McComsey Builders
Licensed in Pennsylvania (PA015145)
Andersen Certified Contractor
Family-owned since 1986
The Story
Ian and his family had been living in the attic of his parents’ house when they decided to build their own home on a lot his parents owned. They came to McComsey wanting an energy-efficient home for their growing family with the lowest utility bills possible, and the result is a near-passive house that produces more power than the family uses.
Before
Ian was starting with raw land and a desire for an efficient, sustainable family home. Here’s what he was leaving behind and what he wanted to build instead:
Design
Archer Buchanan Architects designed the home around Ian’s vision of a near-passive house. From the architect’s plans, McComsey built every detail to spec, including ICF construction running from foundation to eaves, GAF solar shingles, geothermal systems, and triple-paned Schuco windows imported from Germany.
The Details
GAF solar shingles, Tesla batteries, and an app-controlled breaker panel turn the home into its own small power plant, generating more electricity than it uses and selling the surplus back to PECO.
Imported Schuco windows are triple-paned and rated for passive home performance, sealing in heating and cooling so the home’s systems barely have to work.
A custom oak staircase runs through every floor of the home, its warm treads and white spindles turning the family’s daily climb into a small moment of craftsmanship.
Soapstone countertops and custom cabinetry give the kitchen a finished, intentional feel that matches the engineering quality of the rest of the home.
A wood stove anchors the main living space with a real fire to gather around, providing warmth in winter without drawing much from the home's primary heating systems.
Two layers of insulation with concrete in the middle, creating an airtight, fully insulated structure that holds heat and cooling far better than standard construction.
The home runs on geothermal for the main HVAC system, drawing on the constant temperature underground to heat and cool with minimal electricity.
A dedicated geothermal loop cools the home's audio and video equipment, keeping electronics running longer without straining the main HVAC.
Both appliances use heat pump technology, reducing electric draw and eliminating the need for outside venting on the dryer.
Solid hardwood across every floor of the home, with no carpet or tile transitions between rooms.
Our Projects
Your journey starts here
Imagine the peace of mind that comes with a custom home designed for sustainability and built to near-passive house standards.
