Resources
Homeowner Resources
Comparisons, tools and articles for New Hampshire homeowners.
Guides, comparisons and tools we have written to help New Hampshire homeowners make good decisions about their houses, whether or not they hire us.
Honest comparisons
- Vinyl or fiber cement siding?We install both, so we have no reason to push either.
- Insulated or standard vinyl?Insulated vinyl has a foam backing glued to the panel.
- Repair or replace siding?Not every siding problem needs a whole new house of siding.
- Air sealing or more insulation?Adding insulation to an attic without sealing the air leaks first is a common mistake.
Tools and references
- Instant BallparkA price range for common projects in a few questions.
- Cost plannerPlanning ranges for ADUs and new homes.
- Cost guidesExample ranges with what is included.
- GlossaryBuilding terms in plain language.
- Frequently asked questionsAnswers about how we work.
Articles
- TimberBoard Continuous Exterior Insulation: Great Value & EfficiencyIn New Hampshire’s cold climate, continuous exterior insulation is essential. Without it, you will end up with thermal bridging through the studs, condensation, and in the long term, mold.
- The Ultimate Wall Assembly for the New Hampshire ClimateThis article outlines the ultimate wall assembly for New Hampshire's cold climate!
- High-Performance vs. Standard Construction in New Hampshire: An Honest ComparisonAn honest look at standard vs. high-performance construction in New Hampshire: how each house behaves, what it costs to build, and 20 years of ownership.
- Air Sealing First: Why New Hampshire Homes Need Airtightness Before More InsulationAir leaks cause ice dams, drafts and hidden moisture in NH homes. Learn how the stack effect works, what NH code allows, and the right order to air seal.
- How to Prevent Ice Dams in New Hampshire Homes (and Why Heat Cables Are Not Enough)Ice dams form when house heat warms the roof deck. Learn why heat cables and roof rakes fall short in NH, and how air sealing and insulation prevent ice dams.
- Should You Add Insulation When Replacing Siding in New Hampshire?Replacing siding in New Hampshire? How much exterior insulation an existing 2x4 or 2x6 wall needs, what the code requires, and how to avoid trapping moisture.
- Building an ADU Above a Garage in New Hampshire: The Cardigan 672, the Law and What It CostsNH allows one ADU by right, and a new garage with an apartment above is one way to build it. See our 617 sf Cardigan 672 plan and what it costs, standard or high-performance.
- Turning a Garage into an ADU in New Hampshire: The Monadnock 576, the Law and What It CostsNH towns must allow ADUs in existing garages, even nonconforming ones. See our 576 sf Monadnock garage-conversion plan and what it costs, standard or high-performance.
- Frost in the Attic: What It Means in a New Hampshire Winter and How to Fix ItFrost on attic nails or roof sheathing in a NH winter usually means warm, moist house air is leaking into the attic. Learn what's normal and how to fix it.
- Why Is My House So Drafty and Cold Upstairs? A New Hampshire Winter DiagnosisA drafty house or cold upstairs in a NH winter usually comes from air leaks, knee walls, rooms over garages or cold windows. Learn how to find the cause.