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What Does It Really Mean to Be Your Own General Contractor?
More homeowners today are exploring the idea of acting as their own General Contractor (GC). On the surface, it can sound empowering — more control, potential cost savings, and a hands-on role in building your home.
But what does it really mean to be your own GC?
Joey Feliciano
Jan 183 min read
Build Smart Home Builders Series Event!
If you’re thinking about building a home—whether next year or five years from now—the most important decisions happen long before construction starts.
That’s why the Build Smart Home Builders Series begins with Series 1: The 30,000-Foot View—an educational, big-picture session designed to help you understand the entire homebuilding journey before you commit time, money, or energy in the wrong places.
Dustin Wiebold
Jan 112 min read
Durability by Design: Building for 30+ Years, Not 3
Buildings rarely fail suddenly.
They fail gradually—through moisture intrusion, uncontrolled air movement, thermal stress, and assemblies that were never designed to work as an integrated system.
Joey Feliciano
Dec 24, 20253 min read
Building Science Before You Build: Why Smart Homes Start With Better Questions
Building science is the study of how a home works as a system—not just a collection of parts.
Dustin Wiebold
Dec 22, 20253 min read
Build Smart Home Builders Series – Session 1: Start With the 30,000-Foot View
At Performance By Design, we know that the decisions you make before construction starts are some of the most important ones you’ll ever make — affecting comfort, efficiency, cost, and long-term value. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Rum River Consultants to bring you the Build Smart Home Builders Series, a free community education event designed to help you build with clarity, confidence, and a smarter plan from day one.
Joey Feliciano
Dec 14, 20253 min read
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
Dec 7, 20252 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 14, 20252 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 6, 20254 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 2, 20254 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 7, 20253 min read
Energy-Efficient Barndominiums & SIP Homes: Dream, Build, Live Responsibly.
Energy-Efficient Barndominiums & SIP Homes: Dream, Build, Live Responsibly.
Dustin Wiebold
Aug 24, 20252 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 13, 20252 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 22, 20252 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 25, 20252 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 18, 20253 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 22, 20252 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 15, 20252 min read
Stick-Built vs. Pole Barn vs. SIPs – What’s the Difference?
Stick-Built vs. Pole Barn vs. SIPs – What’s the Difference?
Dustin Wiebold
Apr 8, 20252 min read
Thank you for making our Build the BEST Barndominium Workshop such an incredible success!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who made our Build the BEST Barndominium Workshop such a success!
Dustin Wiebold
Mar 27, 20251 min read
Is Metal Roofing the Right Choice for Your New Home?
Metal roofs offer durability, energy efficiency, and modern style—learn the pros and cons of using them in your home build.
Dustin Wiebold
Mar 5, 20253 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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