Green Remodeling

From the curb, it looked like any other home remodeling project. But when Heritage Builders completed the transformation of this two-story south Minneapolis home, it included many ecologically sound features that set it apart from its neighbors. The homeowner is proud to be part of a cutting-edge green home remodeling movement – as well as loving the fact that they will enjoy the benefit of almost no monthly energy bills as long as they live in the home.

Heritage Builders Inc. began remodeling the home after the project was designated as part of the pilot program in the Minnesota GreenStar home building and remodeling certification program.

"The homeowner came to us with a strong personal commitment to green remodeling practices even before we were involved in the earliest test phase of this program," said Ike Daughenbaugh, owner and lead designer at Heritage Builders. "The acceptance and inclusion of this remodeling project in the pilot program means he was involved in a ground-breaking effort to encourage green remodeling of homes in Minnesota.

The homeowner inherited the 1916-built house from his parents. Before moving in, he wanted to enlarge and completely remodel his home using sustainable and locally sourced materials and introducing energy efficient systems. The home  uses geothermal heating instead of traditional forced-air heat. By tapping into the heat of the earth, the homeowner will use  no natural gas and, therefore, will have only minimal monthly energy and electric expenses.

Minnesota GreenStar offers homeowners certification for new home construction and home remodeling projects that comply with a set of guidelines and standards. The green remodeling certification is important for many environmentally minded homeowners and will additionally bring the added benefit of greater market appeal for their homes.

Picture This... From Studs to Windowsills, Your Home is Environmentally Sound!

As innovators in the green  remodeling movement, Heritage Builders obtained Bronze Certification  for the remodeling of this home in south Minneapolis. To meet the strict certification criteria of the Minnesota Greenstar remodeling program, Heritage Builders carefully planned and then followed specific guidelines and standards, all of which were verified by a third party.

Some of the elements of this remodel that contributed to the certification included:  geothermal heating and cooling; cement-based siding and exterior trim; Energy Star-rated appliances and lighting fixtures; low-flow plumbing fixtures; reclaimed ceramic tile; 40-year shingles; certified building materials, recycled materials and salvaged fixtures; and rain barrels to collect water for use in the yard.

Environmentally Sound Living

Verification and certification of projects through the program ensures that it is:

• Healthier and more comfortable
• More sensitive to the community and the environment
• More efficient with use of energy, water, materials, land
• Less costly to operate
• More valuable in the marketplace

These photos illustrate just a few of the procedures:

Advanced framing techniques eliminate overuse of materials

All connection points are sealed to

prevent air leakage

Windows are high performance and certified

Salvage materials are used whenever possible