Business Details
23 Years
experience
Custom Energy-Efficient Home Building & Renovation in Portland
Kolbert Building has been crafting high-performance homes and renovations for over two decades, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge building science. Our focus on efficiency, durability, and simplicity ensures homes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. We pioneered the Pretty Good House movement, emphasizing energy efficiency, healthy materials, and long-term performance.Our team monitors projects for years post-completion, ensuring lasting quality and client satisfaction. With deep roots in Portland's construction community, we collaborate with trusted designers, architects, and subcontractors to deliver tailored solutions for modern and historic properties alike.
Services
Home Building
Home Renovations
Energy-Efficient Design
Sustainable Construction
Project Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in energy-efficient home building
- We pioneered the Pretty Good House movement for sustainable construction
- We monitor and maintain projects long-term for lasting performance
- Our team includes certified experts with extensive trade partnerships
- We specialize in both historic restorations and modern high-performance builds
Services
Home Building
We build custom high-performance homes designed for longevity and comfort. Our new builds incorporate advanced insulation, airtight construction, and renewable energy systems while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Every project follows the Pretty Good House principles to balance environmental responsibility with functional design, ensuring homes that support occupants for generations.
Home Renovations
We transform existing homes into energy-efficient, comfortable living spaces. Our renovations focus on improving thermal performance, moisture control, and accessibility while preserving architectural character. From historic restorations to modern updates, we implement solutions that enhance functionality and sustainability without compromising structural integrity.
Energy-Efficient Design
Our energy-efficient designs minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort. We optimize building envelopes, specify low-carbon materials, and integrate renewable energy systems tailored to each project's needs. This approach reduces utility costs and environmental footprint while creating healthier indoor environments through advanced ventilation and material selection.
Sustainable Construction
We implement construction practices that prioritize environmental stewardship. Our sustainable methods include using locally sourced materials, minimizing waste through precise planning, and employing techniques that reduce embodied carbon. We ensure every project balances ecological responsibility with durability and performance requirements for long-term value.
Project Monitoring
We provide ongoing performance monitoring for completed projects to ensure lasting quality. Our team tracks energy usage, moisture levels, and air quality over time, addressing any issues proactively. This commitment to post-occupancy evaluation allows us to verify building performance against design goals and maintain optimal conditions for occupants.
People
Dan Kolbert
General Manager
With over 35 years in construction, Dan founded Kolbert Building 20 years ago. He co-authored 'Pretty Good House' and teaches building science courses. His expertise in energy-efficient construction has made him a respected industry voice through writing, podcasts, and local education initiatives.
Liz Zelnick
Director of Operations
Liz oversees all project phases from sales to completion. A co-founder of Non-Trad Tradies, she brings environmental expertise and a commitment to expanding diversity in construction. Her background combines fine craftsmanship with innovative operational management strategies.
Josh Blye
Lead Carpenter
With 15+ years in carpentry and a Forest Science degree, Josh bridges material knowledge with practical application. He contributes technical expertise on wood sourcing and sustainable building practices while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex projects.
Ashley Barnes
Site Supervisor/PM
Ashley combines fine arts training with construction management experience. She oversees project execution while balancing creative problem-solving with technical precision. Her background in jewelry design translates to meticulous attention to detail in residential construction projects.
J Sartory
Business Coordinator/PM
J applies tech industry experience to streamline construction processes. Managing both business operations and project coordination, they implement systems that improve communication efficiency while ensuring adherence to high-performance building standards across all projects.
Questions
What defines a Pretty Good House?
A Pretty Good House balances energy efficiency, durability, and comfort through optimized insulation, airtight construction, and sustainable materials without rigid certification requirements.
Do you work outside the Portland area?
We primarily serve communities within Greater Portland to minimize environmental impact from travel. For projects outside this area, we recommend qualified colleagues with similar sustainability commitments.
Can you handle both design and construction?
We often manage design and product selection in-house for smaller projects, while collaborating with trusted architects for larger or more complex developments.
How do you ensure long-term building performance?
We monitor large projects for years post-completion, tracking energy use, moisture levels, and air quality to verify performance and address any maintenance needs proactively.
What experience do you have with historic renovations?
Our team has extensive experience restoring 18th-21st century buildings, including lead paint mitigation, historic detail recreation, and integrating modern systems into older structures.
How do you approach sustainability?
We prioritize locally sourced materials, minimize concrete use, implement advanced insulation techniques, and incorporate renewable energy systems tailored to each project's specific needs.
