The short version
- — Client demand for resilient home construction is increasing due to extreme weather and rising energy costs.
- — Resilience in construction includes protecting against natural disasters, managing energy consumption, and improving indoor air quality.
- — Adopting best practices and quality materials for resilience also enhances comfort, health, and energy efficiency.
What happened
Brian Pontolilo from Fine Homebuilding visited Josh Salinger of Birdsmouth Design-Build in Portland, Oregon, to discuss what resilience means in residential construction, as reported by Fine Homebuilding. The article explores practical approaches for constructing residences to endure natural catastrophes, extreme temperatures, and power disruptions. The discussion highlighted that client inquiries about resilience have increased over time. Examples given of recent events driving this interest include the Texas cold snap and Portland heat dome in 2021, and the annual occurrence of wildfire smoke affecting broader regions. The article also mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic's role in raising awareness about indoor air quality. Josh Salinger noted that economic resilience, such as building homes that use minimal energy, is a significant concern for clients due to rising energy costs. He defined resilience in construction as the capacity to withstand detrimental external forces and return to a previous state, adding that adaptability involves modifying homes for improved future outcomes, rather than simply rebuilding after an event. Salinger emphasized that building with best practices, thoughtful design for local conditions, selecting appropriate materials, and proper installation are key to creating resilient homes, which also often result in healthier, more energy-efficient, and comfortable living spaces.
Why it matters to your shop
Understanding resilience is becoming crucial for tradespeople. Homeowners are increasingly concerned about their property's ability to withstand events like extreme weather, power outages, and even fluctuating energy costs. This means shops should be prepared to discuss these issues and offer solutions. Incorporating resilience into your estimates and project plans—whether it's suggesting improved insulation for temperature stability, advising on robust materials for disaster zones, or recommending better ventilation for air quality—can set your business apart. This shift in client priorities also presents opportunities for specialty services and can justify higher-quality materials and more thorough installation methods.
Furthermore, focusing on resilience can naturally lead to improved outcomes in other areas. A home built to be more resilient often inherently offers better energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, and a healthier indoor environment. These 'happy side effects' can be powerful selling points, helping you demonstrate added value to clients. As more clients ask about these capabilities, being knowledgeable and capable of delivering them will be essential for staying competitive and meeting evolving market demands, potentially allowing for more premium project pricing.
What a CAA member does about it
A Craftsmen Association of America member proactively integrates resilience into their project planning and client consultations. They develop and communicate a clear scope of work that outlines how proposed designs and material choices contribute to the home's ability to withstand common local challenges. They ensure all pricing reflects the quality and durability of materials and the precision of installation required for long-term resilience. By prioritizing best practices and quality craftsmanship, a CAA member not only builds robust structures but also documents their work thoroughly, providing clients with confidence that their homes are prepared for future conditions. This commitment to superior standards reinforces the value of being part of the CAA.
This brief is prepared for CAA members to help you run a smarter, stronger trade business. Dates and figures reflect the information available at time of publication.