Article Category: Remodeling

Sean D. Sullivan: Aging in Place

Aging in Place: Accessibility Is “Hip” in the Mountains Sean D. Sullivan   t is often said in our household, particularly on birthdays, that “you are only as old as you feel.” The truth of the matter is that we are all aging in place every day. Most Gen Xers...

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Leigha Dickens: Being a Better Corporation

The Journey to Being a Better Corporation   By Leigha Dickens “We envision a global community that uses business as a force for good.”  That is the opening line of the B Corporation declaration, a document that business leaders sign as part of a final step to transfer their company’s...

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Victoria Schomer: IAQ Perspective

The IAQ perspective: From a Green Design and Build Baby Boomer By Victoria Schomer   Years ago, and I do mean years, a friend/client told me she was pregnant and needed to renovate a room in their home for their new baby. "Terrific" I thought. "I've got this." I'd already been...

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Sean Sullivan: The Rhodo Renovation

The Rhodo Renovation: A case study in “Right Size” design By Sean Sullivan, AMB, CGP, CAPS   My wife Laura and I decided to buy a 1960’s rancher in downtown Black Mountain to renovate for ourselves. We liked the feel of downtown and wanted to be close in to the...

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Maggie Leslie: Indoor Air Quality Checklist

Indoor Air Quality Checklist Maggie Leslie   Ensuring healthy indoor air quality in a home starts with the very foundation. Many simple building techniques, from radon-resistant construction to drainage planes, can prevent unwanted air-quality problems in the future. To prevent unwanted moisture and contaminants from entering, it is very important...

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Garret K. Woodward: A Little Goes A Long Way

A little goes a long way By Garret K. Woodward A local nonprofit organization, which promotes “responsible energy choices that create global climate change solutions and ensure clean, safe and healthy communities,” the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has been a pioneer in green energy and initiatives for over 30...

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Out with the old windows

Out with the old windows By Matt Siegel on 03/16/2009 In older homes in wintertime, windows are often one of the largest sources of heat loss, due to their low insulating ability and high air-leakage rates. In the summer, windows are also generally the major source of unwanted heat gain. Besides...

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The art of deconstruction

The art of deconstruction By Paul Reeves on 03/16/2009 The demolition numbers In the United States, it is estimated that 10 to 25 percent of all solid waste entering the waste stream comes from construction and demolition. Experts estimate that 80 to 90 percent of demolition waste could be reused or...

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Energy saving tips

Energy saving tips By on 02/01/2008 1. Seal leaky ductwork More than 20 percent of the average home’s heating and cooling bills go to duct leakage. Seal your ducts with mastic to minimize the waste of conditioned air. 2. Service your home’s heating and cooling (HVAC) system Clean the unit and...

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How to green your home with sustainable renovations

How to green your home with sustainable renovations By Duncan McPherson on 03/16/2006 Thousands of people remodel their homes every year. Green renovations are more energy efficient, conserve resources and are healthier for occupants. These renovations make homes more affordable to maintain and operate. Below are simple things you can do...

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