New Building Standard

Just what is a good house anymore? Massive homes on postage stamp size lots have had more than their fair share of bad press lately, and the tiny house movement, which encourages a living space of 300 sq. feet or less, while commendable when it comes to reducing one’s carbon footprint, is not realistic for the majority of us with households consisting of two adults, two children, and at least one critter. So, again what would be considered a good house in today’s world - simply, one that is efficient, affordable, healthy for humans and the climate, and still comfortable. A Green Building Advisor discussion group sums it up in what they call, what else, the Pretty Good House Standard. A few of their ideas for what constitutes a good house include one that supports the local community, using local labor and materials when possible, minimal or reasonable operating costs, energy efficient, super insulation, and 1000 to 1800 square feet of living space depending on occupancy. Requirements such as these for home building make sense in today’s environmentally conscience and financially constricted market. It’s a pretty good idea that most of us could live comfortably with.