If you hire an architect, we can work through the site feasibility analysis we are able to look at all the options available based on zoning for a potential building site. From the available zoning options a footprint can be determined along with a preliminary grading plan. This...

I gave a tour of green buildings in Charlottesville a while ago to French students. They were amazed that our buildings were constructed of all wood instead of using stone and concrete. How are the buildings durable and energy-efficient they asked? In order to keep the up front...

Take the Construction Documents Technology (CDT) exam to better serve your clients. I have written about the importance of the Construction Documents Technology exam many times in the past. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing how a project should happen if the...

You don’t need to worry, your roof is going to be fine – probably… With the recent snow fall there have been a couple of roofs that have collapsed. This has led to a LOT of questions about how much snow a roof can hold in our area. With some snow drifts getting...

It is always interesting working in older buildings It is always interesting working in older buildings. Older buildings always have unique discoveries and untold stories that create the solutions that exist today. From handrails to mailboxes from days of old, these buildings...

Classic design for aging-in-place We are working on classic design for aging-in-place house for a couple in Harrisonburg. The goal is to make the home a forever home. Using aging-in-place strategies we are designing a home that can adapt over time to the needs of our clients....

I do a lot of energy audits for Harrisonburg Electric Commission, they offer them free to their customers. The problems I find in most houses are very similar and are caused by lack of building science understanding. Air leaks in your thermal envelope are the biggest source of...

THE GAINES GROUP of CHARLOTTESVILLE AND HARRISONBURG Best of Houzz Awarded Best Of Houzz 2016  Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World  Harrisonburg, Virginia, January 24, 2016 –...

Snow may help identify places you are wasting money There was a time I enjoyed snow – that time has passed. To me now, snow is an interruption in my schedule, plowing a driveway, shoveling many hours, and dangerous roads. However, it is also an easy time to identify energy...

Canstruction Harrisonburg Canstruction Harrisonburg 2016  is a unique international nonprofit organization which hosts competitions, exhibitions, and events showcasing colossal structures made entirely out of full cans of food. After the structures are built the creations are on...