Talk to your utilities
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.
Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
In this video: A contractor and homeowner share how they turned their vision for a barn house into a unique, energy efficient home.
More from this category
Historic preservation
A preservation expert shares how to restore an older home economically and energy efficiently.
Geodesic domes
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.
Net Zero Community
Check out a new neighborhood concept and see how one builder is changing the way homes are built with a goal to use zero energy.
Green home construction
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
Building an energy-smart house
Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Modular homes
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
Choosing energy-smart products
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.