December

How to Install a Leak-Proof Window

You can use the same concepts for any wall type

October

These 6 big purchases can save energy — and money — at home

Ready to ditch the gas stove?

Click to read or listen

July

Shipping Containers

Ever dreamt of converting a shipping container?

It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Here is a great explanation of why. Quick takeaway: the costs and effort to make even the steel walls suitable as a residential wall are not worth it. The only advantage is the corrugated steel look, but you can get that buy buying cheap roofing and using it as cladding.

A good framing crew could build a structure of similar size and complexity (it’s just a box) in a day.

May

Is Adding an ADU Worth It?

An analysis of different ADU scenarios

Chicago has introduced a pilot ADU program. On the surface it seems like a great opportunity for investors, but upon closer inspection it becomes clear that it depends on the specifics of the property and type of ADU. See below chart for a few sample cases.

Click here to open in new tab. 

February

Point B Featured in Construction Business Owner

A discussion on the Reduction of Carbon Emissions and the One Tree Pledge.

Fellow green builder and long-time friend Ziman Development have initiated a great new program to help tackle carbon emissions.

See full article here.

Our mention:

“According to Robert Linn, owner of Point B Properties in Chicago, Illinois, “At Point B, we focus on the energy efficiency of our developments as part of our triple bottom line. An energy-efficient building improves the life of the occupant by saving them money and improving their health, and it improves the health of the planet by reducing the carbon footprint.””

April

World's first GreenStar certified condo building

We're the first Chicago builder or Chicago developer to receive the GreenStar certification for a multifamily development.

See post from the GreenHome Institute here.

February

Most Indoor Air is Polluted

Whether building green custom homes or multifamily communities, we focus on maintaining the cleanest air possible.

Learn more about our healthy homes (what we call HealthSmart) and developments here.

January

Condo Video Tour

This Chicago development has all the bells and whistles you would find in one of our green custom homes--click the link below to learn more.

CLICK HERE to learn how these condos help their owners live better.

Heated sidewalks in action at our Chicago condo project

The last thing busy Chicagoans want is to have to shovel snow in the middle of winter, so we installed radiant heat under these sidewalks. Owners will never have to touch a shovel!

#chicagodevelopment #chicagocondos #radiantheat

May

Why most foundations leak, and why ours don't

A key element to any building--not just green building--is moisture management. From green custom homes to multifamily developments, we pay close attention to this crucial detail.

November

Conversion of Late 1800s-Era Humboldt Park Church

An adaptive reuse of an existing church into 13 condos — with affordable units.

Our church conversion project was written up in Block Club (click here to read in full). The reporter (Mina Bloom) did a good job summarizing what we were trying to do, namely make an affordable development work.

Click here to see conceptual unit layout.

April

Breathe Healthier Air Today

Bring the health benefits of the outdoors into your home.

10 air-filtering plants most home and garden centers carry. And they trade carbon dioxide for oxygen.