The difference between a High Performance Build and a standard code-built home isn’t about style or luxury — it’s about performance. A High Performance House  is designed to operate at a level of energy efficiency and comfort that far surpasses what typical homes achieve.

At the heart of High Performance construction is a commitment to airtightness, super-insulation, high-performance windows, thermal bridge-free detailing, and balanced ventilation. The result is a home that can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 90%. You get a space that’s quieter, healthier, and more consistent in temperature — all while dramatically lowering your carbon footprint and monthly utility costs.

In contrast, most standard homes built to code focus only on minimum requirements. They tend to have significant air leakage, inconsistent insulation, and less robust moisture control. That translates into draftier spaces, higher energy use, and a shorter lifespan for building materials.

At Top Notch, we apply Passive House principles on every project we can — whether or not the client seeks formal certification. Our goal is to deliver homes that are built to last and that provide the kind of comfort and performance today’s homeowners deserve.