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Publication Review

Title: Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot and Dry Climates
Author: Building America Program, US DOE, 2005
File: Free Book, PDF 4.7 MB, 122 pages
Audience: Includes chapters written for homeowners, building managers, marketers, site planners & developers, designers, site supervisors and the trades.

Review
This book has extensive information about Energy Star and other advanced building practices for hot and dry climates. Each chapter is written for a different audience as described above. If you are a designer or builder interested in upgrading to the Energy Star program, this book is for you.

Issues covered include:

• introduction explains how builders can work with a building scientist to implement the Building America ideas in the book.
• homeowners: explains the Energy Star program and ratings in depth.
• homeowners: what to look for in an energy efficient home and why you should buy one.
• homeowners: buyers checklist.
• managers: explains the Building America program, and why you should work with this organization.
• managers: why it makes good business sense to build to advanced standards.
• marketers: discusses how to sell energy efficient homes.
• site planners: discusses how this group can help increase energy efficiency through lot orientation, subdivision layout, shade trees, xeriscaping, site grading and features of sustainable development.
• designers: discusses why and how to design a house utilizing the building sciences and a systems approach.
• designers: shows location for hot-dry and mixed-dry climates in US.
• designers: site issues including drainage, pest control and landscaping.
• designers: Foundation systems, moisture control and soil gas control.
• designers: structural moisture control, leakage, extreme weather.
• designers: vapor and air barriers, structural air sealing.
• designers: structural thermal performance, insulation, finishes and windows.
• designers: overhangs, ceilings and roofs.
• designers: heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
• site supervisors: discussion about how to implement Energy Star and Building America program guidelines
• site supervisor: extensive on site check list.
• trades: tips for correct procedures and installation of slab insulation, houswraps, window flashing, air sealing, insulation, masonry construction, duct sealing.
• case studies: shows a variety of projects throughout the country
• good glossary of energy & housing terms
  

Detail drawings include:

• subdivision layout diagrams
• shade tree best location diagrams
• water management for house diagram
• map of cold and very cold climates in US
• envelope air sealing wall sections
• knee wall sections
• crawl space venting diagrams
• overhang protection diagram
• duct, transfer grills and duct runs diagram
• building sections showing proper insulation
• slab foundation sections
• house wrap installation diagrams
• proper window flashing diagrams
• air sealing diagrams, plumbing and electrical
• masonry construction details for energy efficiency
• duct sealing diagrams

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