Category Archives: Green Construction

Net Zero Construction

Three key factors for net zero construction. Net Zero Home Construction is easy, and they are just like any other home, but they help reduce or eliminate carbon emissions. Here are professional guidelines for net zero homes.

Energy Conservation. It’s important that your Net-Zero construction process provides a high-quality building envelope. A building envelope is the exterior materials that wrap around your home. One of the best products is the Zip System. The Zip System by Huber is an innovative structural material for roofs and walls. Zip Systems are an integrated water resistant and air barrier that will streamline the weatherization process of your new net zero home. The Zip Board system also includes a taping process for the seams of each board that will assist you in an airtight and water-resistant envelope of your home.
Passive Solar Energy. The site location and orientation of your net zero construction is very important. When designing passive solar building plans, windows, walls, and floors are designed to collect, reflect, store, and distribute solar energy, in the form of heat in the winter and reject solar heat in the summer. Four main elements of passive solar energy are overhangs or shades on south facing windows, thermal mass, cross ventilation, and shade trees.
Energy Production. It’s important to remember that net zero energy home will produce as much energy as the home will consume. These building products will help you in your net zero construction a super tight air and water barrier between the inside and outside, solar panels, above code wall a ceiling insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, and energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs as well as energy efficient appliances.

Net Zero Construction Software

What does net zero construction mean?

It’s the balance between the power a home requires and the renewable energy you can generate with the home’s construction methods. With the new advancements in heating technology and lower-cost renewable energy systems, any home can get to net zero.

Is net zero construction worth the additional effort?
Yes, the main reason the additional effort is worth it, is because it is affordable, and it leaves a positive investment for the planet. These homes will hold their value because they are built for the future. Net zero homes will provide you with a higher resale value while reducing carbon emissions.

What is the cost of net zero construction?
Always remember material prices and labor shortages will have a big impact on any building project’s cost, on average net zero homes can be built for $170 to $185 per square foot. Always remember if you can afford a new home, you can afford a net zero energy home and you will feel better knowing you have helped to save our beautiful planet.

Important Tip: Use the Sun for Renewable Energy
Grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) panels currently provide the most cost-effective form of renewable energy for net zero construction. They can power all the energy needs of a home including lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and hot water. However, they are the most expensive component of a zero-energy home and strategies for reducing or mitigating those costs are important to consider.

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The agency known as U.S. Green Building Council will help you define the process and assist you in refining your net zero construction process. Their mission is to assist you in the ways buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated while enabling environmentally responsible methods for improving the overall quality of life on our planet.

Cad Pro is also great for creating commercial floor plans, building floor plans, home floor plans, facility plans, construction details, restaurant drawings and much more.

CAD Pro’s professional floor plan designer has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders, and contractors design all types of floor plans. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors and the NRCA roofing contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). as well as the (NALP) National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Optimizing Net Zero Homes

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Net Zero Green Construction

When designing and using net zero green construction guidelines you can work towards decarbonization for the planet. A zero net energy building (ZNEB) is one that is optimally efficient, and over the course of a year, generates energy onsite, using clean renewable resources, in a quantity equal to or greater than the total amount of energy consumed onsite.

Net Zero Green Construction

Net Zero Green Construction Guidelines for Decarbonization

Decarbonization and sustainability are highlighted across construction headlines around the world. Most articles will associate green construction methods with accounts of climate change, flooding, and fires. Green construction is not just a new trend but has become a world-wide movement to help protect our planet. When starting to work in an environmentally green construction way, you will need to understand what these environmentally friendly design methods are when creating your newly designed buildings or homes.

Green construction designs are buildings that, in their design process, construction or function, eliminates or reduces negative impacts on the environment, and can creates a positive impact, on our climate and natural environmental surroundings. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve the quality of life. It’s important to remember three main elements of Net Zero Green Construction, these three elements are building materials, water usage, and energy consumption.

The definition of net zero green construction designs is the practice of designing and creating a structure while using processes that are resource efficient throughout the design, environmentally responsible from the site plan design, building construction methods, operations of the building, maintenance as well as any renovation and deconstruction processes.

“Net-zero” refers to new buildings that are either “net-zero energy” or “net-zero carbons.” Net-zero energy buildings are energy-efficient and consume zero energy from the local utility grid on an annual basis because all the power the building needs is generated through on-site renewable energy.

The agency known as U.S. Green Building Council will help you define the process and assist you in refining your net zero green construction process. There mission is to assist you in the ways buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated while enabling environmentally responsible methods for improving the overall quality of life on our planet.

These are a few examples of net zero green construction procedures and materials. (1) No toxic, ethical and sustainable building materials. (2) Implementing quality air purification systems including the possible implementation of green walls. (3) Making sure you implement efficient electric methods and water systems. (4) Making sure you are LEED certified. (4) Making sure your design process takes into consideration a changing environment.

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Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating rooftop solar panel designs, innovative smart home designs, custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, green construction design plans and much more.

CAD Pro allows anyone to share their ideas and green construction designs with clients, colleagues or professional building contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Solar Energy Homes

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Rooftop Solar Panels

Rooftop solar panels are increasingly becoming an option for many households across the United States and other countries. In the U.S. many areas offer attractive Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that, when coupled with federal and local incentives, can make rooftop solar panels an attractive green energy choice that is good for the environment.

Solar energy in the United States has become very popular over the past decade. Here are some numbers to show the continued growth of solar energy from rooftops. In 2010, 667 megawatt (MW) was installed in homes. By 2020, this had increased by 28 times to over 18,100 MW. At the same time, the cost of residential solar systems has come down to half of what it was, even before government or power company incentives are applied.

Installation of Rooftop Solar Panels

Guidelines for Rooftop Solar Panels

It’s very important to consider your roofs condition before installing any rooftop solar panels. You will want to inspect your roof to find out if you need to do any renovations or not. Older roofs may need to be completely replaced including the roof decking. You will want to replace it before installing solar panels to avoid having to remove and reinstall the panels later. Make your roofing company aware that you will be installing solar panels and ask them if they will come back after they are installed to ensure the panels have not damaged the roof.

The amount of energy produced is impacted by how much sun the panels receive, so trees, other homes, or buildings can impact your ability to maximize solar production. You will also want to consider the direction and pitch of your roof so that your rooftop solar panels get as many hours as possible of good sunlight.

Consider how much solar energy you will need.
When considering rooftop solar panels, it’s important to understand the regulations in your area (be sure to contact your Homeowners Association and find out if they have any guidelines surrounding the installation) and to know your electricity consumption (kWh) and rates.

Net Metering is a utility policy which allows consumers in some areas to receive a credit on their electricity bill by returning any unused solar electricity they generate back to the grid. Some states and service territories are compensating for excess electricity at rates lower than what a customer would typically pay for electricity. To maximize the financial benefits, it is recommended that the system is designed in accordance with your electricity usage to ensure optimal savings over time.

Google Project Sunroof is a tool that can address most of these concerns. This tool uses images from Google Earth and analyzes the roof shape to provide you with a personalized solar plan, while taking local weather patterns into consideration. PVWatts is another tool from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which uses information you provide to help you determine if solar energy is right for you.

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Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive construction design software. Cad Pro is great for creating kitchen design plans, innovative smart home designs, custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more.

CAD Pro allows your designs of rooftop solar panels to be shared with clients, colleagues or professional roofing contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders, and contractors plan and design all types of solar panel plans. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors and the NRCA roofing contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). as well as the (NALP) National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Net-Zero House Plans

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How to Build a House

When you understand how to build a house the building of your new house is thrilling, especially when you understand how the building process should function. It’s understandable that buyers are excited to see their new house being built from start to finish. It’s important that you the homebuyer makes various appointments with their builder throughout the building process so you can discuss any questions you may have.

Homeowners enjoy watching their new house being built from start to finish. The new owners can watch land preparation, pouring of the foundation, framing of the new structure, hanging of drywall and much more. That’s when to owners start to visualize themselves living in their new house.

To help you better understand how to build a house you will need to understand the home building construction process, this article outlines the steps your builder will take during the new construction of your house.

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive home design software. Cad Pro is great for creating kitchen design plans, innovative smart home designs, custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more.

How to Build a House

Steps for How to Build a House:

Builder applies and acquires the building permit.
Construction crews will level the building site and prepare a pad on your lot for the foundation.
A concrete construction crew will pour a footing and build the necessary forms for the foundation.
The next step for how to build a house is the installation of all underground and foundation plumbing. This includes installing drains, sewer system, and water supply taps. When the rough-in of the plumbing is completed, the builder will call in for an inspection.
Now the concrete crew will return to pour the foundation. We highly recommend that you speak with your builder about installing post-tension cables before the foundation is poured. Post-tension foundations are great for preventing foundation cracks and sinking.
The next step will be the rough framing of your new house. This will include all walls, windows and door headers and frames. The framers will complete the roof framing and decking therefore preparing it for shingles. The framers will also install the sheathing on exterior walls and cover it with a protective barrier known as house wrap. When learning how to build a house, it’s important to understand that house wrap prevents water from infiltrating the homes’ exterior structure.
The builder will install shingles on the rough.
Once the framing process is completed the builder will complete rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC ductwork and vent pipes.
The drywall is the next step. Drywall is hung on interior walls which will include mud and tape over the drywall screws, and any seams. You will also choose the drywall texture if required.
Now contractors will begin installing exterior finishes such as brick, stone, siding, or stucco.
The next steps for how to build a house will be interior trim, exterior walkways, and driveway.
Now the builder will install hard surface flooring and countertops. While these steps are being installed a final grade of the yard will be completed.
Once the hard surface flooring is installed the builder will install cabinets.
Install mechanical trims, bathroom fixtures, HVAC units, sinks, toilets, and faucets.
Complete the painting process, this will include all interior and exterior surfaces that require paint.
Install mirrors, shower doors, and carpet/finish flooring.
Now you will need to perform a final walk-through with your builder so you may discuss any issues that will require additional work before the house is sold to you.

It’s important when you learn how to build a house that timely inspections by the local building inspector are very important. These inspections will assure you of a quality-built house.

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CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders, and contractors design all types of new homes. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors and the NRCA roofing contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). as well as the (NALP) National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Net-Zero House Plans

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Net-Zero Construction Guidelines

Building and designing affordable zero energy or green construction jobs – the ultimate in energy efficiency – involves integrated net-zero construction guidelines along with net-zero building ideas that utilize commonly available building materials and equipment along with easy-to-learn building strategies. By following these guidelines, you can design and build an affordable and cost-efficient commercial building or home.

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive design software. Cad Pro is great for creating technical design plans, net-zero smart home designs, custom home plans, net-zero commercial building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more.

CAD Pro allows anyone to share their net-zero construction guidelines and plans with clients, colleagues or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Net-Zero Construction Guidelines and Plans

Net-Zero Construction Guidelines

Start with Smart Net-Zero Design
Cost-effective energy efficient homes begin with smart designs. Designers and architects, as well as builders, should be familiar with all the necessary net-zero construction guidelines. They should design the home so that subcontractors can implement these steps as cost-effectively as possible. There are several design parameters to which builders should ask designers to pay special attention. Detailed communication between the builder and designer will ensure that these critical details don’t fall through the cracks.

Use Energy Efficient Modeling
During the design phase, the home’s energy use should be estimated using energy modeling software to ensure that the goal of net zero energy can be achieved while keeping costs down. Based on the results, design choices can be made or modified to balance building performance and construction cost.

Super-Seal the Building Envelope
Super-sealing the building envelope is the single most cost-effective measure builders can take to improve their net-zero construction guidelines. Several proven, air-sealing approaches are available. Choose an approach that matches your climate, skills, and budget while implementing these net-zero building ideas and plans.

Super-Insulate the Building Envelope
After making your design airtight, super insulating the building design may be the second most cost-effective strategy for implementing your net-zero construction plans. Energy modeling, as mentioned in step 2, above, can help you optimize the insulation levels for the ceiling, walls, and floors. Select a framing strategy that makes it easier to insulate the building envelope and minimize thermal bridging.

Heat Water Efficiently
Water heating is often the largest energy expense in zero-energy construction after heating and cooling. So, it is important for designers and builders to select and locate efficient hot water heating technology, along with other measures, to minimize hot water use.

Use Highly Insulated Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are like big energy holes in a well-insulated, airtight building envelope and are the third most cost-effective strategy for making energy efficient designs. Control window and door heat loss and gain by selecting appropriate window and door products, carefully locating them, and optimizing their size and orientation.

Use the Sun for Solar Tempering
Using the sun for heating through south facing windows during the winter lowers heating costs. Shading those same windows in summer lowers cooling costs. Solar tempering aims to optimize this passive use of the sun’s heat, without incurring the added cost of thermal mass needed to achieve maximum passive solar heating and quality air flow.

Energy Efficient, Fresh Air Supply
Since zero energy construction projects are so airtight, a continuous source of fresh filtered air and moisture control are critical when implementing your net-zero construction guidelines. This need for ventilation has a silver lining: zero energy designs are healthier and more comfortable than standard construction design projects. Highly energy efficient ventilation systems, known as heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems or energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems expel stale air while recovering its heat and returning that same heat to the building with the fresh air.

Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling System
Highly efficient, cost-effective, heating, and cooling systems are essential to meeting the net zero energy goal. One good choice is an air source ductless heat pump, also called a mini-split heat pump. These systems are highly energy efficient and don’t have the shortcomings of central, forced-air systems or the high costs of thermal heat pumps. These systems are great for your net-zero building ideas and designs.

Install Energy Efficient Lighting
Minimizing energy use for lighting, while optimizing light for residents, is an important feature of net-zero construction. LED lights are the perfect match for these tasks. They are more energy efficient than CFLs, last many years longer, and contain no mercury. In addition, they can meet a variety of lighting needs from very bright white light to soft, warm light. Selecting the right LED lights for the task, locating lights strategically, and utilizing natural light as effectively as possible can drastically reduce a buildings energy use.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics
In a typical zero energy building just over 40% of the building’s energy use is accounted for by heating, cooling, and hot water, while appliances and plug loads may account for up to 60% of the load. Thus, selecting energy efficient appliances and managing “phantom” plug loads for electronics is essential. “Phantom” loads are hard to find and continue to draw energy unseen, day, and night whether or not the devices are being used. Several buildings that were modeled and built to zero energy standards have ended up not meeting zero energy requirements in practice because of the unanticipated energy waste caused by “phantom” plug loads on electronics.

Sun for Renewable Energy
Grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) panels currently provide the most cost-effective form of renewable energy for a net-zero construction project. They can power all the energy needs of a building including lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and hot water. However, they are the most expensive component of a zero-energy construction job and strategies for reducing or mitigating those costs are important to consider.

Guidelines for Warmer Climates
While thick layers of insulation get most of the attention in cold climates, insulation needs less emphasis in warm climates. There are several other issues that would be treated differently in warm climates.

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Computer-Aided Design Software
CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders and contractors plan and design all types of net-zero construction projects. When starting your plans be sure to use these Net-Zero Building Ideas.

CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors and the NRCA roofing contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). as well as the (NALP) National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Home Energy Saving Tips

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Net-Zero Construction Designs

Building and designing affordable zero energy construction jobs – the ultimate in energy efficiency – involves 12 integrated net-zero construction designs steps that utilize commonly available building materials and equipment along with easy-to-learn building strategies. By following these steps, you can build a new building that is affordable and cost less to own.

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive design software. Cad Pro is great for creating kitchen design plans, innovative smart home designs, custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more.

CAD Pro allows anyone to share their net-zero construction designs ideas and plans with clients, colleagues or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Net-Zero Construction Designs

Start with Smart Design
Cost-effective zero net energy homes begin with smart designs. Designers and architects, as well as builders, should be familiar with all the steps involved in net-zero construction designs. They should design the home so that builders and subcontractors can implement these steps as cost-effectively as possible. There are several design parameters to which builders should ask designers to pay special attention. Detailed communication between the builder and designer will ensure that these critical details don’t fall through the cracks.

Use Energy Modeling
During the design phase, the home’s energy use should be estimated using energy modeling software to ensure that the goal of net zero energy can be achieved while keeping costs down. Based on the results, design choices can be made or modified to balance building performance and construction cost.

Super-Seal the Building Envelope
Super-sealing the building envelope is the single most cost-effective measure builders can take to improve the energy efficiency of net-zero construction designs. Several proven, air-sealing approaches are available. Choose an approach that matches your climate, skills and budget.

Super-Insulate the Building Envelope
After making your design airtight, super insulating the project may be the second most cost-effective strategy for creating a zero-energy construction design. Energy modeling, as mentioned in step 2, above, can help you optimize the insulation levels for the ceiling, walls and floors. Select framing strategies that make it easier to insulate the building envelope and minimize thermal bridging.

Heat Water Wisely
Water heating is often the largest energy expense in zero-energy construction after heating and cooling. So, it is important for designers and builders to select and locate efficient hot water heating technology, along with other measures, to minimize hot water use.

Use Highly Insulated Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are like big energy holes in a well-insulated, airtight building envelope and are the third most cost-effective strategy for making energy efficient designs. Control window and door heat loss and gain by selecting appropriate window and door products, carefully locating them, and optimizing their size and orientation.

Use the Sun for Solar Tempering
Using the sun for heating through south facing windows during the winter lowers heating costs. Shading those same windows in summer lowers cooling costs. Solar tempering aims to optimize this passive use of the sun’s heat, without incurring the added cost of thermal mass needed to achieve maximum passive solar heating and quality net-zero construction.

Energy Efficient, Fresh Air Supply
Since zero energy construction projects are so airtight, a continuous source of fresh filtered air and moisture control are critical to its success. This need for ventilation has a silver lining: net-zero construction energy designs are healthier and more comfortable than standard construction design projects. Highly energy efficient ventilation systems, known as heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems or energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems expel stale air while recovering its heat and returning that same heat to the building with the fresh air.

Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling System
Highly efficient, cost-effective, heating and cooling systems are essential to meeting the net zero energy goal. One good choice is an air source ductless heat pump, also called a mini-split heat pump. These systems are highly energy efficient and don’t have the shortcomings of central, forced-air systems or the high costs of thermal heat pumps.

Install Energy Efficient Lighting
Minimizing energy use for lighting, while optimizing light for residents, is an important feature of net-zero construction. LED lights are the perfect match for these tasks. They are more energy efficient than CFLs, last many years longer, and contain no mercury. In addition, they can meet a variety of lighting needs from very bright white light to soft, warm light. Selecting the right LED lights for the task, locating lights strategically, and utilizing natural light as effectively as possible can drastically reduce a buildings energy use.

Energy Efficient Appliances and Electronics
In a typical zero energy building just over 40% of the building’s energy use is accounted for by heating, cooling and hot water, while appliances and plug loads may account for up to 60% of the load. Thus, selecting energy efficient appliances and managing “phantom” plug loads for electronics is essential. “Phantom” loads are hard to find and continue to draw energy unseen, day, and night whether or not the devices are being used. Several buildings that were modeled and built to zero energy standards have ended up not meeting zero energy requirements in practice because of the unanticipated energy waste caused by “phantom” plug loads on electronics.

Sun for Renewable Energy
Grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) panels currently provide the most cost-effective form of renewable energy for a net-zero construction job. They can power all the energy needs of a building including lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances and hot water. However, they are the most expensive component of a zero-energy construction job and strategies for reducing or mitigating those costs are important to consider.

Click Here to Get Started

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders and contractors plan and design all types of net-zero construction jobs. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors and the NRCA roofing contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). as well as the (NALP) National Association of Landscape Professionals.

EPA Energy Star Homes

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Green Construction Designs

Green construction designs and sustainability are highlighted across construction headlines around the world. Most articles will associate green construction methods with accounts of climate change, flooding, and fires. Green construction is not just a new trend but has become a world-wide movement to help protect our planet. When starting to work in an environmentally green construction way, you will need to understand what these environmentally friendly design methods are when creating your newly designed buildings or homes.

Green construction designs are buildings that, in their design process, construction or function, eliminates or reduces negative impacts on the environment, and can creates a positive impact, on our climate and natural environmental surroundings. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve the quality of life. It’s important to remember three main elements of green construction designs, these three elements are building materials, water, and energy.

The definition of green construction is the practice of designing and creating a structure while using processes that are resource efficient throughout the design, environmentally responsible from the site plan design, building construction methods, operations of the building, maintenance as well as any renovation and deconstruction processes.

The agency known as U.S. Green Building Council will help you define the process and assist you in refining your green building process. There mission is to assist you in the ways buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated while enabling environmentally responsible methods for improving the overall quality of life on our planet.

These are a few examples of green construction designs, procedures, and materials. (1) No toxic, ethical and sustainable building materials. (2) Implementing quality air purification systems including the possible implementation of green walls. (3) Making sure you implement efficient electric methods and water systems. (4) Making sure you are LEED certified. (4) Making sure your design process takes into consideration a changing environment.

Green Construction Designs

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating kitchen design plans, innovative smart home designs, custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, deck plans and much more.

Net-Zero Home Design

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