Building Science Consulting
Consulting Services
We provide building science consulting services for new and existing buildings, construction detail development, in addition to plan reviews for homes and buildings in the design stage. Building science is the broader understanding of how architecture is intertwined with applied physics, engineering, chemistry, and health, in order to create durable, safe, comfortable, and healthful buildings that will last for many generations. Every aesthetic decision has technical implications, and every technical decision has aesthetic implications. Oftentimes, we use building science principles to address problems in existing structures, such as water damage and rot, mold, condensation, and poor indoor air quality. Please reach out to request a plan and spec review, get assistance in the design of the building envelope and the development of construction details, arrange an existing building assessment, or request general project consulting. Due to the number of requests we receive for a "quick call" or consultation, we have had to implement a 10-hour minimum project scope to keep things manageable on our end. If you have a simple question, please review the free articles and videos available on my website and on YouTube.
GEneral Project Consulting
Our general consulting services are designed to support your project from the pre-construction phase onward. We offer guidance on various aspects of building science and envelope design for both new and existing buildings. Whether you have questions about roof and wall assemblies, insulation products, air sealing techniques, or complex existing conditions that require unique solutions, we are here to help you navigate these challenges.
Building Envelope + Detail Development
The building envelope provides the environmental separation between the interior conditioned space and the exterior environment. It is imperative to nail down the construction details in order to effectively manage water, provide air tightness, prevent condensation, and improve thermal performance while simultaneously allowing the building to properly dry out. We can assist with the design of the building envelope and the development of construction details that are fine-tuned to your specific project, site conditions, budget, and climate zone to maximize long-term durability and performance, while reducing your risk as a building owner or design professional.
Architectural Plan Reviews
Good buildings start with good design. A comprehensive review of the architectural plans and specifications prior to construction can identify potential problems, missing details, discontinuities in the control layers, and product specification errors, reducing the risk of future building failures. Not all plan sets are adequately or properly detailed, requiring the contractor or builder to issue requests for information or make risky assumptions that can lead to costly errors.
Existing Building Assessments
Problems with an existing home or building? In an existing building assessment, we will review photos of the existing building, along with any architectural plans, specifications, and other documents on file to determine what went wrong and how the problems can be properly addressed and remediated, compiling the information, construction detail drawings, and diagrams into a final report that may be used as a reference for the contractor or design professional. If the assessment is to be prepared and used for legal purposes, it must be explicitly stated in the consultation request.