Construction Specialties Click each for more info

Integrated Design Facilitation

We strive to use a collaborative approach with our clients and designers, which emphasizes the development of a holistic design. This is opposed to conventional building design which usually involves a series of hand-offs from owner to architect to builder to occupant. In contrast, the integrated design process requires multidisciplinary collaboration, including key stakeholders and design professionals, from conception to completion. Decision-making protocols and complementary design principles must be established early in the process in order to satisfy the goals of multiple stakeholders while achieving the overall project objectives.

In addition to extensive collaboration, integrated design involves a "whole building design" approach. A building is viewed as an interdependent system, as opposed to an accumulation of its separate components (site, structure, systems and use). The goal of looking at all the systems together to is make sure they work in harmony rather than against each other.

Green Building Expertise

From natural building methods such as straw bale and earthen plaster, to more mainstream eco-conscious methodologies such as solar photo-voltaics, all three partners have experience with various green building systems. Craig is a certified solar PV installer and has vast experience with deconstruction and salvaged material re-use. He also managed a co-generation project in the 1980s. Larry has been exploring green building since the 1960's and has experience with solar PV, deconstruction, and passive solar design and construction.

HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Ratings

A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a process of administering diagnostic analysis to determine and produce data that provides a method of evaluation for a California State approved home energy efficiency ratings. This establishes a benchmark of a home's energy use and identifies necessary and/or best possible upgrades for homeowners. Various programs such as energy-efficient mortgages and rebate programs such as Energy Upgrade California require a HERS rating to estimate the energy savings a home will recognize through various efficiency measures.

Find out more at www.energy.ca.gov/HERS/index.html

Energy Upgrade California, Advanced Package Certified Contractor

Energy Upgrade California helps homeowners or renters make home improvements that increase the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes. The program offers a “one-stop-shop” to guide you through the energy-efficiency upgrade process. Rebates up to $4,000 are available.

The Advanced Upgrade Package is an energy efficiency solution customized for your home and and your needs that may include such items as energy-efficient windows, wall insulation, duct replacement, heating and cooling systems, and high efficiency water heating systems. The Advanced Upgrade Package optimizes the energy savings you can achieve and rewards you accordingly—the more energy you save, the higher your incentive.

First, we do a home energy assessment to find out how much energy your house currently uses, determine specific ways to save more, and estimate your incentive amount. A home energy assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy use and is required to determine your incentive amount: the more energy you save, the higher your incentive. Using infrared cameras, blower door testing and other tools, it can tell just how much energy is wasted in your current house.

Then we will plan your upgrade based on the results of your energy assessment. Your upgrade may include a wide range of energy efficient elements such as upgraded insulation, new furnace/AC or new windows. Then we will apply on your behalf for your utility incentive, which may be up to $4,000. You can apply for additional rebates and incentives where available.

Find out more at www.energyupgradeca.org

LEED Certification

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program rates buildings in various sectors. We can act as the LEED Accredited Professional and provide all documentation for new construction and major renovations. Check out www.usgbc.org for more information.

Solar Power and Hot-water installation and rebate documentation

The most challenging part of solar PV for many people is the paperwork required to get the state rebate. We can design and install the physical system and provide the rebate documentation to the state.

Construction Management

Preliminary Budgets
Detailed Estimates
Scheduling
Design Assist
Contractor Oversight
Inspections

General Contracting

Remodels
Historic Renovations
New Construction
Residential
Light Commercial
Pre-fabricated structures