HOMEOWNERS... "Test before you Invest"

We offer a number of services to benefit homeowners. We custom tailor a plan to meet their needs and budget. Whether they are simply looking for ways to reduce energy costs and improve comfort, or they are planning a remodeling project or building a new home, we can help them prepare to make the most of every opportunity along the way.

ENERGY ASSESSMENTS & DIAGNOSTICS:

Energy Assessments are sometimes referred to as "Energy Ratings" or "Energy Audits". There are many variations in the marketplace and selecting the right company and the right procedure is a very important first step. Typically, Energy Ratings are performed to get a performance score for qualification in programs such as Energy Star certified homes. An Energy Audit is commonly used by utility companies to identify the sources of energy usage and waste.

Our Energy Assessments combine the benefits of the other two but also provide a much more comprehensive approach. Our goal is to not only identify the problems in the home but to create a successful remediation plan to correct them. In addition to energy efficiency, we also address comfort and health & safety issues. Our standard procedures include:

- Homeowner interview to discuss and identify target areas

- Complete visual inspection of both the interior and exterior

- Combustion safety diagnostics of all combustion appliances

- Low-E detection on fenestration products

- Gas leak detection on exposed gas lines and at appliances

- Carbon Monoxide detection and measurement

- Infrared thermal imaging of the building envelope

- Blower door air infiltration measurement and location

- A comprehensive written report with improvement recommendations

      * Additional diagnostic testing procedures are available

ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSULTATION:

In addition to the aforementioned procedures, we take the time to simplify the science and explain each and every part of the assessment process. It's great if we understand what's wrong with the home, but we believe that it's even more important that the homeowner does. Knowledge is power, and typically when we are through with the assessment process, the homeowner knows more about how a house works than the majority of the construction industry. On that note, we are also very qualified to provide expert testimony.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Identifying problems in your home is only the first step. With decades of experience, not only in building science but in product knowledge and installations, we can give you the security and direction to solve your problems very effectively. The only thing worse than doing nothing is spending all of your money and not getting the results you expect and deserve. We can work directly with your builder, architect or remodeler right from the planning and print stages of a new home, addition or remodel.

TAX CREDITS and PROGRAMS:

As energy tax credits and program incentives are constantly changing and qualifications are becoming more rigorous, MOST will soon require home performance testing to prove that the remediations actually worked. We are certified to provide these services. If you really think about it, tax credit or not, wouldn't you want proof anyway?

REMEDIATION / INSTALLATION SERVICES:

Although the building science process isn't rocket science... it is indeed science. Understanding the differences between products and installation techniques is every bit as important as properly diagnosing the problems in the first place. Afterall, why don't the products that came with your house work as they should? Most brand new products being installed today are only performing at about 50-70% of what they are capable of, primarily due to misuse and improper installation. It is for this reason that we have incorporated the following installation services into our comprehensive offerings. Our trained staff utilizes our extensive knowledge base, experience and testing equipment to assure the greatest return from your investment.

- Air Sealing: Often the biggest reason for heat loss/gain and loss of comfort in a home. This very cost effective measure typically offers phenomenal returns but is not as easy as it sounds. Air is after all invisible and it chooses paths most would never expect.

- Insulation: We offer many different types of insulation as one can be better performing or more cost effective than another in different situations. We offer closed and open cell spray foam, low-expansion foam, rigid foam board, blown cellulose and fiber glass batts.

- HVAC: At the present time we are not providing heating and cooling equipment change-outs in house. We do provide direction (see Consultation and Project Management above). We will provide duct sealing and hard pipe exhaust ducts located in attics.

- Windows: We can provide extensive product information and comparison when it's time to change your windows and doors. They are not all created equal. We work with some of the best performing products on the market and insure their performance by installing them properly and helping you select the right options for your home. Beauty should also be a high priority in this otherwise energy efficient decision.

- Siding: We offer premium vinyl sidings and fiber cement. Beauty, durability and low maintenance should be your guiding factors when selecting a product. Regardless of the product you select (even pre-insulated panels), all energy efficiency improvements NEED to happen at the stud walls underneath the siding. DO NOT miss this important opportunity to improve your building envelope's performance.

Our Pricing and Quote Policy:

We greatly appreciate the opportunity to earn your trust and your business. Therefore we will always offer you our very best price the first time. We do not play sales games with our client's money!