National Remodeling Month 2014

Families remodel their homes for many different reasons. It may be to save money on utility bills, to redesign the space to better suit the family’s current lifestyle, or to be better stewards of our natural resources. But as the home building and remodeling industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month in May, one thing is for sure—whether we call it energy efficient or green, remodeling that includes sustainable features is growing in popularity like never before. Home owners will find more options when they search for a professional remodeler with experience in green remodeling. Over the next five years the percentage of remodelers who expect to be doing more than 60% of their projects green will double. “Many remodelers are seeing increased interest in sustainable home features from home owners,” said president of the Asheville HBA. “Remodeling your home can not only fulfill your family’s dream of a more comfortable and stylish home, but depending on the upgrades you choose, you can realize savings on utility costs, improve air quality for better health and strengthen the long-term value of your home.” Green remodeling incorporates sustainable, durable and healthier design into the renovation of existing homes. The increased interest in sustainable remodeling is due largely to the availability of more affordable products of higher quality as well as the integration of green features into standard construction practice. Some of the top upgrades that can make a home more energy efficient include putting in high-efficiency windows and low-flow water fixtures, replacing appliances and water heaters with ENERGY STAR®-rated models, increasing or upgrading the quality of insulation, and installing a high-efficiency HVAC system that is appropriately sized for the area that is to be heated or cooled. 

Renovations

Selecting the right contractor for your home renovation is as important as finding a builder for new construction (and often more difficult). In many ways renovation is more complicated than new construction. Living Stone takes special care to select materials and techniques that are consistent with the existing architecture. We work with your architect to assure that new work ties in with the existing structure—floors meet, rooflines intersect…soffits and fascias match. Renovation is a special skill set—one Living Stone Construction has been cultivating for as long as we’ve been in business. We apply the same standards and values to renovations as to our new construction.