At BrightBuilt, we are lucky to get a chance to work with many different builders based across New England and beyond. We love building these relationships, and getting to know each outfit well enough to determine who might have the most impressive tool collection, who might have the cutest shop dogs, or who would be most likely to win in a local potato sack race (and of course practical things, like who would be the best fit for a given client).
In this round of “meet a builder of BrightBuilt Homes,” we wanted to take a moment to chat with Jeff St Pierre, owner of Energy Efficient Homes, of South Berwick, ME. Having completed both modular and stick-built BrightBuilt Homes, among many other high-performance homes, Jeff has some great insights on both the high-performance world and off-site construction.
What is your history with building high-performance homes? How did you get started?
It all started when I was a kid helping my dad build a passive solar room off our 1790’s drafty farmhouse to take advantage of the south facing sun and help heat the home during the cold winter months. New builds, and renovating old moldy farmhouses to be more efficient and healthier have always been a part of my life.
I studied Building science in 2006 and 2007, and later became certified as a building analyst through Building Performance Institute. After that, all renovations and new builds took on the high performance measures and with a focus on indoor air quality.
What brought you to BrightBuilt?
During my search for an energy rater, I connected with Jesse Thompson; we had a great conversation about my history with modular as well as stick built construction, and how it could apply to building with the BrightBuilt team. It was great to hear how the modular construction had changed to energy efficient modular designs and south facing designs. Without too much convincing, he easily talked me into working with BrightBuilt Home, and 10 houses later the rest is history!
What do you most enjoy about building?
The challenge that each site brings and how to best make it work based on the customer input. It’s also fun and interesting to learn about the history of the site or sometimes the family, how it came to be, and what the next generation will upgrade it into the future. The attention to details can be daunting at times but in the end the homeowners are usually very thrilled with their new healthy home. Especially when the monthly utility bills are very minimal.
That said, I really enjoy continuing the legacy of 3rd generation of carpenters and builders, custom and quality that my dad and Gramps instilled in us growing up!
In your mind, what are some of the primary benefits of off-site construction?
Having pre-engineered systems built construction thought out ahead of time is key to know the project scope and direction we are headed in, and what the targeted cost will be. Keeping the buildings warm and dry in the winter and rain / mold free in the summer are huge benefits that most people appreciate and prefer. When the house arrives dry and weathertight the day of the set, it is peace of mind for the Homeowner and the Builder!
What other interests do you pursue when you aren’t on the job site?
Summer months, spending time with the family and cheering on my daughter at equestrian events! Winter months: Exploring the Allagash and the North Country by snowmobile and snow shoe; getting of the grid to explore and enjoy Nature.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m always looking for a better way to drive down costs while using the cutting edge technology in the homes I’m building today. I’ve enjoyed helping many BrightBuilt homeowners achieve Zero energy goals and look forward to many more exciting projects coming up this year!
