If you were to read every article on the site and compile a list of themes, similarities, “commandments”, or things that are said over and over; you’d end up with this list.

1. Aim to build a
   • Well thought out,
   • Carefully crafted,
   • Designed to maximize performance and comfort…
2. … House that’s
   • As small as possible,
   • Simple and durable,
   • Insulated and air sealed,
   • and affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.
     **#1 and #2 are inspired if not verbatim from The Pretty Good House.
3. Location, location, location. Just like you’d use a climate zone map to pick plants for your yard, your home should fit all aspects of the climate and location you’re building in (not the other way around).
4. There’s typically a direct correlation between how remote you are and the level of self-reliance required. For that reason, everything should have redundancy (think belt and suspenders).
5. When it comes to selecting systems (electrical control panel, appliances, etc.) – choose what can be sourced and serviced locally. You may think Schneider and Wolf make superior products – but that won’t matter much when your local supplier only carries Square D breakers and no dealer will travel to you for service.