Trek had the fabulous idea of garnering the collective experience of TEers who have remodeled or renovated or just worked on their places of residence.
I have questions, and I know that y'all have opinions (and answers), so let's get started.
I'm purchasing a house that needs a little work. Not a lot, but enough to make me think about things. I want to do it right to balance cost, energy efficiency, and quality. I'd like to do things as green as possible, within reasonable cost.
The Facts:
1. The house is a 1939 bungalow; 900 SF. I live in Richmond Virginia, which is hot in the summer and can get downright cold in the winter (we even get snow sometimes, but more often ice).
2. Me: just me in the house. My style tends toward modern.
The Issues
1. HVAC: The furnace (natural gas) is 11 years old. The chimney needs a new liner, and the furnace needs some basic fixing up, like connecting to ducts and such. I'm going to fix the furnace because it's still in good shape. What's the best way to install a/c? Seems like my choices are window units (might be a temporary fix, but not permanent), central system with heat pump (then I'd have two heating systems), or a split-system ductless system. What are your experiences with this? What about a whole house fan in the attic (would have to keep the attic door open).
2. The water heater needs replacing. Does anyone here have experience with on-demand hot water heaters (gas)? I'd put it in the basement for all hot water needs. Thoughts, suggestions, opinions?
3. There is a fireplace, and with a bit of chimney work, it will be functional again. Eventually I might consider getting an efficient wood-burning stove for the fireplace. Does anyone know where to start to find out about the new generation of wood stoves?
4. (the fun part) the kitchen is small and bare and just waiting for me to knock out one wall and put in a functional and really nice (within reason--not talking SubZero here) kitchen! I'm thinking about concrete countertops in the kitchen. And getting all Energy Star appliances, of course. Gas cooking. Any lessons learned that you would like to share?
5. I also plan to put a Euro-type washer/dryer combo for clothes in the kitchen. There are full-size washer and dryer currently in the basement, but the dryer is not vented to the outside (!?) and I'd much rather not have to go outside to the basement to do laundry. Since the kitchen has to be totally redone anyways, it's a good time to put one of those in. Most clothes drying will be outside on the line in good weather. Anyone have one of these?
6. Bathroom is in good shape, but the toilet is very old (one of those padded vinyl seats--ewwwww!) and will need to be replaced. I'm not getting a composting toilet. But I'll swing for an efficient 1.6 gpf or less, dual flush one. Any recommendations?
General advice is welcome, too.
Thanks so much!
-tulip