RENOVATING A HOME IN EVERGREEN COLORADO
Many homes that are advertised as “completely remolded” are not remolded but redecorated. The only way to realistically renovate Your EVERGREEN COLORADO HOME is to strip it down to the raw studs, and build it back out again. Homes, which were built twenty or thirty years ago, have not benefited from the latest advances in construction practices. Even the structures themselves are out dated.
LET’S START ON THE OUTSIDE
Let’s begin from the outside to the inside. Here at MARK ENGLISH, INC, as one of the premier EVERGREEN COLORADO CUSTOM HOME BUILDER, have used 2X6 framing in all our homes for several years now. This allows us to install much heaver insulation in the outside walls; the result is a highly efficient structure that is more comfortable, and far less costly to heat. Cathedral ceilings are framed with 12” rafters so that we can use 10” (r-38) insulation in these ceilings. In our regular ceilings we blow in 12” of insulation and cover all the ceiling joists along with the spaces in between. Older houses with 2X4 walls can easily be reinsulated to a much higher R factor by using high tech practices. Attics and Cathedral ceiling can likewise be reworked to give an R-30 or R-38 insulating value.
Windows are another area where an older vintage home can be greatly improved. Insulated glass, thermal break frames, tight seals at the sash, and well caulked installations will improve the efficiency and comfort of any structure. Next we can re-paint and re-caulk the entire exterior of the home to avoid any air leaks and to revitalize the looks of the home.
HEATING IS CRITICAL
Now let’s take a look at the inside. The first thing to update would be the heating duct. Ducts should be thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Most homes, built years ago, did not have sealed duct work. If the ducts are not sealed in is much harder to deliver warm air throughout the home. High efficiency furnaces must be installed and air cleaning equipment and humidifiers should be installed, budget permitting. All duct work in unheated areas like attics, garages, and crawl spaces can be completely insulated to protect Your heating dollar.
We will continue this discussion in our next article. Please, give us a call at MARK ENGLISH BUILDERS and we can brain storm together. Don’t leave Your renovation to chance. Contact us at 303-674-0148, Email us at markenglishbuilder@msn.com or visit us on the web at www.EvergreenColoradoLiving.com . We can help.