Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Home Building & Renovations
At Kolbert Building, we have dedicated two decades to crafting homes that harmonize beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Our approach merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge building science, ensuring every project prioritizes energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. We pioneered the Pretty Good House movement, which emphasizes holistic design principles to create homes that perform exceptionally while minimizing environmental impact. Our team meticulously monitors projects long after completion, guaranteeing lasting quality and client satisfaction. With deep roots in the Portland area, we specialize in working with diverse architectural stylesfrom historic renovations to modern buildswhile maintaining a commitment to low-carbon materials and innovative solutions.Our collaborative network of designers, architects, and subcontractors ensures seamless execution across every phase of construction. We take pride in educating the industry through publications, courses, and podcasts, sharing our expertise to elevate building standards. Our focus on transparency, long-term relationships, and environmental stewardship defines our approach to every project.
Services
Home Building
Home Renovations
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable Materials
Project Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 20 years of experience in energy-efficient home construction and renovation.
- Our team pioneered the Pretty Good House movement for holistic building design.
- We monitor projects long-term to ensure lasting performance and client satisfaction.
- Our Portland-based team understands local climate and housing stock intimately.
- We collaborate with trusted designers, architects, and subcontractors for seamless execution.
Services
Home Building
We build custom homes designed for longevity, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Our process integrates advanced building science with thoughtful design to create spaces that balance comfort and sustainability. Every project adheres to the Pretty Good House principles, ensuring optimal performance and minimal ecological impact.
Home Renovations
Our renovation services focus on modernizing existing homes while improving energy efficiency and functionality. We specialize in historic restorations and adaptive reuse projects, combining modern technology with traditional craftsmanship to preserve architectural integrity while meeting contemporary standards.
Energy Efficiency
We implement air sealing, insulation, and moisture management strategies to enhance home efficiency. Our solutions reduce energy consumption, improve indoor comfort, and extend building lifespan through data-driven approaches and continuous performance monitoring.
Sustainable Materials
We prioritize low-carbon, healthy materials that minimize environmental impact. Our sourcing strategy emphasizes durability and recyclability, avoiding products with harmful chemicals or excessive embodied energy to create healthier living spaces.
Project Monitoring
We track long-term performance metrics like energy use, moisture levels, and air quality. This proactive approach ensures our buildings maintain optimal conditions for occupants while identifying opportunities for future improvements in design and construction practices.
People
Dan Kolbert
General Manager
With over 35 years in the trades, Dan founded Kolbert Building 20 years ago. He co-authored 'The Pretty Good House' and teaches sustainable building practices across Maine while advocating for industry education through podcasts and publications.
Liz Zelnick
Director of Operations
Liz oversees sales, design, and production management. She co-founded Non-Trad Tradies to support underrepresented tradespeople and contributes to industry publications on environmental impacts in construction materials.
Josh Blye
Lead Carpenter
Josh brings 15+ years of carpentry experience and a forest science background to his role. He focuses on sustainable wood sourcing and construction, blending technical expertise with creative problem-solving for complex projects.
Ashley Barnes
Site Supervisor/PM
Ashley transitioned from fine arts and jewelry design to construction management. She combines artistic sensibilities with technical precision to oversee project execution while mentoring new talent in the field.
J Sartory
Business Coordinator/PM
J applies her background in tech and event management to streamline construction processes. She excels at project coordination and communication while managing client relationships with a focus on operational efficiency.
Questions
What types of projects does Kolbert Building handle?
We specialize in new home construction, energy-efficient renovations, and historic restorations across the greater Portland area.
What is the Pretty Good House philosophy?
It’s a building approach focusing on durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability through holistic design and material choices.
Do you work outside the Portland area?
We primarily serve Portland communities but can refer similar-minded colleagues for projects beyond our service area.
How do you ensure long-term quality?
We monitor large projects for years, tracking energy use, moisture levels, and air quality to guarantee performance.
Can you assist with design and material selection?
Yes, we often handle design and product selection in-house to streamline communication and improve efficiency.
How can I join the Kolbert Building team?
We welcome diverse talent at all experience levels. Contact us directly to discuss potential opportunities.
