Tier 1

The Shell Package

BUILDING SHELL


In simple terms, think of your house like a big puzzle with two main pieces: the outside structure (like walls, roof, windows, and doors) and the inside machinery (like heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.) How well these pieces fit together affects how comfy your home feels. To really understand what’s up with your house, you need to check both parts to make sure they’re in tune with one another. This tier one package focuses on just one of those parts – the building shell. It tests the air tightness of the house as a whole and of individual rooms. It also examines insulation levels in attics, exterior walls, and basements.

a house cutaway of the building shell with a few rooms

building shell

test – air sealing, insulation

Blower door test. How leaky is the entire house?

Zonal pressure test. How leaky are individual rooms?

IR thermal photography test. Is insulation present and performing adequately?

Visual inspection. How much insulation is in my attic, walls, and basement? Does it meet Wisconsin code?

Steve was extremely helpful in directing us towards a more energy efficient, and safe renovation coming up. He was extremely thorough in his report, his explanation of what he would be testing, and his final analysis.  In my opinion, this was a small investment in to a lifetime of savings and we’ll know our indoor air quality will be comfortable and safe.

Mike / Beaver Dam, WI

Who It’s For

The ideal client for this tier…

  • Already knows they want to do building shell work like air sealing and insulation.
  • Wants something done quickly with immediate results from testing.
  • Wants a partial answer to why they are experiencing home comfort issues like hot and cold rooms.
  • Is not concerned about getting rebate money from Focus On Energy or the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA.)
blower door test
infrared thermal imaging test

What To Expect

  • 1-2 hour on site visit.
  • Completion of the three (3) tests listed above.
  • An in person post inspection conversation discussing results and recommended next steps for home renovation. No written report.
  • Pricing starting at $485.
  • An extra charge for homes over 3,000 square feet, multiple attics, multiple crawlspaces, etc.
  • This tier 1 package does not qualify as a Focus On Energy home energy assessment. However, a tier 2 package and above does quality.

Building Shell Fast Facts

Your house is a big container. It’s job is to separate the inside from the outside.
Fix the house first, then buy new HVAC.
Most types of insulation do not also air seal.
Don’t add more insulation until you first air seal.
You can’t control the air in your home until you first contain it.
A house cannot be too airtight.
You live in a pool of air.
All exterior walls should be air tight and insulated.
Houses do not “need to breathe.”
Air sealing and insulation are not a facelift, but a health check.

Stop Guessing, Start Testing

Ready for a home upgrade? Reach out now and feel the difference!

Let’s Talk!