An observation on building insulation:
I built a house some years ago now and insulated far above then building stadards - R30 basement to ceiling or better . A house built at the same time next to mine used the standard 2X4 framing ( R12 ) and skimped - the builder/owner laughing at my effort and "expense" ... Well - I recovered the extra cost of insulating within the first winter heating season and had a comfortably warm house, no draughts or cold spots from basement floor to second storey cathedral ceiling ... while my neighbour complained about his heating bill and cold basement.

If I were to build today:
- R60 everywhere.
- Triple glazed windows.
- A separate 12VDC circuit for lighting and electronics - powered by cheap lead acid battery bank and solar. No $$ inverter complexities. AC cct. only for kitchen.
- No basement - we don't have one now and don't miss it. No risk of flooding.
- Propane cook stove, water heater, drier .... 
Of course a garage/workshop for my Corvette  .-)