Rendering of the proposed wood skyscraper. Image credits: Sumitomo Forestry A Japanese company is set to build a skyscraper made of 90%...

For California solar companies that position themselves effectively, this could open up some great opportunities to serve a vast new...

Robyn Volker and Anke Irmscher decided to paint their shipping-container home bright orange because, as Ms. Volker said, “you might as...

NAHB: Builder Confidence Increased in January A January report posted at Calculated Risk/ Finance & Economics (calculatedriskblog.com)...

What is a Net-Zero Building? A useful description of the Net-Zero Building can be found in “Sustainable Construction: Green Building...

Example of a widely-used water-resistive barrier Keeping Bulk Water Away from Vulnerable Building Components A water-resistive barrier...

The house was designed by modernist Richard Neutra. The San Francisco Planning Commission has ruled that a buyer must rebuild an exact...

Net-zero energy home Building and designing affordable zero energy homes involves 12 integrated steps that utilize commonly available...

Optimized Framing Advanced framing can save materials and time while boosting your homes’ efficiencies. As builders look for ways to cut...

This is a critical question. Adding too little insulation means a colder house. Adding too much insulation means insulation that isn’t...

Carefully Choose Site Choosing the right location of the construction site is most important in preventing future moisture problems....

Even Contractors Want You To Get 2 or 3 Other Bids Though it may sound preposterous, most contractors do not want you to hire them for...

Solar Rebates and Tax Credits California is far and away the most mature residential solar market in the country, which can be both a...

Prindle House, George Washington Smith, architect The Spanish Revival style (1915-1940) includes Spanish Colonial Revival and Spanish...

The house is characterized by strong horizontal lines juxtaposed against both projecting and receding planes and volumes. The flat roof,...

ADU Types For any homeowner on any property their design option will fall into one of four (4) categories, or types, as follows: • ADUs...

Why Solar Tiles Entice Consumers There are consumers who whose tastes run counter to the aesthetic of conventional solar panels. They...

How to get a building permit The great news is that getting a building permit is easier than you think—mostly because you probably don’t...

What Is Rock Wool Insulation? Rock wool, which is also called mineral wool, comes in easy-to-install batts, similar to fiberglass. But...

Smart home technology, also known as home automation, provides homeowners security, comfort, convenience and energy efficiency by...