The contractors don’t exist because the demand is low to non existent in your area. The demand is low because the cost increase is darn high, and GA isn’t home to a lot of people willing to pay extra costs just for principles alone, without any real timely payback.

Oh, and if you want any type of successful build, don’t tell people about him being an engineer. They get charged extra. Because they cost everyone extra. Don’t let him be involved at all, except on the absolute periphery. Make this your project.

Many contractor capable build NetZero, it is up to details... Get someone competent to supply the details.

three ways to get meet zero, from most expensive to least expensive

1. build a super tight, super insulated house, with energy star everything, and the best windows.

2. build a normal house and buy enough solar panels to be net zero

3. build a normal house, skip to the solar panels, invest the money you would have spent on solar panels, and use the interest to pay the electric bill.

good luck with your project

They are out there - find your local green building council, we also have "greenhouse tours" in our area. It also won't be cheap and you will never realize your investment (unless energy costs go through the roof - which is unlikely) when you sell. DO NOT undertake this If a resale is in your future (like within 15 years)

Engineers are great - until you let them start designing buildings and getting great ideas on "savings"... Ask me how I know.

Net Zero has a very specific meaning.

Net zero energy is very easy and can be cost effective depending on climate and local energy costs. This is sort of DE's option 2 - but really a combo of 1 and 2 - maybe just avoid the "super" and "best" but do something better than typical.

I would choose a contractor who has some interest in energy efficient construction - even if they are not certified Passive house.

We built in NC and have a slightly negative HERS rating. Doesn't mean we met passive house air tightness. The standard was developed in Germany - a cold and very north climate - so not the best solar generation.

So define what you want and find a reasonable contractor.

Ours had never done a house as tight as ours but he was experienced with advanced framing, insulated headers etc. Our ACH was 1.9 when passive house is 0.6. There is very little reason to try and get 0.6 in Georgia. No one will be used to triple point doors (although it sin't complicated). and the details needed to get 0.6 ACH.

So you should clarify the goals. Spending $10k to save $300 a year when $10k in solar panels can get you $800 a year makes little financial sense. But there are intangibles of course.

"Oh, and if you want any type of successful build, don’t tell people about him being an engineer. They get charged extra. Because they cost everyone extra. Don’t let him be involved at all, except on the absolute periphery. Make this your project."

If Houzz had a "Love" button instead of just "like", I press it for the above.

Generally speaking, I'd take a job with the most bloodthirsty lawyer before I'd take a job for an engineer. Some seem to have a real problem staying in their own lane.

^Agree 100%. My first husband was an engineer! Notice I said first....

I avoid telling people that I have doing construction work for me that I am an architect. Architects are kind of like engineers but with a much better sense of humor and a lot more artsy.

Find the best contractor in the area that is willing to take on the project and willing to learn A LOT. And do not eat out, do not buy clothes, set your thermostat turned down, no vacations, take your bicycle instead of the car, . . . in general save your money so you can pay for the good contractor.

An architect with net-zero design/construction experience would be helpful.

I personally would look at an ICF house. No, I'm not a dealer or involved with ICF in anyway. Allot of states give great incentives to use solar. Ck into this in your state.

Hi, Dina,

While it may be helpful to have an architect, a builder, and trade contractors with net-zero construction experience, you can still achieve your objectives even if those individuals don't have that prior experience (professionals with net-zero experience weren't born that way.) Your husband doesn't need to stop being an engineer during the design and construction process either (full disclosure: I'm a PE.)

Your project outcomes will be better if you employ an integrated approach and have a team of individuals aligned around whatever you agree as project goals. You'll need to assemble that team as early in the design phase as possible. The article from Fine Homebuilding Magazine in the link below should provide some useful insights:

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2014/05/14/a-better-approach-to-designbuild

Best wishes for a successful project and an enjoyable experience bringing it to life.