Practical Tips for Homeowners and Builders

Building science might seem intimidating, but in reality, its principles are approachable and practical. You’ve read through this book, so you have enough knowledge to start making some changes and improvements. If you haven’t read the whole thing, you can’t go wrong to just peruse the following list and dive in deeper to topics that you find interesting.

Whether you're a homeowner interested in optimizing your home's comfort and efficiency, or a builder aiming to construct more resilient and sustainable structures, here are some actionable tips that reflect the wisdom of building science:

Start with the Building Envelope: Your first line of defense against heat, cold, and moisture is the building envelope—walls, roof, windows, and doors. Make sure they are properly insulated, air-sealed, and weather-protected. Choose materials based on your local climate, durability, and energy performance.

Don't Neglect Ventilation: Airtight homes are energy efficient, but they also need good ventilation for air quality. Consider systems like heat recovery ventilators (HRV) or energy recovery ventilators (ERV) that provide fresh air without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Understand Your Climate: The local climate has a huge impact on your building's performance. Tailor your building design and material choices to respond effectively to local temperatures, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. For example, in hot climates, consider reflective roofing materials and strategic shading to minimize solar heat gain.

Optimize Your Energy Use: Be mindful of your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems—they can make or break your home's energy performance. Consider energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, and programmable thermostats. Also, keep these systems well-maintained for optimum efficiency.

Think Sustainability: Choose materials and systems that minimize environmental impact. This includes considering the lifecycle of materials, selecting locally sourced items when possible, and opting for renewable energy sources, like solar panels, if feasible.

Plan for Resilience: As the climate changes, so should our buildings. Consider your area's susceptibility to natural disasters and design accordingly. This may mean designing for flood resistance, fire resistance, or enhanced wind resistance.

Embrace Smart Home Technology: Intelligent devices can make homes more comfortable and energy efficient. Whether it's a smart thermostat that learns your schedule, or automated blinds that adapt to daylight, these technologies offer significant benefits.

Stay Up-To-Date with Codes and Standards: Building codes and standards are designed to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and quality. Ensure your home or building is up to the current standards—it's better for occupants and the environment.

Remember, building science isn't just about constructing buildings—it's about building better living experiences. With these principles and tips in mind, you can make informed decisions that yield benefits for years to come. Your home isn't just a structure, it's a place where life happens. By applying the principles of building science, you can create a home that is safe, comfortable, efficient, and sustainable—a home that's ready for the future.