Pretty Good House - by Michael Maines & Daniel Kolbert & Emily Mottram & Christopher Briley (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible. A Pretty Good House is: A house that's as small as possible. Simple and durable, but also well designed. Insulated and air-sealed. Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient."--

Book Synopsis

The essential framework for homeowners to build or renovate a high-performance home without breaking the bank.

Pretty Good House provides a refreshing, practical approach to building and renovating, moving past the idea of the "perfect" certified home to focus on solutions that are achievable and budget-aware. Written by four industry experts, this book presents a framework that prioritizes the needs of the inhabitants and the environment while acknowledging the practical constraints and financial limits most homeowners face.

This guide is your essential reference for thinking through critical construction issues. It is not just a "how-to," but a powerful "why-to" that empowers you to make informed decisions about your home as a system.

• Maximize Cost Savings: Discover proven, real-world strategies for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing material waste, and using smart design choices (like simple, compact house shapes) that significantly minimize both construction costs and long-term utility bills.
• Focus on Value: The book defines what it means to create a home that meets high-performance standards without the unnecessary complexity or hefty price tag. Learn to prioritize features like air sealing, proper insulation, and durable materials that offer the best return on investment.
• Empowering Homeowners: Whether you're hiring a contractor or tackling major work yourself, this book gives you the technical understanding of weather protection, air leakage, and vapor control to ensure your building process is durable, safe, healthy, and efficiently managed within your budget.

Join the movement toward creating homes that are not just livable and kind to the Earth, but also financially sound and realistically attainable for everyone.

Key Features:

• Practical Guidelines for Real Life: This book emphasizes the importance of creating homes that are not only efficient and sustainable but also attainable. Maines provides clear guidelines to help homeowners navigate their options, ensuring that every choice made contributes to a more functional and environmentally friendly living space.
• Focus on High Performance: Pretty Good House defines what it means to create a home that meets high-performance standards without the hefty price tag. You'll discover strategies for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and selecting materials that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
• Tailored Solutions: Recognizing that every homeowner has unique circumstances, the book encourages you to work within your financial and practical limits. Whether you're constructing a new home or renovating an existing one, Maines' insights will guide you toward solutions that align with your values and budget.
• Empowering Homeowners: By blending sustainability with smart design, Pretty Good House empowers you to make informed decisions that reflect your lifestyle and environmental commitment. The book serves as a practical resource for anyone looking to improve their home's performance without compromising on comfort or style.

About the Author

The authors of Pretty Good House are a collective of highly respected building industry veterans who champion attainable, high-performance construction. Based in Maine, they bring a unique blend of expertise that makes them the definitive voice in practical building science. Together, the authors co-host The BS* + Beer Show, an influential live-streamed weekly discussion, reinforcing their commitment to sharing practical, real-world knowledge with homeowners, designers, and builders everywhere.

• Dan Kolbert is a seasoned carpenter and contractor who served as the moderator for the original building science discussion group where the "Pretty Good House" idea originated.
• Michael Maines is a residential designer specializing in energy-efficient homes, sensitive renovations, and custom kitchens. He is a Certified Passivhaus Consultant and former contributing editor to Fine Homebuilding magazine.
• Emily Mottram is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, focusing on homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, and durable. She is a Registered Architect, a building science educator, and hosts the E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily podcast.
• Christopher Briley is a principal architect at BRIBURN, a firm dedicated to designing durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces.