Finding an Affordable Way to Build High-Performance Homes: Exploring Prefab Options and Challenges

In this FHB podcast short from episode 639, J. writes into Greenbuildingadvisor.com to ask about finding an affordable way to build high-performance. Below is a summary of his question, jump to the conversation start at 2:45:
J. is planning to build a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house (under 2,000 sq. ft.) in the Catskills (Climate Zone 6) near Kingston, N.Y., with a construction budget of $550k, excluding site work. He wants a passive house or something close to it but lacks DIY skills and plans to fully contract out the work.
Local bespoke construction seems too expensive, with quotes between $400-$600 per square foot, excluding site work and design fees. A local builder offers $280 per square foot but may not meet passive house standards despite including an HRV system.
J. is considering prefab options from Ecocor, Unity Homes, and GO Home:
- Ecocor: Passive houses, potentially within budget with their Solsken designs.
- Unity Homes: Not passive houses, but might meet Pretty Good House standards, though some designs have thermal bridges.
- GO Home: Passive houses.
J. seeks advice on experiences with the listed prefab options including build process and quality, how to find local builders/designers capable of delivering a super-tight and efficient house, and any recommended resources or forums for learning more.
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[@Enjoytheinbetween]

$280 a sqft was the cheapest? Yikes, that seems really high.

[@cmm170526]

Do you have any information about the house in the thumbnail picture?

[@finehomebuildingmagazine]

Yes! That is FHB House Wisconsin, you can check out the build here: www.finehomebuilding.com/blog/wisconsin-2021