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Understanding Climate Zones — And Why They Matter for Smarter Building
Not all homes should be built the same way — because not all climates are the same. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy divides the country into climate zones, and why understanding yours is essential long before construction begins. At Performance By Design, climate awareness is the foundation of every home we design, analyze, or advise on. When you build for your climate instead of against it, your home performs better in every season. ⸻ What Are Climate Zones? Climate
Joey Feliciano
18 hours ago2 min read
Understanding Thermal Bridging — And Why It Matters for Winter Comfort
When winter arrives in Minnesota, our homes face some of the harshest temperature swings in the country. Snow loads, freezing winds, and subzero nights test every part of a home’s structure — especially the building envelope.
Joey Feliciano
2 days ago3 min read
Essential Services in Custom Home Building with Performance by Design!
Building a custom home is an exciting journey. It’s your chance to create a space that fits your lifestyle, your tastes, and your dreams. But it’s also a complex process that requires expert guidance and a range of essential services
Joey Feliciano
Oct 224 min read
Building Smarter: The PBD Approach to Sustainable Construction
Discover how Performance by Design uses Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) from Extreme Panel Technologies to create stronger, greener, and more energy-efficient homes across the Midwest.
Joey Feliciano
Oct 142 min read
Reframing Affordability: Why SIPs Are Now Cheaper Than Lumber Framing — and Why Timing Your Build Matters
With lumber prices rising and mortgage rates starting to settle, 2025 may mark a turning point for Minnesota’s housing market. Discover why Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are now cost-competitive — and how to assess whether this is the right time to secure your construction financing.
Dustin Wiebold
Oct 64 min read
Performance by Design: Energy-Efficient Design Benefits
Let’s get specific. When you choose energy-efficient design, you’re making decisions that affect every part of your home. From the foundation to the roof, every detail counts.
Dustin Wiebold
Oct 24 min read
Discover the Benefits of Energy Efficient Home Design
You might think building an energy efficient home is expensive upfront, but the long-term savings are impressive.
Dustin Wiebold
Sep 154 min read
Retaining the Value of Your Home: Why Building With Intention Matters
When you invest in a home, you want it to hold its value over time.
Dustin Wiebold
Sep 73 min read
We Don’t Build Them Like We Used To.
You’ve probably heard someone say, “They don’t build them like they used to.” And when you look at a piece of lumber from 1918 compared to 2018, you can see why. The old wood is dense, heavy, and full of tight growth rings. Modern lumber, by contrast, is lighter, softer, and has wider growth rings.
Dustin Wiebold
Aug 302 min read
Energy-Efficient Barndominiums & SIP Homes: Dream, Build, Live Responsibly.
Energy-Efficient Barndominiums & SIP Homes: Dream, Build, Live Responsibly.
Dustin Wiebold
Aug 242 min read
Healthier Living by Design: The PBD Way
At PBD, our goal is simple: build homes people love to live in—and to own. That means quiet, steady comfort, healthier indoor air, and predictable operating costs. Every PBD project starts with a SIP-centered shell—our foundation for performance. From there, details adapt to your site, climate, and lifestyle so you can live well today and responsibly prepare for tomorrow.
Dustin Wiebold
Aug 133 min read
The Future of Housing Is Here
For too long, homebuilding has followed the same patterns—standard designs, oversized systems, and construction methods that don’t always deliver the comfort, efficiency, or long-term performance homeowners deserve.
At PBD, we believe the future of housing will look very different. It will be smarter, healthier, more energy-efficient, and built to last. We’re already bringing that future to life in our projects today.
Dustin Wiebold
Aug 32 min read
Plan First, Build Smart: How the Right Guidance Saves You Thousands
Plan First, Build Smart: How the Right Guidance Saves You Thousands
Dustin Wiebold
Jul 192 min read
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better: Why the Health of Your Home Matters
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better: Why the Health of Your Home Matters
Dustin Wiebold
Jul 132 min read
Free Webinar - Build the Best Barndo Workshop: Your Dream Starts Here
We’ve had so many requests for a recording of this event that we’ve created a special on-demand version of the workshop — available exclusively to those who sign up.
Dustin Wiebold
Jun 222 min read
From Pinterest Board to Forever Home: How to Make Your Dream Build a Reality
From Pinterest Board to Forever Home: How to Make Your Dream Build a Reality
Dustin Wiebold
Jun 162 min read
The Smart Way to Build: Why a Shell-Only Package Might Be Your Best First Step.
Explore the benefits of a SIP shell-only package for your home or barndominium. Learn how Performance By Design makes your building journey easier, faster, and more affordable
Dustin Wiebold
May 252 min read
Small but Mighty: Why People Are Choosing Smaller Homes (And Loving It!)
In a world that often celebrates "bigger is better," many homeowners are pushing back — choosing to live smaller, simpler, and smarter.
At Performance By Design, we’ve seen an inspiring shift toward smaller homes, cabins, and accessory dwellings, not just as a trend, but as a lifestyle choice.
But what’s driving this movement? It’s more than just downsizing.
Dustin Wiebold
May 183 min read
Permits, Planning & Zoning – What You Need to Know Before You Build
Permits, Planning & Zoning – What You Need to Know Before You Build
Dustin Wiebold
Apr 222 min read
Barndominium Build Essentials: A Step-by-Step Planning Checklist
All the Steps Involved in Building a Barndominium. here’s a detailed look at the steps involved from start to finish.
Dustin Wiebold
Apr 152 min read
Building Dreams:
Insights from the Experts at Performance by Design
Welcome to the blog page of Performance by Design! Here, we share insights, tips, and updates from the world of custom home building to help you stay informed and inspired throughout your journey toward creating your dream home.
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