Inside, wall and ceiling electrical boxes are being secured in preparation for pulling wire.  Next, the PEX manifold and water lines will be run to all fixtures. Before the walls are insulated, Schedule 20 pipe will also be installed for a future central vacuum system. Other options to be addressed include running conduit from the service panel through the attic for solar panels, and the installation and wiring of a transfer switch for an outdoor portable gas generator. Photos coming soon.

Yes, it looks cold on the outside, but oddly enough, the inside of the RV is usually around 72º - warm and toasty. The manufacturer of these durable toy haulers add extra insulation for adventurous types who aren't afraid of weather. The foam board around the perimeter keeps the floor and water tanks warm, despite the below zero temperatures outside. Extra insulation, whether in an RV or in home, equals increased comfort. 

The good news about snow is Harry and Sally love it. Snow also provides additional insulation around the perimeter of the RV. 

On this date in 1992, Kevin Chamberlain DBA The Carpenter's Son was created. In 2009, The Carpenter's Son became Under the Sun Building and Remodeling, LLC - jointly owned by Kevin and Jacki Chamberlain. 

We wish to thank our family, friends and clients who have continued to support our business over the past twenty-three years. As we continue to grow and change over time, we are confident that Under the Sun will only get better. The past is history, the future is now. Cheers!

For those of you who have been wondering, "What goes on in Greenwich with the net zero home?", we're alive and well AND have been working, despite the horribly cold temperatures and snowy conditions.   It has been incredibly cold here in the Northeast - - colder than either of us can recall, with only 1 or 2 days above freezing since January 1.  We have experienced more below zero temperatures this winter than in probably the last 10 winters combined; and, of course, while living in a camper!

Much of our time in the past 6 weeks has been spent in survival mode - - making sure our water source continues to flow, heat working around the clock, plowing, shoveling - - all that fun stuff. But we're doing fine - - we just had to shift our work to the future phases of home building in order to keep the ball moving while it snows and blows outside. On not-so-cold-you-can't move days, Kevin installed all of the custom made proper vents in the attic, and built 8 very awesome looking gable returns, and the remainder of rain screen is ready to be installed as soon as the temperatures moderate. We have also attended two Net Zero home online seminars, and a NYSERDA event in Latham (during a snow storm) on February 9.

That said, the kitchen has been ordered; the countertop selected. Shower and tub units, and bath vanities have been chosen; finalizing sink/countertops next week. The overhead door/opener has been ordered.  Selection is underway for faucets and lighting. The electrical plan has been evaluated, tweaked, and tweaked again (and again). All of the electrical boxes (wall and ceiling) have been placed in the "third BR", with the rest of the house to be completed by the weekend.  We hope to meet with our HVAC contractor soon to finalize mechanicals and finish up the plumbing portion of the exercise.

More details and photos to follow. Despite the harsh winter, spring is around the corner, and "this too, shall pass".