Don't overlook these spots when sealing
Basement rim joist areas; holes cut for plumbing traps under tubs and showers; cracks between finish flooring and baseboards; utility chases that hide pipes or ducts; plumbing vent pipe penetrations; kitchen soffits above wall cabinets; fireplace surrounds; recessed can light penetrations; poorly weatherstripped attic access hatches; and cracks between partition top plates and drywall.
Source:
Green Building Advisor
URL:
Link 
Random Bits
Few architecture schools teach anything about energy-efficiency, so make sure your architect knows the basics. Get them a copy of Designing the Exterior Wall: An Architectural Guide to the Vertical Envelope
and make them read it.
