Foundation
Concrete Slab
4" slab, minimal prep
5" slab with continuous 15-mil vapor retarder, aggregate base, capillary break & rigid insulation at slab edge
+15–25%
Prevents ground moisture wicking into slab, better structural performance
Foundation
Site Prep / Drainage
Back wall retention only
Front & back retention wall system. Double French drain to daylight around entire foundation
+100%
Removes water from property during melt-off safely and effectively
Framing
Framing Materials
Standard lumber (19% MC)
Steel stud metal framing throughout
+80%
Reduces initial moisture load, minimizes mold during construction
Framing
Exterior Wall System
2×6 standard framing, 16" OC
10-inch ICF, 16-inch profile — eliminates thermal bridging entirely
+300%
No thermal bridging, superior moisture management, exterior materials dry properly
Framing
Floor Sheathing
Standard OSB/ply
AdvanTech® moisture-resistant subflooring ¾ inch
+8–12%
Superior moisture resistance, dimensional stability
Enclosure
Wall Sheathing
Standard OSB/ply
ICF + DensShield® (fiberglass, no paper) — same material used in wet rooms/showers
+30%
Continuous air/water barrier, faster installation
Enclosure
House Wrap / WRB
Mechanically fastened Tyvek
Fully-adhered Henry Blueskin VP — Water/Ice Shield
+35%
Superior air/water sealing, long-term performance
Enclosure
Air Barrier Strategy
Minimal air sealing, 3.5 ACH50
Comprehensive air sealing <2.0 ACH50 with blower door testing
+8–12%
Moisture control, energy efficiency, cleaner IAQ
Enclosure
Siding
Standard siding
Diamond Kote Smart Siding System — extreme weather rated
+30%
50-year warranty, withstands alpine conditions
Roofing
Attic Strategy
Ventilated attic, R-38 blown insulation on floor
Sealed & conditioned attic, R-30+ at roof deck with exterior rigid insulation
+25–35%
HVAC in conditioned space, wildfire protection, no combustible soffits
Roofing
Roof Protection
Standard felt underlay
Synthetic underlayment + ice/water shield on entire roof deck. Zero roof penetrations.
+20%
Superior water protection, 100% no roof penetrations
Mechanical
Ventilation
Standard HVAC, no fresh air provision
Dual ERV system + properly sized HVAC with fresh air intake and humidity management
+15–25%
Controlled fresh air, humidity management, superior IAQ
Mechanical
Duct Material
Flexible ducts
Rigid metal ducts with sealed connections throughout
+20–30%
Cleanable, better airflow, longer life, no fiber shedding
Mechanical
Air Filtration
Standard 1" filter
Whole-home MERV 13+ filtration, HEPA compatible
+8–15%
Superior particle removal, healthier indoor air
Mechanical
Gas Layout
Traditional branch system
Home-run manifold system with accessible shutoffs — no connections behind walls
+12–20%
Easier maintenance, safer, all shutoffs accessible
Mechanical
Leak Monitoring
Manual monitoring only
Mechanical leak detection system installed throughout
Minimal
Early leak detection, prevents catastrophic damage
Insulation
Wall Insulation
Fiberglass batts R-19
Exterior continuous R-58 — 3× code minimum
+15–25%
Dramatically lower energy bills, superior moisture management
Insulation
Attic Insulation
R-38 blown fiberglass on attic floor
R-60 at roof — conditioned attic space, no thermal bridging
+30–40%
No thermal bridging, conditioned attic, lower energy use
Insulation
Interior Walls
Standard paper-faced drywall
Interior glass mat drywall — fiberglass face, no paper
+8–12%
Mold resistance, moisture durability
Insulation
Wet Room Substrate
Greenboard in bathrooms
Cement backer board + waterproof membrane extending beyond tub/shower areas
+15–25%
True waterproofing, long-term durability
Electrical
Wiring — EMF
Unprotected standard wiring
Hospital-grade metal sheathing around all wires
+25%
Completely mitigates EMF exposure from wiring
Electrical
Wiring — Connectivity
No hard wiring
Hard-wired throughout entire home (WiFi also available)
+10–15%
Eliminates unnecessary wireless EMF exposure
Finishes
Floor Prep
No moisture testing
Calcium chloride testing + proper cure time before installation
Minimal
Prevents flooring failures, warranty protection
Finishes
Floor Protection
Basic underlayment
Breathable waterproof underlayment allowing slab drying
+8–15%
Moisture management, long-term flooring protection
Finishes
Interior Paint
Standard latex paint
Zero-VOC paint throughout entire home
Minimal
No off-gassing, breathable walls, healthier IAQ
*Cost increase estimates believed to be accurate at time of construction.