Cut Fewer of These.
Remodeling your home, as opposed to building new, has many economic and environmental advantages. A home renovation project may use half the materials a new structure would require. Fewer materials used equals less money spent and a happier environment. Other ‘tricks’, like leaving beams exposed, also cuts down on finish material needed. Finish materials are generally the most costly of those used.
The eco-friendly side to this is clear, cut smaller numbers of trees, mix less cement, impact fewer square yards of ground area and probably use less electricity during construction as well, especially if your contractor has energy efficiency in mind.
There are many specifically green, or eco-friendly approaches I’ve learned about and I’ll mention a few. Many times, salvaged materials can be used. If your home is relatively new, demolition should be methodical. With a careful demo we can save 2×4 and 2×6 framing materials like studs, headers, and joists. This in place of the more standard and extremely wasteful method of chopping it up and throwing it in a dumpster is good for the conscience and the pocketbook.
Banister Salvaged, Floor Reclaimed.
Saving(or barn-shopping) antique woodwork and timber whenever possible is extremely important. Besides the often overlooked monetary value now commonly associated with these materials, once old oak, walnut, or hickory is stripped and sanded it can be turned into heirloom furniture like butcher block counters, guitar displays and frames, or used as decorative accents.
On the exterior, composite decking, made from 100% recycled materials, lasts longer than most natural woods and doesn’t need paint. Railing and fencing systems made of these materials are also available in most consumer lumberyards. Also, old railroad ties make great retaining walls and garden bed borders. There are piles of railroad ties all over the USA.
I guess the best thing to do is be conscious of these approaches, then get inventive. I’ll be focusing on aspects of ‘Green’ building and remodeling in forthcoming installments. From the foundation to the roof.
I’m Stephen, a carpenter and a web designer. N
Ellis Brothers LLC, Natick Ma. Boston Metrowest.
Historic restoration and preservation in Massachusetts including Wellesley, Sherborn, Wayland, Holliston, Dover, Westwood, Medway, Hopkinton, Ashland and everywhere in between!
Pilgrim Sherborn Steeple Project.
Is your home in a historic district? You need a contractor who cares about that historic value. Call Seth Ellis at 508-353-7846 to set up a meeting for a free estimate.
The Ellis brothers have over 20 years experience in Boston Metro West home renovation. They have a great respect for historic preservation, are especially apt in the fabrication of unique pieces, and partial to historical district renovation and remodel projects.
Recently, Seth Ellis was one of the first in the state to take the new lead paint safety class leading to his certification.
Ellis Brothers Construction LLC is licensed and insured in the State of Massachusetts.
Rev. John & The Weather-Vane.
The images depict a recent historic renovation the Ellis Brothers coordinated in Sherborn Ma. All of the woodwork on the steeple was starting to rot so they dismantled it and saved all of the original arches using wood hardener, filler and a little skill. They also fabricated original style replacement pieces out of modern materials.
Meanwhile a new structural support system was added to the base of the steeple and made ready for the steeple raising. See some videos of the steeple raising @ Ellis Brothers on YouTube.
There were other structural issues in the attic of the main church building as well, due to the original steeple collapse in the early 1900′s. The church’s frame, a huge post and beam structure, had been repaired long ago and it was time for a modern fix. The Ellis Brothers had a structural steel ‘sleeve’ made for the damaged beam, tightened it up and added another 100 years to the longevity of the building.
Structural Steel in The Attic.
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I’m Stephen, a carpenter and a web designer. N
