Building Alternatives

Building Alternatives is a certified 100% EPA Energy Star Homes Builder, which has historically designed and built homes that exceed the EPA Energy Star Requirements by at least 50%. We offer renewable energy solutions for: Active & Passive Solar, Geothermal Heating & AC and Wind Power. With over 30 years' experience, we offer guidance and technical expertise throughout the design and selection process, resulting in construction cost transparency. Our team provides a wide array of services, including consulting, construction management, design-build, and general construction.

Construction management and home builder specialists Bob and Kathe Tortorice founded the construction company, Building Alternatives, Inc., in Chester, New Hampshire, in 1986. Unlike the general contractor's role of quoting on your specifications, our owners changed the process by giving you control over construction. We listen to your plans and provide you with options and cost comparison choices to help you make informed decisions. Our owner and head contractor, Bob Tortorice, has more than 35 years of experience in residential and commercial construction.

Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built homes - but in about half the time. Buildings are produced in "modules" that when put together on site, reflect the identical design intent and specifications of the most sophisticated site-built facility - without compromise. Tortorice's Tips are written and republished by Bob Tortorice, our owner and head contractor.

By placing logs horizontally on top of each other you create the home. You then seal between the logs. You can use round logs, square logs or D shaped log. Along with a variety of species. We now offer traditional construction, structural insulated panels (SIPS) or insulated concrete forms (ICF) with log siding to get the log home effect. Tortorice's Tips are written and republished by Bob Tortorice, our owner and head contractor. Bob Tortorice has more than 35 years of experience in residential and commercial construction and shares his knowledge through his monthly article.

Timber frame homes are characterized by large structural wooden beams visible throughout the interior. Timber frame construction techniques have been in use for hundreds of years throughout the world, initially brought to North America by European settlers. They can be wrapped with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) or traditional 2×4 / 2×6 construction to close in the frame. Tortorice's Tips are written and republished by Bob Tortorice, our owner and head contractor. Bob Tortorice has more than 35 years of experience in residential and commercial construction and shares his knowledge through his monthly article.