The key to any successful construction project is quality workmanship and maintaining a good relationship with inspectors. It's essential to avoid cutting corners, always be respectful, and provide inspectors with what they need. But what do you do when two inspectors visit your job site at different times and disagree on what needs to be done?

This situation leads to frustrating delays. On the Cereza project, we encountered just such a scenario. The conflicting opinions of the inspectors forced us to escalate the issue to the head building official for resolution. This meant we needed revisions from the engineer, which we had already obtained but now had to resubmit to the city.

The approval process took an additional five weeks, partly because our submission coincided with someone's vacation. Such unexpected hurdles are part and parcel of the construction world.

Ahhhh, construction...

Creating an outdoor space not only adds an extra layer of protection to your home but also provides a serene retreat from the elements, whether you're basking in the warm glow of a sunny day or seeking shelter from a stormy, frozen winter. When that space is constructed by skilled craftsmen, it becomes a truly special haven.

Imagine stepping onto a beautifully crafted cedar porch, where the rich aroma of the wood mingles with the fresh outdoor air. This inviting space becomes an extension of your home, offering a perfect spot to unwind with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or gather with loved ones for meaningful conversations.

A cedar porch, with its natural resistance to decay and insects, promises longevity and durability, ensuring that your sanctuary remains a cherished part of your home for years to come. The warm, reddish-brown hues of the cedar planks add a touch of elegance and warmth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Whether you're watching the sunset on a summer evening, listening to the gentle patter of rain, or sipping hot cocoa while wrapped in a cozy blanket during winter, a well-built cedar porch enhances these moments, making them even more memorable. The craftsmanship that goes into building such a space reflects a dedication to quality and a passion for creating something truly extraordinary.

So, when you choose to invest in a cedar porch, you're not just adding an architectural feature to your home; you're creating a timeless retreat where memories are made and cherished. It's a space that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your own home.

Often, one of the first big investments any new homeowner has to make is to change out their roof, because of leaks or general damage. And it is really hard to know what to choose since there are so many options with such an enormous impact on the safety and value of your largest investment, your home. In this video we talk about the Bay Street passive house, and the reason we decided to go with the roofing material that we chose: standing seam metal roof.

Why did we chose it?

Why it was better than the alternatives?

What are the cost of the different options?

If you want to know how to protect your home, from the top down, this is the video to watch.

How do you give a window visual depth in a wall but also make it a durable, airtight installation?

Building a Passive House basement takes a lot of planning, a great structural engineer, and someone paying attention to how much everything costs. Basements are the most expensive space in a house in California. Dirt has to be dug up and removed, and then a very strong foundation has to take its place. If you want to know more about what it takes to build something that will withstand the next "big one" but doesn't break the bank, we invite you to watch this video.

What COVID19 has taught us about Green/Sustainable Building?

The Covid19 Pandemic has created disruptions in the supply chain, further revealed changes in the world’s climate, and brought further light on the equity and diversity issues both locally and globally. Those in the building industry who have advocated green building practices are facing new challenges and struggles. This panel discussion will feature 3 experts in the green building industry who will share their experiences and responses to the pandemic in the built environment.

Join us on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 from 6:00-8:30pm as our Founder and CEO, Dr. Dave Edwards joins two other green building experts for a panel discussion on this educational and highly relevant topic. “What has COVID-19 taught us about Green/Sustainable Building?”

Discussion points will include:

• Identify the issues surrounding material supply, health and wellness, climate change, and building design affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.

• Illustrate the appropriate uses for green concrete, its availability, and its inherent properties as it relates to climate action and disruptions due to the pandemic.

• Discuss how the pandemic and other 2020 events have changed architects, builders, manufacturers, and clients’ perceptions and calls to action on green building practices.

• Explore ways that architects, builders, and product manufacturers can advocate and educate the public on green building practices that will improve their health, safety, and welfare and to be better stewards of the Earth for future generations.