The ability to weather storms is another advantage of hiring a pro with up-to-date knowledge about building science.
One often overlooked the benefit of a high-quality new custom home is that it will better handle severe weather events and power outages. These are a fact of life in all parts of the country. Speaking on a more local level, as some of us know all too well, Atlantic hurricanes routinely leave millions without electricity. The state’s electric grid fared pretty well throughout Hurricane Harvey, but the storm did reveal some new challenges. The Public Utility Commission of Texas said power outages during Harvey never topped 350,000 customers at any time. Which is pretty good, compared to the millions who lost power during Hurricane Ike.
Outages affect all homes, no matter how well built, but a new custom home can be crafted to stay comfortable longer without heating or cooling. "It's called Passive Survivability," says Alex Wilson, president of the Resilient Design Institute in Brattleboro, Vt. "It's about building homes that remain habitable if they lose power."
Wilson usually writes about green building, but the design and construction principles he advocates are routinely used by the best professional builders and remodelers. This is essential for building science and includes making walls, roofs, and ceilings more efficient with high R-value insulation, careful air sealing, and high-performance windows that offer passive solar gain. These improvements can keep a home habitable without power for days. (Homeowners who want to keep the lights on during a blackout may add solar panels, a backup generator or a home battery. In fact, a battery can run a refrigerator, a furnace, and a few basic circuits for up to 12 hours.)
A resilient home also has good structural and moisture details. Careful waterproofing will keep wall and roof assemblies dry even in the fiercest rain and storms. One of the best things about resilient construction is that it pays off even if the home never loses power. Careful waterproofing means lower long-term maintenance bills and less chance of mold and mildew growth. Insulation and air sealing reduce monthly energy costs while ensuring a quieter, more comfortable living experience.
Also worth mentioning is the City of Houston's amending and passing of 'Chapter 19' after Hurricane Harvey. Many of us Houstonians are aware of 'Chapter 19', relating to floodplain construction, that basically requires the elevation of structures to be two-feet above the 500-year base flood elevation which took effect on September 1, 2018. It is more imperative now than ever to be sure and speak to a qualified builder who is experienced and understands how to properly build in the floodplain.
The complication is that someone with just a nodding acquaintance of building science can actually create problems. For instance, the builder's trade partners and construction personnel need to understand the flashing details needed for today's windows and doors—details that will often vary by manufacturer. Insulation and air sealing need to be implemented so that walls and roofs shed moisture rather than trapping it, and the approaches vary depending on unique local climate.
Building science has come a long way in recent years, and you want to hire someone who has invested time and effort in keeping current. In other words, you need an educated pro.