As energy prices continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to enhance their homes’ energy efficiency. Implementing energy-efficient upgrades not only reduces utility bills but also aligns with evolving home remodeling standards that prioritize sustainability. At Dream Builders Boston, we understand the importance of integrating these considerations into our remodeling process to deliver homes that are both beautiful and energy-efficient.
Rising Energy Costs and the Need for Efficiency
Recent trends indicate a significant increase in energy prices, prompting homeowners to consider energy-efficient upgrades. For instance, the Department of Energy reports that old, drafty windows alone are responsible for 25% to 30% of energy use due to loss of hot or cool air, depending on the season.
By installing energy-efficient windows, homeowners can stop throwing money out the window on high energy costs.
Evolving Home Remodeling Standards
In response to rising energy costs, home remodeling standards have evolved to emphasize energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have adopted minimum energy standards that will lower monthly costs for homeowners and renters. (HUD)
These standards expand housing affordability, minimize health risks, and improve the resilience of homes during extreme weather events.
Dream Builders Boston’s Remodeling Process
At Dream Builders Boston, we have developed a comprehensive remodeling process that incorporates energy efficiency at every stage:
- Consultation & Budgeting Appointment: We begin with a discovery call to understand your project goals, budget, and expectations. This ensures alignment and sets the foundation for a successful project.
- Preliminary Design: Our designer assesses your current situation, asking questions about your ideal space. We consider what currently works and what doesn’t, and gather inspiration photos to understand your style and goals. This allows us to create multiple design concepts tailored to your needs.
- Design Development: We move forward with a singular design, delving into the details. Hand sketches become 3D drawings, sizes are refined, furniture arrangement is considered, and the ballpark budget is updated. Excitement builds as the vision becomes clear.
- Selections & Estimating: Your project management team assists in the selection process, sending you to showrooms, providing expertise, and keeping you informed on budget. Our process is designed to minimize the stress of selecting finishes and help you gain confidence in your choices. Alongside selections, we hold a subcontractor walkthrough at your home to produce accurate estimates and prevent surprises and change orders down the line.
- Contract Signing: We finalize the design documents, prepare them for building permits, and verify selections to finalize the budget. The schedule is prepared with agreed-upon start and finish dates. The contract is signed, a deposit is paid, and you’re on the way to construction.
- Construction Preparation: During this phase, we obtain building permits, issue special orders and purchase orders, finalize the schedule, and secure all expert trade partners. Before starting, there will be a handoff meeting to the Lead Carpenter in charge of your project, whom you’ll know well during construction.
- Construction Begins: This phase includes demolition, carpentry, drywall, trim, and cabinets. Before starting, we protect your home and set up a temporary kitchen if needed. We maintain open communication throughout the construction process to ensure your satisfaction.
By integrating energy-efficient solutions into our remodeling process, Dream Builders Boston helps homeowners mitigate the impact of rising energy costs while enhancing the comfort and value of their homes. Our commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that your remodeled space meets current standards and your personal needs. Contact us today and reduce energy costs now!