"Sick building syndrome" is caused by everything from dangerous molds to meteorological occurrences. Improving the indoor air quality of sick buildings calls for careful diagnostics and even more careful removal of and repairs to problem areas.

Carbon monoxide causes more deaths from poisoning annually than any other substance, but diagnosing its source eludes all but the best-trained contractors.

Construction defects are annoying for homeowners, and bring on litigation that can wipe out builders. The design and construction techniques adopted by efficiency-minded builders in recent years may be one method of insuring a project against defects&emdash;and litigation.

Working the Utility/Contractor Connection

Moving into increasing deregulation of utilities, home performance specialists and utility companies alike wonder what their role in the new market will be. A project in New York State tests the water for partnerships between utilities and home performance contractors, with favorable results.