S.D. Jessup Construction built this 3,310-square-foot custom home in Pinnacle, North Carolina, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.

This highly efficient home will save its homeowners more than $1,500 per year in energy costs.

Under the architectural shingles and vinyl siding, a coated OSB sheathing product covers the roof deck and walls. With seams taped, it provides a continuous air and water barrier.

ENERGY STAR appliances and LED lighting minimize energy use in the home.

EPA WaterSense-rated low-flow fixtures and a compact plumbing design minimize water and energy use.

To help with air quality in the homes, paints are zero-VOC, caulks and glues are the lowest VOC available, and the cabinets are certified for low-formaldehyde.

The insulated basement was constructed of precast concrete walls that come with a 2.5-inch layer of XPS rigid foam adhered to the inside of the walls and wrapping the metal-faced concrete studs.

The underside of the roof deck is covered with R-50 of open-cell polyurethane spray foam, which provides a continuous layer of insulation to seal out air leaks and keep the second-floor space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The coated sheathing is taped at the seams to seal out drafts, moisture, pollen, and bugs.

The whole building was tested for air leakage and achieved an airtightness of 0.37 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals; that’s more than six times as tight as code requires.