Start with the enclosure
Review insulation continuity, air-sealing details, window selection and placement, shading, and roof/wall interfaces. DOE’s building-science guidance connects a complete air barrier with insulation and identifies testing as a way to evaluate air tightness.
Coordinate the mechanical design
Have the responsible professionals evaluate heating, cooling, ventilation, and moisture management for the proposed enclosure and household use. Specify equipment and controls from that design instead of assuming a more expensive product is automatically the right choice.
Ask for a verification plan
- Which performance goals are documented in the plans?
- What inspections or tests will confirm critical details?
- Who resolves gaps before work is covered?
- What operating and maintenance instructions will the homeowner receive?
- What assumptions support any proposed energy-cost comparison?