Dan Kolbert – Framing High-Performance Homes 2025

This comprehensive course covers the critical building science behind framing for different wall assembly types.

It includes techniques, materials, and best practices for building resilient and high-performance walls, roofs, and floors.

Through a combination of instructional interactive modules informed by real-world examples, you’ll learn how to plan, layout, and build different types of assemblies to increase the efficiency and long-term durability of homes.

Dan Kolbert (“Pretty Good House”) will help you choose between Larsen Truss and Double-Stud walls, floors framed with Dimensional Lumber or I-Joists, Cut roofs vs Trusses and much, much more.

What You’ll Learn

This course will provide critical information on how to frame your high-performance home.

Starting with core building science principles, we will look at a variety of wall, roof and floor sections.

We will discuss the various criteria for making decisions on which assemblies to choose.

Then we will move on to implementation – planning, forming a team, and how to get the work done correctly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

The end result keeps long-term performance and the planet in mind.

Course Modules

Module 1

• Intro to course
• PGH Principles
• House as a system
• 4 control layers

Module 2

• Different wall assemblies
• Pros and cons
• Floor and roof assemblies
• Advanced framing
• How to decide – weighing financial, technical, environmental factors

Module 3

• Working with architects & engineers
• Planning for air sealing
• Working with your crew and subcontractors
• Blocking for trades

Module 4

• Design efficiencies
• Material efficiencies
• Work efficiencies

Module 5

• Tricks of the trade
• Lines of communication and responsibility
• Thinking about the building’s future
• Things to remember