"We Bring New Life To Your Home"

Cabinet Installation

Want to buy your own cabinets, we can install them for you! Make sure to visit our Cabinet Install Page for details.

Spring is almost here!

A few tips on how you can prepare for spring.

Winter is Almost Over!?

Time to start planning for you spring projects.

  Don't let the name Renovations Etc. fool you.  We have been building custom homes since 1996.  We have a reputation for building extremely energy efficient homes, most saving around 60% or more in energy consumption, over ones built conventionally.  We are known to use some proven but unconventional building techniques.  Everything that we put into your home is geared toward Energy Conservation.

1)  The Framework: We have used SIPS (structural insulated panels) and ICF's (insulated concrete forms).  Both are extremely energy efficient and exceptionally strong.  We found that working with SIPS to be a better system. The SIPS panel consists of a sheet of styrofoam sand-witched between two pieces of Oriented Strand Board. The panel thickness varies depending on the R-value that you wish to acheive. ICF's are styrofoam forms that are assembled like Legos, then filled with concrete. Very labor intensive. When building with more conventional methods we use at least 6" walls, Urethane foam insulation, or sprayed on fiberglass. 

2)  The Foundation: We have used Superior Walls foundation systems in the past. We have found that it is a very good system and very efficient. It is a pre-formed concrete wall system that is made in a factory under controlled conditions. It is made of waterproof 5000 psi. concrete and pre-insulated. We also use poured in place concrete walls with insulated stud wall interiors.

3)  Windows: We always use high quality windows with Low-E double pane glass with Argon gas. I prefer the Marvin or Integrity windows. The fiberglass framework is very nice.

4)  Plumbing:  We use tankless water heaters such as the Rinnai, Pex plumbing systems(to distribute water more efficiently) from one point.  We also incorporate water conserving toilets and fixtures throughout the house. 

5)  HVAC:  As far as heating & cooling goes , Geothermal is the most efficient, most systems can pay for themselves in about three years. If not, there are very efficient Hybrid systems combining Air source heat pumps and ultra high efficiency gas furnaces. We also use setback thermostats and high efficiency air filtration systems. Our homes are constructed very tight, because of that we use outside air make-up systems to bring in a small percentage of fresh filtered air.  No stale air!

6) Electrical: We prefer to use all Energy Star rated appliances and lighting if possible. We have not tried solar or wind turbines yet but we have the knowledge and capabilities to do so. We would love to construct a home that can be operated off the grid. Hope to do so in the near future.

  You will find that you get a stronger, cleaner, more quiet, and much more efficient home if you build with us.  Contact us and ask how we can build you a new home for about 10% over our cost!  Beware though, don't expect a non-energy efficient conventional home.