Vermont lawmakers want to tax second homes at a higher rate — but the numbers behind the debate don't hold up the way campaign soundbites suggest. We break down what nonpartisan data actually shows, and what it means if you're building a Vermont forever home rather than a vacation property.

Rural Edge found strawbale an appealing exterior wall alternative. That’s because of its fire-resistance, insulation capability, savings on labor costs, availability of local talent to build this way, carbon footprint reduction, low-embodied energy, chemical and allergy free composition.