Custom Home Building and Remodeling in California
In previous blogs, we have discussed the basics of custom home building, and why quality matters in a custom home project. Below, we explore some opportunities and considerations when building a custom home or remodel in California.
How California’s Climate Influences Building Design
California’s diverse microclimates are one reason it is such a popular place to live and visit. Snowy peaks, sandy deserts, lakeside forests, verdant valleys, and foggy coastlines attract people from all over the world, and also influence the way custom homes are built. An efficient and properly sized heating and cooling system, coupled with a high-performing building envelope (air sealing, insulation, doors and windows) customized for the microclimate, will result in a home that is energy efficient, comfortable, durable, and healthy in any of California’s diverse regions.
As the global climate continues to shift, California is getting warmer. Some areas may become wetter or drier than they are now, and potential building sites near the coast or inland waterways may be impacted by flooding in the future. It is also predicted that parts of California will be more fire-prone than in decades past, and many building departments are mandating fire-wise building methods to protect structures. These are all important considerations in choosing where or how to build.
California’s Geology and Terrain
Given California’s infamous seismic reputation, homes require specialized structural reinforcement to withstand earthquakes. The terrain is also highly variable, and if a potential home site is located on a steep hill or flood plain, the building department may not allow a home to be built there. It is important to evaluate zoning information prior purchasing any property, to make sure that a home is allowed and feasible on that site.
Water, Power, and Waste in California
California’s utility landscape is highly variable, with some people living in cities supplied by all-municipal utilities, and others living completely off-grid with onsite power generation, well water, septic, and battery storage. Even when on the grid, more people in California are opting for onsite power generation (usually solar) and battery storage to achieve a Zero Net Energy home.
Californians continue to work hard to protect and conserve their precious water resources. Plumbing systems designed for water efficiency and waterwise landscaping are very common in California, and are mandated in many areas.
The mantra of reduce-reuse-recycle continues to dominate the California waste management industry, as California leads the way toward fulfilling the dream of zero-waste living. Currently, the California building code requires that 65% of construction waste be diverted from landfills.
Resiliency and Eco-Friendly Living in California
Many Californians cherish the beautiful environment that surrounds them, and also value independence and self-reliance. Eco-friendly homes continue to be very popular in California, because they cater to both sets of values. Homeowners in California have a wide variety of environmentally friendly materials, finishes, and approaches to choose from, which can be incorporated into a well-built, high-performing home that provides resiliency in the face of power outages, unpredictable temperature fluctuations, and wildfire.
It is increasingly common for on-grid homeowners in California to live on a locally managed electrical microgrid, which can add an extra layer of resiliency during planned or unplanned power outages. A microgrid is localized electrical infrastructure that can decouple from the larger electrical grid, and can also give the local energy supplier more control over the mix of energy sources it uses to provide electricity.
California's Evolving Building Standards
California’s building code is intended to protect Californians by mandating a high level of construction quality. It is also intended to protect the environment by ensuring a minimum level of energy efficiency. The code is updated every three years, and in 2006, a significant overhaul of the code took place, resulting in the California Green Building Code. This included the addition of a Quality Insulation Installation inspection, and new rules about the efficiency of mechanical systems and appliances. Since that time, there have been additional energy efficiency measures added at every code update. The code also protects human health by mandating maximum allowable lead content in fixtures and plumbing installations.
The California Contractor’s State License Board provides licensing for all California contractors, to ensure that a basic level of expertise is achieved by anyone seeking a license.
Partnering with Carmel Building & Design
At Carmel Building & Design, we value our beautiful Monterey Bay area, and strive to create homes that are equally beautiful and also exceptionally energy efficient, comfortable, durable, and healthy. We specialize in designing and building high-performing homes, including the use of Passive House standards and methodologies, electrification, and Zero Net Energy approaches.
We can provide start-to-finish design/build services or can work with a designer of your choosing. If you’re considering a custom home project in the Monterey Bay area, we’re here to help make your dream home a reality. Reach out to Carmel Building & Design to begin your journey toward a beautiful, efficient, and sustainably built home.
