Bills

Learn which appliances use the most energy, and strategies to reduce consumption and lower energy bills without too much sacrifice and effort. Homes have a lot of appliances and electronics that even when not in use can cost you money, and there are easy ways to save and lower your bills. For most people, reducing…

Lead paint peeling off a wall being scraped
Healthy indoor air quality

How do You Know if Your Home has Lead Paint and What to Do About It?

Identify lead paint in your home, understand the risks, and learn the safest ways to deal with it, from encapsulation to professional abatement. How to safely deal with lead paint in homes Lead-based paint is a serious health concern, especially in older homes, and understanding the risks and proper handling is…

A tiny home on wheels near Vancouver in BC
Tiny house

Tiny Homes on Wheels - Legal in BC Canada?

The B.C. government has given the green light for tiny homes on wheels, but one crucial distinction will determine if your dream home is a legal dwelling or just an RV. B.C. paves the way for Tiny Homes on Wheels - here's what you need to know: In a landmark move for the sustainable housing movement, the British…

Retractable awnings extended over large windows on a house
Passive solar home design

Window Shading Options for Passive Cooling of Homes

A comprehensive overview of external and internal shading strategies for optimizing passive solar design and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Homes designed for passive heating and cooling offer noticeably lower utility bills, not to mention increased comfort and security during power outages…

A close-up shot of cleaning black mold spores on a wooden beam in a basement
Healthy indoor air quality

A Guide to Safe and Non-Toxic Mold Removal from Wood Framing in Homes

An expert guide to safely and effectively removing mold from wood framing in basements and attics using non-toxic, eco-friendly methods. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to prevent it from coming back. Safe mold removal from wood framing Finding mold on the wood framing in your home's attic or basement can be…

Vermiculite Insulation In An Attic
Healthy indoor air quality

How to Know if Vermiculite Insulation has Asbestos, and do I Leave It Undisturbed or Have it Removed?

A critical guide to identifying vermiculite, understanding the risks of asbestos, and the professional protocols for safe testing and removal. How to know if vermiculite insulation contains asbestos and what to do about it Vermiculite was a popular choice for home attic insulation from the 1920s to about 1990 in…

Air Gradient Indoor Air Quality Monitor image via BreathSafeAir.com
Healthy indoor air quality

A Comprehensive Guide to Home Indoor Air Quality Monitors for Homeowners and Professionals

Learn what indoor air quality monitors are, what they measure, and how they can help you create a healthier, more comfortable home. Indoor air quality monitors: a homeowner's & pro's buyers guide You wouldn't buy a car without a dashboard, so why live in a home without a window into its air quality? Indoor air…

Attic converted into usable living space Image © renovationhusbands.com
Architecture and plan design

Renovating to Convert Unused Attics Into Bedrooms or Living Space

Transform an underused attic into a valuable, livable space. This guide covers everything from structural requirements and insulation to building codes and design, ensuring a safe, efficient, and successful renovation. Attic conversion: a homeowner's and pro's guide Transforming an underused attic into livable space…

Firefighters extinguishing a home fire
Planning and Design

Home Fire Safety: Prevention, Design features and Escape Plans

A comprehensive guide to understanding home fire risks, creating effective emergency plans, and designing a fire-safe home. Home fire safety: a homeowner's and pro's guide Ensuring your home is safe from fire is one of the most critical responsibilities for a homeowner and a key consideration for building…