Tom Trent Builders

10/10/2025

Master bathroom renovation recently completed, including removing a short wall and relocating the toilet to open up the room, and replacing the tub with a walk-in shower. Before pictures lower right.

07/21/2025

Federal energy tax incentives for installing energy-saving upgrades to your home will be expiring at the end of this year. This includes solar systems, heat pumps, insulation, dual glazed windows, and other energy efficiency products. A word to the wise--consider making these upgrades soon before rebates expire, thanks to the Republicans and Trump.

07/07/2025

I met Tom Trent while working as a project manager for a commercial building contractor in Sonoma County, CA. We specialized in building developments from the ground up, as well as tenant improvements, and high end custom homes. Tom worked for us as a carpenter and it was not long before one could see that he was a craftsman who not only did fine work but could be trusted as a “go to” guy to get the job done with the utmost quality on both residential and commercial projects. My family later hired Tom as a contractor to build their vacation home. For this project, Tom provided the project estimates and he supervised the project from start to finish in addition to building it. His knowledge of climate sustainable materials and methods of construction were incorporated into the house. His hands-on approach and ability to build a quality crafted home was our reward.

I know of no one else like Tom Trent who incorporates the old world craftsmanship of a builder to having the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of a green building contractor in today’s world.

These kind words are from Michael Keller, in Windsor CA. My commitment to professional quality and service has resulted in these kinds of reviews from customers more often than not.

06/27/2025

U.S. Green Building Council - New Hampshire Chapter (USGBC-NH) offered a fascinating tour of a 96,000 sq.ft. renovation project of student housing at Dartmouth College. When complete, it will be a showcase of how existing buildings can become renewed for energy efficiency to reduce carbon emissions and for non-toxic group living and study spaces.

Three 5-story brick buildings over 100 years old have been connected with two additions. They will be clad with brown terra-cotta panels to blend with the existing brick. The old copper roofing had to be removed to install 8" rigid insulation, but much of it will be recycled for interior finish. Furniture is being made by local businesses using wood harvested from forests owned by Dartmouth. The cost is staggering at over $100 million, but this is a very complex undertaking that will last for at least another century or more.

06/17/2025

Portland Cement, the active ingredient in concrete which makes sand, gravel and itself become the rock-hard substance used in so many ways in construction, is a carbon time bomb. Its production generates about 8 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. And now, efforts to curb its pollution are facing new political headwinds. The Trump administration has reversed prior legislation aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. (Source: Mother Jones 4/19/25). Below is yours truly pouring the footings for the posts that support the Redwood Arbor featured at the top of our business page above in 2006. Concrete from Austin Creek Materials, Homer Canelis presiding in Cazadero CA. Dog inspector is Don.

06/06/2025

Sounds way too familiar….

Those who do not learn from history…

06/04/2025

Here's a recent look at what I do outside of business, working with my sheepdogs at public events demonstrating our teamwork moving sheep through an obstacle course. Erin placed well at the NH Wool Growers event on Mother's Day. We had fun!

05/31/2025

https://blog.credo.com/2025/04/28/10-ways-to-live-more-sustainably-and-help-save-our-planet/?utm_source=cordial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=043025_aal_sustain_em&campaignid=900230&profileid=e08aaa81126110b59dec3b52315ec1fb5bc53a0b2fd82ffbc4237c5455185c23&mcID=883:68115596b324bc39ed012cd7:ot:5d1d27881802c8c524a882b9:1&linkID=
Here are 10 suggestions for ways to live more sustainably and help save our planet, from my mobile phone carrier CREDO.

05/20/2025

I am honored to be recognized in Who's Who in America for years of advocacy for Green Building practices, including living and building off the energy grid for about 10 years in Northern California. I was fortunate enough to find people of like mind as co-craftsmen, clients, and friends. I'd like to believe we all learned from and assisted each other in the quest to tread lightly on our natural environment. I'm still engaged, and happy to guide you in your building or remodeling projects.

05/15/2025

"Man's attitude toward nature is today critically important simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself? [We are] challenged as mankind has never been challenged before to prove our maturity and our mastery, not of nature, but of ourselves."
~ Rachel Carson, 1964, author of Silent Spring
60 years later, her words still ring true, and inspire us to take action, however we can. Green Building principles allow us to try to affect nature in a positive way, before it's too late.

05/08/2025

I recently toured a Leed accredited senior living facility under construction with the NH US Green Building Council. The architect explained the 5 main principles of Passive House design: well insulated thermal envelope; continuous air tightness detailing; optimized fenestration (solar gain via windows); thermal bridge-free detailing; mechanical ventilation with high performance energy recovery. Colonial exterior design is in keeping with local community norms in Newmarket, NH. It has 30 one BR units, community space, laundry and parking.