Welcome to the Buildwise Journal, where it’s our mission to empower home builders to create exceptional homes that customers fall in love with—and to help future homeowners ensure their dream home is built the right way, the first time.

One of the greatest challenges of building a home is maximizing value while meeting the unique needs of future occupants. But by following specific best practices during the construction process, you can build a better home for the homeowner, the planet, and the community.

The key is to focus on creating a high-performance home, not just a home that looks good on the surface.

In this first installment of our new monthly theme on “Building Science Basics,” we'll dive into the fundamentals of high-performance homes, setting the stage for a series of enlightening discussions about what makes homes like Caprock Design + Build’s stand out.

Understanding the High-Performance Home Concept

A high-performance home is more than just a structure; it's a living, breathing testament to sustainable living, comfort, and energy efficiency. By implementing the core components of high-performance homes during construction, you can ensure your new home stands the test of time.

These are the 6 elements of an artfully constructed high-performance building.

1. Energy Efficiency

High-performance homes are designed and built with a laser focus on energy efficiency. This means they use significantly less energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances compared to traditional homes.

At Caprock Design + Build, we employ advanced insulation techniques, airtight construction, and energy-efficient HVAC systems to achieve this. Other practices that improve a home’s energy efficiency include:

• Installing new windows

• Upgrading to programmable thermostats

• Upgrading household appliances to Energy Star

• Installing solar panels

• Switching to energy-efficient lighting

2. Superior Insulation

Insulation is the backbone of any high-performance home. Wall insulation alone reduces heat loss by 67%. Similarly, adequate attic insulation can decrease heating and cooling costs by up to 40%.

We use cutting-edge insulation materials and techniques to ensure that your home is well-sealed and thermally efficient. This not only reduces homeowners’ energy bills but also enhances indoor comfort. Products such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) and masonry products like insulating concrete forms can provide both insulation and structural support.

3. Proper Ventilation

Good indoor air quality is a priority in high-performance homes. Since most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, and certain pollutants are typically 2-5 times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, it’s easy to see why.

Surprisingly, indoor air quality has worsened in recent decades due to improperly ventilated energy-efficient building construction. The use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal and cleaning products, and pesticides all contribute to indoor air pollution.

It’s essential to incorporate mechanical ventilation systems to reduce the amount of chemicals, volatile organic compounds, and harmful combustible byproducts in the air. We recommend ventilation systems that exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while recovering heat to maintain a comfortable environment.

4. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is a core principle in our building process. Non-renewable sources are expensive and major contributors to environmental pollution, so reducing your dependency on these products saves money and protects the environment in the long run.

We source eco-friendly materials that are not only durable but also minimize the environmental impact of construction. Demand for eco-friendly homes continues to rise, growing from $1.3 billion in 2016 to $4.3 billion in 2020 alone. As a result, building an eco-friendly home today will also maximize resale value for the future.

5. Longevity and Durability

High-performance homes are built to last. A poorly constructed home will only last 20 years on average. On the other hand, a well-maintained home built with quality materials can live 100 years or longer.

We pay meticulous attention to every detail, from the foundation to the roof, to ensure your home stands strong for generations to come. For home builders, crafting with longevity in mind means creating a lasting legacy with decades of happy homeowners. For homeowners, ensuring your home is built with the highest quality materials means building lasting memories in a home you can pass down to your children and even your grandchildren.

6. Lower Carbon Footprint

By consuming less energy and utilizing sustainable practices, high-performance homes contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. This is not only good for the environment but also a wise long-term investment.

There are several steps homebuilders can take to reduce a home’s carbon footprint, from using natural light to brighten up a room to integrating renewable resources into the build. As a homeowner, you can continue to lower your carbon footprint once you move in by recycling household waste, adjusting your thermostat, and keeping your lights off whenever possible.

Why High-Performance Homes Matter

You might wonder why all these aspects of high-performance homes matter. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Energy Savings: High-performance homes save you money on energy bills over time. The initial investment pays off with reduced monthly costs.

• Comfort: These homes offer superior comfort with consistent temperatures, excellent indoor air quality, and minimal drafts.

• Environmental Responsibility: Building high-performance homes is a responsible choice for a greener future. You're contributing to a sustainable environment.

• Resale Value: High-performance homes often have higher resale values, making them a wise investment.

Don’t Just Build a Home. Build Your Legacy.

When you create a high-performance home, you don’t just save money in the long run. You end up with a clean, durable home your family (or your clients) can love for generations to come.

By following the steps in this blog, you can ensure your new home is built to last, with materials that protect the environment and promote a healthy environment for everyone who steps inside.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey toward excellence in home building! Throughout this month, we'll explore various aspects of high-performance homes, providing you with valuable insights and tips. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll delve deeper into the world of insulation and energy efficiency.

Partner with Caprock Design + Build & Create a Home You’ll Fall in Love with, Again and Again

As the only Certified Passive House Builder in the Texas Panhandle, Caprock Design + Build is dedicated to delivering homes that not only meet but also exceed the highest standards in the building industry.

In our journey to becoming the area's top builder, we've dedicated ourselves to mastering the art and science of high-performance home construction. We believe that everyone deserves a home that is energy-efficient, comfortable, and built to last.

If you’re dreaming of creating a high-performance home that checks every box for your family, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team, and let’s work together to bring your vision to life.