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Jason Scheurer has always been a business owner and he’s always been motived to learn. Today, he and his wife Penny own and operate Best Techs Contracting where they design, build and remodel with a focus on home performance.
I connected with Jason during an online Passive House event recently. In this interview, Jason describes how he’s gone from an inquisitive general contractor to a newly elected board member of Passive House California.
Building Performance
As a general contractor, Jason wanted to understand more about what makes buildings really work. At a session run by Efficiency First California (known as California Building Performance Contractors Association at the time), Jason realised a whole new way of doing things. He became hooked on building science and building performance. Pretty soon, Jason had his own blower door and started measuring building performance as part of any remodelling work.
Sealing it Up
Improving building airtightness is becoming common practice across the US and much of Europe. Here in New Zealand and Australia, we’d do well to learn from this. There is a growing understanding of the importance of airtightness. It’s essential for making homes efficient, comfortable and healthy. In a lot of cases, sealing up air leaks and joints can be even more important than extra insulation.
Even when Jason’s clients just employ him to remodel a bathroom or kitchen, he’ll go the extra mile and make that part of the house more airtight. The opportunity presented by opening up walls it too good to miss. Who knows? By the time other rooms are individually treated in a similar fashion, the owners may well end up with a very well sealed and efficient home.
Technology Trends
Mini-split system air conditioners (heat pumps) and solar panels are becoming common components of retrofits and new builds alike. Technologies like this are great additions. As a homeowner, you should definitely consider them as part of the overall plan. A well functioning building envelope should always be the first priority though. There’s little point in adding solar panels to a cold, leaky and unhealthy home.
Best Techs Contracting
You can find Jason at Best Techs Contracting. Check out their range of services and previous home performance work.
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