October 2023: Optimum Building Solutions

VAEEC October Member of the Month Optimum Building Solutions LLC (OBS), based in Central Virginia since 2021, was founded by Lance Hostutler. They serve the entire Commonwealth and parts of Maryland. OBS is a trusted consulting partner for federally funded weatherization agencies, private market homebuilders, and homeowners. They help these groups serve their communities with integrity. They offer technical, programmatic, and fiscal consulting services, along with diagnostic testing.

OBS brings a unique skill set to federal Department of Energy and utility-funded efficiency programs and their providers. Led by Lance Hostutler and John O’Donnell, their team is dedicated to helping the Weatherization Network efficiently manage these programs. This, in turn, enables them to provide exceptional services to low-income communities. Their consulting services cover weatherization and utility funding, fiscal and departmental advice, and project management. They also offer field training, best practice methodology, multi-family auditing, and contractor coordination for weatherization retrofit installs in the agency’s service area.

They assist homebuilders in achieving code compliance in residential and commercial projects. They offer essential diagnostic tests like blower door infiltration testing and duct leakage testing. Their goal is to provide the guidance needed to achieve a passing air change number, using equipment, such as blower doors, duct blaster, and FLIR thermal imaging technology. They then provide the necessary documentation required by the local building authorities to obtain a Certificate of occupancy.