Kerhonkson General: Update on a green renovation in Hudson Valley
Ok, things are starting to pick up. I just finished the business plan and submitted all documents to the bank. Now it’s about a 3 week wait to get approvals and start work so over the course of the next 3-4 weeks you are going to be hearing a lot from me as I research every aspect of the green renovation that is about to take place.
I don’t know about you but I don’t care to spend a lot for things that don’t add significant value and while general contractors are great for people who don’t have the time to do the research and hiring of subcontractors themselves, I’ve got all the time in the world as this is my primary focus for the next 3-6 months. So immediately I hope to save 10-20% right off the top of this green renovation project.
Here is the sequence of how I plan to address each item.
First and foremost, the building needs to be weatherized or tightened. That is, before I can come up with a heating solution, I need to make sure that the building is not leaking energy. That means I have to make sure the roof, the windows and the insulation are helping me keep the building warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Second, I’ll have to deal with the mechanicals to maximize efficiency: electric, heating/cooling, hot water/plumbing–all the systems that make the building inhabitable.
Finally, I’ll take on the aesthetics of the building–fixing the drywall, adding paint and refinishing the beautiful hardwood floors.
So allow me to gather up everything there is to know about providing the most efficient, eco-friendly roof for this type of building and I’ll let you know what I find in a bit.
Next time: Roofing materials for green renovations.