Dust Control
As a healthy home builder in Seattle, dust control is at the top of the priority list in all projects. This is especially important in a remodel when a client is living in the house during the construction process. The following steps are taken in every project to prevent dust from infiltrating the occupied or finished areas of the house:
- Seal door ways with plastic sheeting and zippers for entry or exit
- Fabricate wall across room to seal off work area
- Cover and seal HVAC vents
- Create negative air pressure in the work area
- Run air filters at various locations as necessary
- Set up centralized wood cutting stations
- Maintain a clean jobsite (inside and out) throughout the course of construction
Deconstruction
As Seattle area deconstruction contractors, we will remove walls, cabinets, fixtures, etc. piece by piece as necessary for the remodel. This is done in an effort to salvage all materials for reuse in the remodel or to be sold at the various reuse stores in the Seattle area.
Seismic Upgrading
A remodel lends a perfect opportunity to retrofit your home for earthquakes. The city of Seattle or a structural engineer will provide a retrofit plan that will secure your house in the event of an earthquake. This may included adding sheer walls and securing framing to the foundation. Also, insurance companies may offer a discounted premium if your house has been seismically upgraded.
Energy Sealing
A remodel presents a great opportunity to make your house more energy efficient through best building sealing processes. Once walls have been opened cracks, gaps and holes can be sealed with caulking, foam and insulation to create a tighter more energy efficient home. Other areas that can be sealed are electrical boxes, stud and joist penetrations, sill and top plates, rim joists, attic knee walls, windows and doors.
Materials and Fixtures
Within the additions or remodels, we strive to use the following environmentally friendly and/or healthy building techniques:
- Local materials
- Salvaged materials
- Sustainable materials (i.e. dovetail joinery for cabinets and furniture)
- Rapidly renewable materials (i.e. bamboo)
- High recycled content materials (i.e. paper stone countertop)
- Recyclable materials (i.e. some plastic lumber systems)
- Low VOC emitting paints, stains, glues and sealers
- Energy efficient fixtures and appliances (i.e. Energy Star light fixtures)
- Water efficient fixtures and appliances
- Gray water and rain water recovery systems