What makes a custom home energy efficient?

The enclosure is the boundary between inside and outside. Discuss insulation continuity, window performance, air sealing and water management together. A well-insulated wall still needs carefully detailed connections at windows, doors and other openings.

Ask where the air barrier is located and how its continuity will be checked. The answer should describe an assembly and an installation approach, not simply name an insulation product.

Have the heating and cooling system designed for the planned home, including its orientation, windows and enclosure. Ask the mechanical designer to explain the load calculation, distribution and controls. Buying larger equipment is not a substitute for design.

Ventilation also needs deliberate attention. Discuss how outdoor air will be provided and how cooking, bathing and other moisture-producing activities will be managed. These decisions affect comfort as well as energy use.

Before construction, ask what inspections and testing belong in the scope and when they occur. Examples to discuss include air-leakage testing, duct testing where applicable and equipment startup checks. Agree on the applicable targets and who reviews the results.

A test is most useful when the team has a plan to respond to it. Some installation issues are easier to correct before finishes cover the work.

When comparing options, request the specification, installed cost, maintenance implications and the basis for any projected savings. Occupancy, weather and utility rates affect bills, so a modeled estimate is not a guarantee.

The Department of Energy describes this as a whole-house approach: the parts interact. For your home, the practical lesson is to coordinate them early and verify what is built. Read why insulation R-value is only one part of the picture.