Frequently Asked Questions

What is Building Performance?

Building performance is a systematic approach to improving the indoor environment, by applying home improvements in the context of the house as a system of many parts. It incorporates comfort, health and safety, durability, and energy efficiency into a comprehensive package. In addition, building performance contractors employ a variety of diagnostic tests and evaluations to identify the source of a home's problems and to verify the performance of installed improvements.


How does that work?

Buildings are systems of interacting parts. A building system includes the building structure and shell, mechanical systems, occupants and environment. Building performance contractors use a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluate each improvement to a particular component of your home for its potential to affect all the interacting systems. For instance, an insulation contractor may recommend ventilation improvements in conjunction with insulation to make sure the house does not become "too tight" and to preserve the indoor air quality. Similarly, a heating contractor may recommend additional insulation before installing a high efficiency heating system to ensure optimal comfort and savings. Both contractors will ensure the safety of the occupants by verifying the safe operation of all combustion appliances in the home.


How long does a Performance Analysis take?

A complete analysis including our entire host of test will take between 2-3 hours. Two of our professional representatives will arrive at your house to conduct the test. Your presence and participation is encouraged but not required.


Is there any obligation?

There is absolutely no obligation to proceed with any of the remediation procedures we recommend.


Why not just call an insulation contractor for insulation and a heating contractor for my heating system?

You can. Many building performance contractors specialize in one field or another just like traditional contractors. The difference is that a certified performance contractor is trained to understand the whole house and can help guide you in your home improvement decisions to maximize your energy savings and ensure your comfort and safety. If issues are identified that require services outside of a building performance contractor's field of expertise, you will be notified of the issue and given the option to bring in a sub-contractor to make the appropriate repairs.


What is included in a building performance assessment?

Performance diagnostics assist the building performance contractor in evaluating the condition of your home and verifying the impact of improvements. Blower door tests for building shell leakage, combustion safety tests, duct leakage diagnostics, and infrared thermal imaging are examples of diagnostic tests completed by building performance contractors to ensure the health, safety, comfort, and durability of your home before and after improvements.

Does that mean I will have to pay more?

Building performance contractors have been trained in the most current building science knowledge and diagnostic skills using state of the art equipment. Contractors may charge an additional fee for this service because of the extra investment they have made to ensure a high quality of work. On the other hand, a building performance contractor will be able to help you determine the most cost-effective home improvements by performing a cost-benefit analysis. In addition, the performance diagnostics completed by a building performance contractor will help you determine when improvements will not save you money and to understand the interactive effects of improvements. Armed with this knowledge, you may end up saving money in the long run.



How can a building performance contractor
protect my safety?

Building performance contractors are trained to perform complete health and safety inspections before proceeding with installations. This includes inspections for moisture problems, mold and mildew, and other potential indoor air pollutants. It also includes a comprehensive safety diagnostic of all combustion appliances in the home. They will check to ensure that your furnace, water heater, oven, and other appliances are venting properly and removing potentially dangerous combustion gases from the house. Carbon monoxide will be measured at each appliance to ensure CO levels in the home do not exceed the minimum exposure levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You will be informed immediately of any problems that are found.



If problems are found, how do I get them fixed?

Sustainable Spaces will recommend improvements to remedy any problems that are found. As a licensed Class B General Contractor, we are a true turnkey operation and can help you to bring your home up to performance standards. We handle every facet of your remediation from permitting to actual construction.



How do I know if I need a building performance contractor?

Any time you are considering home improvements such as insulation, windows, heating, hot water, or cooling system repairs or upgrades, a building performance contractor can help make sure you are getting the most for your money and offer the added protection of safety diagnostic testing. In addition, if your home suffers from any of the following problems, a building performance contractor will be able to help you diagnose the problem and develop a work scope for improvements and repairs:

• High energy bills
• Drafty areas of your house
• Rooms that do not heat
• Rooms that overheat
• "Ghosting" or unexplained black stripes
on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Mold and mildew problems
• Moisture in attics and basements
• Condensation on windows
• Backdrafting combustion appliances
• Ice dams
• Poor air circulation, or air quality

Not finding the answer to your question?

Contact us directly at info@sustainablespaces.com, and we will get back to you with an answer ASAP!