Beyond the Build

By Cassandra Gillespie February 20, 2025
Siding progress on a custom high-performance home in Liberty, Missouri.
A well lit modern living room with wall to wall windows letting light in.
By Cassandra Gillespie February 3, 2025
Not all windows are created equal. Learn what makes high-performance windows essential for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability in a Passive House.
A white truck is parked in front of a house under construction covered in snow
By Cassandra Gillespie January 6, 2025
In the variable Kansas City climate, every season can pose a threat to the durability of a home. But winter conditions present particular challenges, from wintry precipitation forming and melting to temperature and humidity levels changing dramatically to air, moisture, and cold intruding.
Modern style kitchen with island and kitchen table, looking out sliding doors open to a grassy field
By Cassandra Gillespie December 17, 2024
Sustainability and durability are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. Building a home that stands the test of time is not just about longevity; it’s about reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting the planet.
By Cassandra Gillespie December 2, 2024
To construct durable houses that stand the test of time, nothing can be left to chance. There are certain crucial tasks that we entrust to proven partners, but we believe it’s best to have complete oversight of other factors that are most critical to durability.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 27, 2024
In part 3 of our durability series, let's focus on two elements of construction that are often fail points but have the potential to improve overall durability: windows and doors.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 25, 2024
Let’s keep moving upward in Kala’s design and build process to see how features in the walls, attic, and roof lead to a longer lasting house that requires less maintenance.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 18, 2024
There are plenty of features that are crucial to reducing maintenance costs and making a home last longer, but true durability needs to be built into the home from the beginning. Starting with the foundation.
Foundation footings formed with wood at a job site for a new custom home
By Cassandra Gillespie November 1, 2024
The footings have been formed and poured, followed by the foundation itself—a key milestone in creating a long-lasting, energy-efficient home that requires minimal maintenance.
Air sealing a window replacement by rolling zip tape onto a window opening
By Cassandra Gillespie October 28, 2024
There are bound to be ongoing expenses that increase the total cost of ownership and take a toll on your budget. Unfortunately, with the housing stock we face today, new does not always equal durable.
Show More
By Cassandra Gillespie February 20, 2025
Siding progress on a custom high-performance home in Liberty, Missouri.
A well lit modern living room with wall to wall windows letting light in.
By Cassandra Gillespie February 3, 2025
Not all windows are created equal. Learn what makes high-performance windows essential for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability in a Passive House.
A white truck is parked in front of a house under construction covered in snow
By Cassandra Gillespie January 6, 2025
In the variable Kansas City climate, every season can pose a threat to the durability of a home. But winter conditions present particular challenges, from wintry precipitation forming and melting to temperature and humidity levels changing dramatically to air, moisture, and cold intruding.
Modern style kitchen with island and kitchen table, looking out sliding doors open to a grassy field
By Cassandra Gillespie December 17, 2024
Sustainability and durability are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. Building a home that stands the test of time is not just about longevity; it’s about reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting the planet.
By Cassandra Gillespie December 2, 2024
To construct durable houses that stand the test of time, nothing can be left to chance. There are certain crucial tasks that we entrust to proven partners, but we believe it’s best to have complete oversight of other factors that are most critical to durability.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 27, 2024
In part 3 of our durability series, let's focus on two elements of construction that are often fail points but have the potential to improve overall durability: windows and doors.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 25, 2024
Let’s keep moving upward in Kala’s design and build process to see how features in the walls, attic, and roof lead to a longer lasting house that requires less maintenance.
By Cassandra Gillespie November 18, 2024
There are plenty of features that are crucial to reducing maintenance costs and making a home last longer, but true durability needs to be built into the home from the beginning. Starting with the foundation.
Foundation footings formed with wood at a job site for a new custom home
By Cassandra Gillespie November 1, 2024
The footings have been formed and poured, followed by the foundation itself—a key milestone in creating a long-lasting, energy-efficient home that requires minimal maintenance.
Air sealing a window replacement by rolling zip tape onto a window opening
By Cassandra Gillespie October 28, 2024
There are bound to be ongoing expenses that increase the total cost of ownership and take a toll on your budget. Unfortunately, with the housing stock we face today, new does not always equal durable.
Show More
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