Answers

The first thing to reduce energy is to see where it is being wasted.

 An energy audit with blower door test and infared camera is the best place to start. 

 The list of upgrades range from adding insulation, to replacing HVAC systems and everything in beteen, such as new windows and doors to installing smart theromstats. But because each home is different and has different needs the only way to be sure your upgrades are right for your home is to start with an energy audit.

If your looking for help there is a company called CellarMakers that will guide you through out he entire planning, construction and installation process. From refrigeration requiements to shelf and racking systems there is a lot that's involved to do it right. 

Everyone has a different opinion of what is good and bad service depending what side of the issue they are on.I would also give them one last time to address your complaint.

Give them an acceptable time line to respond and correct the issue one last time. If you have called them, had conversation and a commitment to correct or refusal to do anything then I would notify them in writing that you intend to report them to the BBB, and the local & state regulators. The attorney general is usually the heavy hitter on consumer complaints. Then follow through.

Do your roof first and stop water entry. As a general contractor we see these all the time. In almost all cases the foundation repair can be done at any point even if it means lifting the house and replacing the foundation. But water entry will continue to do damage if unchecked. So do your roof first. 

I would recommend a clik together flooring that would be floating over the cork. That way you can install and remove it easily and there should be no damage to the cork below.

Yes it is possible but not practical. Technically you can do it and you can put plastic laminate over plastic laminate. But the  layer your covering has to be super clean, abraded and all surfaces must be accessible. Edges and returns can be  more than a challenge. Any drop-ins likes sinks and cooktops have to come out and be reset after the new surface is in place. Results may be less than desirable.

 That being said, the cost of new laminate tops are one of the most inexpensive, so it would be better to just install new ones. You will be happier with the results.

I think a combination of the below suggestion is in order. The first would be to talk with electrican and tell them you will have the security company come and fix the issue. But, also if they find that it was caused by the electrican you expect them to cover the repair cost. If it was damaged because it was hidden and they could not know it was there, then a split of cost may be more reanonable. 

Negotiate in good faith, but if they are found responsible and become uncooperative, then places like the BBB my bes the best best.

I live in northern Mass along the coast and deal with this all the time. It really is a question of your commitment to maintenance. Wood today is not like wood 20 years ago or older and lead removed from finishes has change how they perform too. Other suggest the fiberglass or metal option for those reasons.

But if your set on wood then opt for the Fir Door. And it sounds like you're looking at an authentic divide light door but still go for insulated glass don't make the mistake of not using the best glass you can afford

Make sure that it is finished before it is installed and that the coating whether paint or varnish is cut into seal onto the glass at all edges. Many coats are better than one, but it has to be applied with attention to detail. And be prepared to recoat regularly even if it doesn't seem to need it and you'll be fine

As for the laminated door suggested it has merit too, but make sure that both the top and bottom of the door are seal also when finishing and they will need to be regularly too.

If your on well water it most likely is sediment from the well and you'll need to change the filter and fluseh the line.

You might consider trying to add a new layer of ceiling drywall using GreenGlue sound proofing adheasive. This gets installed without removing anything too, it should be noted . This will be the most inexpensive aproach but may not be a complete cure. And you'll only lower the ceiling by about 5/8".

 You can look up Green Glue on the web for more info and where to to purchase.

Who made then the design change decission? Was it you that changed something and the seat was dropped due to the change? Or was it initiated by the builder? Did something else change that necessitated the eleimination of the seat?

If you requested a change that cause this to happen and missed it until the walk through the I don't see the builder as responsible. But if he did it on his/her own then I think they are accountable. In ether event there should have been a change order to document  the alteration.  

With more info about the cause and how it was initiated, if it was documented,if at all, would help the resolution to be much clearer. I can see responsiblity on both side. And a lot of greive and agreavation if laywer and courts get involved.

I would suggest arbitration as the next best course of action if you and the builder can't work it out between you. 

 Well according to Elon Musk yes they are but I'm not sure you can get hold of teslas new shingles  or get a price on them yet. But if you haven't checked them out, check out the YouTube video on tesla's new roofing

The caulking mentioned is fine to seals the gape but you may need somethingto back it other thatn backer rod. in that case you may need a small amount of Rockwool insulation to pack into the void befor applying the caulk. This is a link to the product https://www.rockwool.com/applications/exterior-walls/firestopping/

If you only need a small amount check with a local insulation company to see if they will sell or even give you the smaill quanity you need.