5 Expert Tips for High-Performance Builds

Audree Grubesic
Oct 21
3 min read

The High Performance Series:

At the Offsite Dirt Network, we believe that building better means building smarter. In a recent roundtable, our expert panel—Audree, Joe, Sean, Adam, and Mark—shared their top five tips for achieving high-performance construction using modern methods like offsite manufacturing, modular systems, and fabric-first strategies.

If you're a homeowner planning your next build or a construction professional seeking smarter strategies, these tips are your foundation for success.

1. Find an Energy Advisor or Energy Rater

Joe Konopacki kicked things off with a simple but powerful piece of advice: don’t go it alone. Whether you're aiming for Energy Star certification or a full Passive House standard, a certified energy advisor or rater can guide you through the planning, design, and execution stages.

“You can educate yourself, but why not flatten your learning curve by learning from people who’ve done it all before?” – Joe

Resources like energystar.gov can help you find advisors in your area.

2. Prioritize Fabric-First Design

Adam White emphasized the importance of fabric-first thinking. This means designing your building envelope—walls, roof, insulation, windows—before considering add-on technologies like solar panels or heat pumps.

“Don’t invest in fancy tech for a building that doesn’t perform well.” – Adam

Focus on:

Triple-glazed windows
High R-value insulation
Continuous air and weather barriers
Airtight detailing for reduced thermal bridging

3. Start with a Solid Plan

Sean reminded us of the importance of planning early and thoroughly. Before breaking ground or ordering materials, align your team, model your building’s energy use, and document your performance goals.

“Start with the end in mind. A well-communicated plan leads to a high-performing result.” – Sean

A detailed project plan ensures everyone—from designer to factory to site crew—is working toward the same outcome.

4. Explore Offsite Solutions

Audree brought the conversation back to the heart of Offsite Dirt: offsite construction. From panelized wall systems to volumetric modular builds, factory-built components ensure higher quality control, reduced construction waste, and faster timelines.

“Modular and panelized construction can be key to achieving LEED certification or just better building performance overall.” – Audree

Pro Tip: Choose manufacturers within 100–500 miles of your project site to reduce shipping costs and carbon footprint.

5. Think Holistically: Charrettes & Commissioning

Mark wrapped up with a systems-level view: begin your project with a charrette—a collaborative planning session—and end with commissioning to ensure every system functions as intended.

“Commissioning doesn’t just happen at the end. It begins with planning.” – Mark

These bookend practices help align teams, confirm energy goals, and avoid costly rework.

Final Thoughts: Build a Team, Build It Right

High-performance building isn't just about better materials—it's about collaboration, clarity, and smart choices at every stage. The Offsite Dirt Network is here to guide and support your journey with real-world advice from industry experts.

“It’s about you—living in a space that supports wellness, comfort, and long-term sustainability.” – Audree

FAQ's

Who should a construction professional consult to ensure their high-performance build meets standards like Passive House? They should consult a certified Energy Advisor or Energy Rater early in the process to guide the planning, design, and execution stages.
What is the "fabric-first" design approach, and why is it prioritized? It is the strategy of prioritizing the building envelope (walls, roof, insulation, windows) before considering mechanical or renewable technologies. It's prioritized because "fancy tech" won't perform well if the building itself is not highly efficient and airtight.
What is the benefit of starting a project with a solid plan, as recommended by Sean? A detailed plan ensures everyone on the team (designer, factory, site crew) is aligned and working toward the same documented performance goals, which leads to a high-performing result.
How do offsite construction solutions contribute to better building performance? Factory-built components (panelized walls or modular systems) ensure higher quality control, reduced construction waste, faster timelines, and can be key to achieving certifications like LEED.
What two "bookend" practices should be used at the beginning and end of a high-performance project? Start with a charrette (a collaborative planning session) and end with commissioning (to ensure every system functions as intended) to align teams and confirm energy goals.