Top 3 Things Your Wisconsin Builder Must Do

Hey, what's up everybody? It's TJ with Sanctified Homes, and today I want to talk about the top three things your home builder in Wisconsin must do to ensure a quality build. Whether you're constructing a new home or remodeling an existing one, these critical steps are non-negotiable for a durable, energy-efficient, and healthy living space.

1. Understand and Implement the Four Control Layers

One of the most crucial things your builder must understand is the concept of the four control layers. These are essential in ensuring that your home is well-protected against the elements and maintains a comfortable interior environment. The four control layers are:

• Water: This layer prevents water from entering your home, protecting it from damage. Builders should use materials like house wraps and proper flashing to manage water effectively. Check out the water management strategy guide by Sanctified Construction.

• Air: Proper air control ensures your home is energy-efficient and free from drafts. Builders should focus on sealing all gaps and cracks to prevent air leakage.

• Vapor: Vapor control is about managing moisture in the air. Incorrect vapor control can lead to mold growth and other moisture-related issues. We’ve explained the Basement Vapor Barrier in our Parade of Home Series to educate our readers.

• Thermal: This is your insulation strategy. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, reducing energy costs.

Your builder should be knowledgeable about these layers and how to implement them effectively. Wisconsin's building standards can be outdated, so it's essential to ask your builder how they plan to exceed these standards to give you the best possible home.

2. Conduct a Blower Door Test

A blower door test is a must for any new home construction or major renovation. This test measures the air tightness of your home by identifying where air leaks are occurring. During the test, a fan is attached to an exterior door to depressurize the house. The builder can then detect air leaks and address them, ensuring that your home has a tight envelope.

By sealing your home properly, you not only improve energy efficiency but also enhance indoor air quality. With controlled ventilation, you can bring in fresh air and expel stale air, which is especially important in areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. In light of events like the Canadian wildfires, where indoor air quality became a significant concern, a tightly sealed home with proper ventilation can help protect your family’s health.

For more on the importance of air tightness, check out this resource on energy-efficient home building.

3. Install an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

The third critical component is installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). An ERV acts as the "lungs" of your home, providing continuous ventilation by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. It does this while transferring heat and moisture between the outgoing and incoming air, which improves energy efficiency.

An ERV is particularly vital in Wisconsin homes due to our cold winters. It helps maintain indoor air quality without compromising the energy efficiency of your home. When discussing your build, make sure your builder is knowledgeable about ERVs and how to size and install them properly for your specific needs.

Summary

These three steps are essential for any new construction or major remodel in Wisconsin. Your builder should be well-versed in these practices and able to explain how they implement them to create a healthy, efficient, and durable home.

For more insights and tips on home building in Wisconsin, visit Sanctified Homes. Don't forget to raise your standard—let's build better homes together!