My family member is building a house in northern IL. She is building it through a program with the local high school where the students do most of the work with the teacher acting as the contractor. They’ll subcontract out some of the MEP, masonry, and earthwork but the majority of the other work will be done by students.
I’m trying to help her plan out the design to be sure she ends up with what she wants. She has purchased the property and the construction will begin next semester.
She would like a house that promotes healthy living with lots of fresh air, sunlight, and as many low VOC and nontoxic building materials as is possible. She is also working with a limited budget, hence the student labor and likely 2yr build schedule. I am also trying to incorporate as many energy efficient options into the design as I can.
Can you provide any suggestions or comments regarding the design we’ve put together so far? Anything that will increase the functionality, efficiency, buildability, health, or decrease the cost would be appreciated.
Some topics we’ve been batting around: Gas or heat pump? If they go gas, should the go gas for everything? Where to put the ductwork and keep it in the conditioned space? Best insulation setup for the roof and the walls? If we do the plenum trusses will the throw from the diffusers be enough to keep the spaces comfortable?
Thanks for any comments or suggestions.