The short answer is yes. A Blower Door Test is technically required on certain renovations and additions for residential construction. The determining factor is the scope of the project and whether or not the building inspector is enforcing it. Unfortunately, the code does not give any clear alternatives for the test, other than what is […]
Archive | Construction Practices
Future of the Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit is bleak
By Andrew Lesperance on May 3, 2017 in Building Science, Construction Practices, Energy, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Tips, Green Building, Green Construcion Tips
The Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit, also know as the 2005 EPAct or 45L Tax Credit, expired on December 31, 2016. Expiration of this credit has been a common occurrence since its inception back in 2005. Typically the credit expires and then it gets renewed and made retroactive in the following year. Unfortunately this is not […]
Michigan Energy Code implementation aftermath
By Andrew Lesperance on September 8, 2016 in Building Science, Construction Practices, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Products, Energy Saving Tips, Green Building, Green Construcion Tips, Technology
Well, we are now roughly 6 months in with the new Michigan Energy Code. What is the aftermath? Code changes are always stressful for a builder, as they should be. There are so many moving parts to the building process that major changes can cause a lot of stress. Surprisingly the transition into the 2015 Michigan […]
The HERS Index Rating in less than 3 minutes
By Andrew Lesperance on August 3, 2016 in Building Materials, Building Science, Construction Practices, Energy, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Products, Energy Saving Tips, Green Building, Green Construcion Tips, Technology
The HERS Index is can be a bit complicated to understand. Watch this video to get a better idea of what it is and why you would want to buy a home that has this type of rating.
Return ducts code requirements have changed
By Andrew Lesperance on April 7, 2016 in Building Science, Construction Practices, Energy, Energy Saving, Energy Saving Tips, Green Construcion Tips
Michigan Law requires changes to the energy code must have a payback within a certain period of time. The new 2015 Michigan Residential Code that was implemented on February 8, 2016 had a requirement that return ducts needed to be ducted and no longer allowed builders to use the wall cavities as a duct. The State of […]
