RH Irving Homebuilders

Specializing in High Performance building practices since 1972, R.H. Irving is one of New Hampshire's most experienced home builders. We are skilled in a wide variety of energy efficient and sustainable construction techniques, including high performance construction, super insulation, triple glazed windows, air sealing, heat recovery ventilation systems, designs that utilize natural daylight and passive solar heat, panelized stick framing, and post & beam construction. Our high performance building practices result in unparalleled comfort, healthy indoor air quality, low heating costs, and long term affordability.

Sustainable materials and products are made from renewable resources which don't damage our environment, won't make people sick, are long lasting in the home, and when they are eventually removed, are reusable. Many of today's health problems come from or are aggravated by poor indoor air quality and exposure to toxic substances, the result of commonly used building techniques and building products. Green products and methods are designed to minimize or eliminate these problems. Achieving the Passive House standard does add to the initial cost, but that is partially offset by eliminating the standard heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanical system.

We've won a number of statewide awards through the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, including twice winning best home in the price range, as well as awards for our renovation projects. Our work has been featured in New Hampshire Profiles, in building trade publications, and on Good Morning America. We have been certified by the National Association of Homebuilders as a Certified Green Builder, and Certified Graduate Builder. We are also Certified Passive House Consultants through the Passive House Institute US.

What began as a barn and home remodeling business in 1972 evolved within a few years to a business that specialized in building timber frame homes. From the late 70s through the 80s, we built over fifty super insulated timber frame homes, most of which we enclosed with stress skin panels (SIP's). We turned to standard "stick" construction in the late 80s when we found that the market for true energy efficient construction had all but disappeared, but continued to build houses that were correctly oriented and brought sunlight into the living areas.

R.H. Irving Homebuilders delivers a complete Modular or Site Built home from foundation to rooftop, including all plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, and countertops.

The primary green component of our homes is the high efficiency we attain through the use of extra insulation and attention to detail throughout the process. Air sealing goes hand in hand with good insulation to provide a comfortable home. We also employ heat recovery ventilation exhaust from kitchen and baths, and tempered fresh air ventilation to living areas. Lighting is designed to use efficient fixtures and bulbs. Every home we build is tested with a "blower door" which determines the tightness of construction sealing by measuring the amount of air infiltration, a critical component of energy efficiency.

The key to indoor comfort in Passive House is a quiet central ventilation system that is widely used in Europe but still relatively unknown in the United States. As warm, stagnant air is expelled through the energy recovery ventilator, it passes by incoming streams of fresh, cooler air, allowing up to 90% of the heat to transfer without mixing the two streams of air. This system provides superior air quality 24 hours a day. Some European ventilation units not yet available in the US can provide all necessary heat for the house.