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.
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
I guess it would really depend on what type of home, the age of it and where it's located. Most of your older homes (prior to 1940) have a lot custom details you want to keep intact. If it's really old, and hasn't been maintained, then restoring may not be an economical solution. A lot of the homes in our area (DC Metro) are being torn down because the lots are so valuable.
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!
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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
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.
Check seals on doors & windows. Replace single pane windows with newer products. Check the attic for insulation. Loose fill, blown in insulation is the best. Make sure to seal any spots where air is escaping INTO the attic first. Also make sure your attic has both adequate intake AND exhaust ventilation. Make sure not to clog the airflow from the soffit area and the attic space by using Baffles as seen in the picture. Check out YouTube for other great suggestions.
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
Air sealing and insulation are the two biggest things you can do to globally improve the efficiency of the home.
There are several articles on this application and I have yet to be in a home that didn't need it.
Tightening up the envelope across the attic surface will lessen air infiltration at all the other areas of the home.
One that is flexible and open to new ideas and solutions.
One that doesn't second guess every step of the process.
One that doesn't watch over your workers and want to help.
One that doesn't have to be in contact 24/7.
One that shows appreciation for progress and quality.
One that provides baked goods once a week.
Verify that all window and door seals/weatherstriping is in good shape.
Check to be sure doors and windows are caulked properly (no gaps, cracks or missing).
If you have an attic access, treat it like door opening and seal properly. If possible, create an insulated cover to go over it in the attic.
Check HVAC ductwork for leaks and seal with foil tape or mastic.
Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket.
You can also look into programmable thermostats!
I would start with making sure your attic has adequate ventilation.