Good answer by Abe. We prefer to use fixed contracts with our clients. We have clauses in our contracts for unforeseen itesm such as concealed structural damage or inadequacies. I fully agree a professional remodeler, that knows what they are doing, should be offering a fixed contract.
All of the answers given were great options. There are many, many ways to improve a home's energy efficiency. As we are a siding and window company, my focus will be on those areas. Windows are a huge energy loss/gain. Did you know that windows and doors account for approximately 50% of your heating/cooling loss? Air leaks around a window or door due to a crack of 1/16" of an inch is like having a hole in your wall the size of a brick. In the average home, that is equal to about 15 bricks. Consider how large that "hole" is in your home. The glass package is the most important thing to consider when replacing windows. Most folks just look at the cost of the window and install, and some smoke and mirrors some companies like to drag on about. A smart homeowner knows what Low-E is, what a good U-Factor rating is, whether or not it's single, double or triple pane glass, etc. etc. Same features apply to most doors. Lastly, siding is another area where a homeowner can save money. Check into insulated siding. Check to see what kind of underlayment is being applied to your home. Many companies don't even put a housewrap on to save cost and the average homeowner never knows. Make sure you only hire someone who is appropriately licensed and insured. Ask to see those documents. Hope this helps folks looking to replace siding, windows or doors! Happy remodeling!
Are your heating & cooling bills going through the roof? Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s conditioned air escapes through the attic? Adding attic insulation is the most effective thing you can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What experience do you have in this type of house? Can you give me names of one or two (not three) clients for which you have done this type of work? How long does it take from start of design to significant completion?
Philip Anderson
HDRRemodeling. Berkeley, Ca
What makes a good remodeling client?
Usually has worked on a home project with a reputable contractor before. One who has resonable expectations as far as price (investment) and time line. One who can make a design decision and stay with it instead of going back over the color of the walls 'one more time'. One who respects exception designers and carpenter.
I think that does it. That is my wish list
Philip Anderson
Berkeley Ca
Windows and doors are the largest culprit in lost of energy efficiency. It may not be the cheapest option but will provide you with the largest impact.
A good remodeling customer has done their homework! It's a difficult process to select a remodeling contractor but with enough research it's easy to narrow down the choices. A customer that has called references and did some research about pricing will be an informed client!
Both can be costly. If you tear down, you may build it exactly how you want it - and potentially have less problems then trying to create something new out of something old. You never know what could potentially go wrong with an old building. It's kind of like buying an older car - it may be cheaper in the moment, but something may go wrong and have to be replaced after a year or so. If it's a good conditioned older building, then why not renovate it!! However, if it needs a lot of work, and the foundation is pretty shady, then tearing it down and starting from the bottom would logically be the best choice!
With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar! It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!
Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes. This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.
Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.
Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Definitely replace your air filters every single month as this is a big contributor to a home's energy efficiency when it comes to HVAC
I really noticed a difference in my electric bill when I put in a programable thermostat for my HVAC. I tend to keep the air down low and would forget to turn it up when I went to work. The new thermostat does that for me.
You can also look into programmable thermostats!
Will the workers be employees? or subcontractors? These people may be working in your home, maybe while you are at work. Have they had background checks? While most companies are required to have Liability insurance to get and kee their license, do they have Workers' Compensation insurance in the event a worker gets hurt? How long will the project take? Will they be disturbing Lead paint or asbestos? If so, make sure they are certified to deal with these materials.
Make sure that your attic is properly insulated. Make sure the seals around all windows and doors are in good shape. If you can see daylight air is entering and leaving as well.