Here are the first five components that we think are important in quality building. Are these on your list?

1. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient buildings save you heating and cooling costs over the life of the home.
2. Sustainable, Green, and/or Local Products and Materials
We use local and/or sustainable materials whenever possible. Diminishing the environmental impact of building is only one of the benefits here. What may surprise you is that local materials are often less expensive.
3. Ease of Maintenance and Durability
This includes good design and good field practice and rewards the owners in the long run by reducing maintenance and repair costs.
4. Quality of Building Materials
This contributes to almost all the other factors. Quality materials last longer, are easier to install, are more energy efficient, and are easier to maintain and care for over the life of the building.
5. Quality of Installation and Craftsmanship
The personal attention to detail by the craftspeople who actually build your house cannot be overrated. No amount of money, specifications, or insurance can ever replace the soul of craftspeople.

Stay tuned for the next group of five and share your thoughts with us about how you define quality.