• About
    • Mission and Values
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Passive Home
    • Design Build Services
    • General Contracting
    • Green Remodels
  • Gallery
    • Modern Homes
    • Modern Farmhouse
    • Spanish Revival
    • Mission Revival
  • Projects
    • Atherton Farmhouse
    • Spanish Revival
    • Mission Revival
    • Los Altos Modern III
    • Los Altos Modern II
    • Los Altos Modern I
    • Napa-Style Modern Farmhouse
  • Resources
    • What is Passive?
    • LEED Certification
    • FAQs
    • Home Building Guide
    • Passive Inspired Modern Homes
    • In the News
    • Glossary
    • Online Home Manager
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Connect Online
    • Career Center
    • Warranty Service Request
    • Home Care Program
  • Client Login

The Builder’s Notes

 
Clarum Homes » The Builder’s NotesPage 2

Taking Sustainability Beyond Solar

Posted by Clarum Homes on February 1, 2020 | Categories: custom homes, energy efficiency, high performance homes | No comment

Taking Sustainability Beyond Solar Since the California Solar Mandate took effect in January, sustainable building practices are on everyone’s mind. We all want to do what’s best for the environment and integrating solar energy is a great way to do that; one we’ve been endorsing for years. The mandate is a positive first step toward more sustainable practices. Over the years we’ve found, when it comes to home construction, there’s so much more to sustainability than solar. We’re seeing the cost of energy rise in a rapid way, and it’s not just in dollars. It’s important...


Read More

A New Mandate for the New Year.

Posted by Clarum Homes on January 3, 2020 | Categories: California home builder, custom homes, energy efficiency | No comment

The 2020 Solar Mandate is here The news has been swirling for months but the day is finally here. Effective January 1, 2020 all new residential home builds must live up to the standard of Zero Net Energy. This initiative is part of California’s ongoing commitment to transition away from centralized power. The new plan aims at having 50% of California’s electricity come from clean energy sources by 2030 (NYT). It’s an ambitious goal and requiring new home construction to include solar energy is a big part of making it happen. As the calendar year moves to 2020, builders are scrambling to...


Read More

Design-Build vs. Architect

Posted by Clarum Homes on December 2, 2019 | Categories: custom homes | No comment

Now that you know the “where,” it’s time to focus on the “what.” We’ll help you decide. Picking a path Now that you have a piece of property to develop or improve, it’s time for the design phase. Choosing how to design a home can be just as important as the architect. There are two basic approaches to designing a custom home: design-build or independent architect. Design-build You’ve likely seen this term tacked onto quite a few residential construction companies. It implies that the firm can not only build or remodel your house but design it as well. This usually...


Read More

What is important to you when building a new home?

Posted by Clarum Homes on November 1, 2019 | Categories: custom homes, energy efficiency, high performance homes | No comment

How do you decide whether to build a high-performance home or a home built to code? We can help you figure it out. Building beyond code In California, CalGreen is the baseline building code that all new home construction must follow. In terms of energy efficiency, air quality, and sustainability, there is a lot of room for improved performance by building beyond this code. And, the cost difference is not very significant. In high-performance design and construction, everyone involved in the building process takes into account energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design...


Read More

What is a LEED home?

Posted by Clarum Homes on October 7, 2019 | Categories: custom homes | No comment

A LEED-certified home is a high-performance green building designed and built to achieve the highest point rating possible as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council. What is LEED for homes? LEED for Homes is a system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the purpose of rating and recognizing homes built to a more sustainable standard than conventional homes built to code. LEED was originally developed for the purpose of transforming the mainstream building industry by promoting and encouraging best practices for environmental design and construction. The LEED...


Read More

How to build a custom home in Silicon Valley

Posted by Clarum Homes on September 9, 2019 | Categories: California home builder, custom homes | No comment

We’re here to support you in navigating the process of building a custom home in Silicon Valley, by helping you set a course of action and understand what potential challenges lay ahead of you. Take the long view Deciding to build a custom home in Silicon Valley is an involved process. It’s important to start off on the right foot by: Understanding the progression of a construction projectChoosing the right team of professionals; andHaving a clear vision of what you need from a home Be patient with the process Throughout this process, keep in mind that it takes time....


Read More

What is a Net-Zero Home?

Posted by Clarum Homes on July 30, 2019 | Categories: custom homes | No comment

Did you know that Net-Zero homes generate the same energy they consume, through renewable sources like sun, wind, or water? When building a custom home, it's important to remember that the cost of the home extends far beyond the build. Over time, paying for power and utilities can add up. It makes sense at the build stage to create the most efficient house possible. That's where a Net-Zero Home comes in. Lighten the power workload Your house is a series of systems: ventilation, heating, lighting, insulation, etc. These structures are complex and interconnected. Therefore, they require...


Read More

Passive-certified vs. Passive-inspired: How to choose which one is right for you

Posted by Clarum Homes on July 1, 2019 | Categories: custom homes, energy efficiency, high performance homes, passive home | No comment

A passive-certified home is one that employs a set of advanced building technologies to achieve extreme energy efficiency. Energy consumption is reduced by up to 90% compared to a conventionally-built home. A passive-inspired home incorporates many of the same building techniques and materials found in a passive-certified home, but without the rigor of certification and at a slightly lower price tag. Keep reading to understand the key differences between these two sustainable home options and choose which route is best for you. What is Passive-Certified? If you would like to part...


Read More

Planning for your dream home

Posted by Clarum Homes on June 3, 2019 | Categories: custom homes, energy efficiency, high performance homes | No comment

Where high-performance houses are concerned, Clarum Homes believes the entire approach is important. This includes everything from design details, materials or installation methods. To ensure all these aspects work in concert to deliver a highly efficient home that lives up to the high-performance label, you’ll need a solid plan. Not to worry, we have some tips to help you plan the high-performance home build of your dreams.   Create a comprehensive budget Building a green, high-performance home will typically always cost more than the same home built to standard building codes....


Read More

Sustainable materials and your custom home

Posted by Clarum Homes on May 1, 2019 | Categories: custom homes | No comment

Did you know that the average single-family home in the U.S. generates between 6,960 & 12,064 lbs. of construction waste? A home is only as sustainable as the materials used in its construction. Learn how you can keep your home out of the landfill. Your home: the sum of its parts While energy-efficiency is vital, there are other factors to sustainability. It’s crucial to discuss the selection of ecologically-friendly building materials with your designer and contractor. The source of your home’s materials is critical, as well as the manufacturing methods of the products. When...


Read More

« Previous Page Next Page »

  • Archives

    • View Archives
  • Categories

    • California home builder
    • comfort
    • custom homes
    • energy efficiency
    • events
    • guidebook
    • health
    • high performance homes
    • luxury homes
    • Major Renovation
    • Modern Homes
    • Palo Alto
    • passive home


  • Latest Blog Posts

    • Dreaming Up Your Custom Home: 2021 Trends to Watch Out For
      Happy New Year! As 2020 taught us, creating the perfect living environment for our families...
    • Reasons To Be Thankful For Your Modern Home
      2020 has been a difficult year for everyone - from a global pandemic, to economic...
  • Latest Project

    Passive-inspired Modern, Los Altos

    Passive-inspired Modern, Los Altos Located in Los Altos, CA., this sophisticated high-performance...



  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Gallery
  • Projects
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Client Login

Copyright © 2021 Clarum Homes |

US Green Building Council LEED for homes Energy Star Passive Home Alliance