Building a Forever Home
How 4B Construction Helped One Couple Create a Self-Sustaining Retreat for the Next Chapter
A Vision Rooted in Independence and Efficiency
When this client came to us, they weren’t just looking to build a house—they were building a future lifestyle. After living in and learning from two previous homes, they had a clear goal for their third: a long-term, low-maintenance, high-performance home that would serve them through retirement.
They had a vision for a home with no utility bills, no mortgage, and minimal upkeep. But during the pandemic, finding a builder who understood that vision—or was even available to take it on—was no small feat.
That’s when they found us and we were excited to step in and make it happen
A Mutual Commitment to Smarter Building
When we first met this client, the alignment was immediate. “We actually interviewed each other,” the client said. “It turned out we both had the same dealbreaker: if the other person said a house needs to ‘breathe,’ we weren’t going to work together.”
Instead of relying on outdated conventions, we both believed in building homes that perform—with airtight construction, thoughtful ventilation systems, and a deep respect for energy efficiency.
At 4B, we approach high-performance homes with a mix of builder practicality and long-game vision. We’re not here to over-engineer or upsell exotic materials just to hit theoretical benchmarks. We take the time to model the tradeoffs, study the climate, and offer multiple paths forward—so our clients can make informed decisions that reflect both their values and their budgets.
This project was no exception. Our client started with a plan that called for 16″ thick walls. We ran the numbers and offered several high-performance wall systems at different price points, modeling the impact of each. In the end, they chose a 14″ wall that still far exceeded code and passive thresholds, while saving tens of thousands.
“What we lost in insulation was negligible. What we saved in cost and complexity made the project possible.” – Jamie, homeowner
From Dream to Design: Building a Better Process
This wasn’t a hand-off-the-plans kind of project. It was a partnership—and that’s exactly how we like to work.
“We told Stephen and his crew: if you think of a way to make something better—bring it to us,” Jamie shared.
And we did. Throughout the build, our team contributed ideas that shaped both form and function:
- A pantry wall that stopped short of the ceiling now floods the entryway with light.
- Warm pine ceilings replaced cold white drywall, giving the home a sense of soul.
- Durable materials like metal roofing, LP Smart Side siding, and recycled composite decking were chosen to ensure longevity with minimal maintenance.
Every decision was intentional. Every material chosen with long-term durability in mind—from metal roofing to recycled composite decking to high-efficiency mechanicals.
The Results: Comfort, Sustainability, and Peace of Mind
After a full winter in the home, the performance speaks for itself:
- One mini-split unit heated the entire 4,000 sq ft house
- Blower door test scored 0.2 ACH50—half the threshold required for passive house certification
- No loss of comfort despite reducing wall thickness
- Smart design decisions (like finishing the walk-out basement during initial construction) yielded significant cost savings
And despite a particularly snowy winter, the home is on track to produce more energy than it uses.
“This house doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. It feels like a sanctuary. Spacious, light-filled, and incredibly efficient.”– Jamie, homeowner
Why This Project Matters
Every build teaches us something. This one reminded us of why we do what we do.
When clients are clear on their values—and open to collaboration—great things can happen. Jamie and his wife trusted us to problem-solve, communicate, and deliver not just a house, but a home that reflects their goals, lifestyle, and future plans.
“Stephen was hands-on, communicative, and committed. He didn’t just talk the talk—he made sure everything was done right. And if he found a better way to do it, he showed us the options.”
That’s how we like to work—and why we’re proud to share this story.
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- Milford Case Study After
- Milford Case Study Before
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4B Construction specializes in building high performance home renovations, additions and new home construction, We will take your project from ground to completion. Bringing high quality craftsmanship, efficiency, and integrity to every project.
ADDRESS
395 Mile Slip Road
Milford, NH 03055
978-569-5784
swbadger@4bconstruction.co
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