Jan-Feb-09-Cover
 

Adding a Room? Room Addition Checklist

Use this handy checklist to keep your home safe and eco-friendly as you remodel.

Article Tools

JOB SITE
• Limit vehicular traffic.
• Mark fragile site features.
• Hand-dig utilities in root zones.
• Protect native topsoil.
• Reuse construction and deconstruction waste. (See “Remodeling Construction: Waste Not, Why Not?” page 18)
• Recycle job-site waste.

FOUNDATION
• Use concrete containing recycled waste.
• Install insulated concrete forms (ICFs).
• Use recycled-content rubble for backfill drainage.

STRUCTURAL FRAMING
• Use advanced framing techniques (AFT).
• Use reclaimed lumber.
• Use FSC-certified wood.
• Use engineered lumber.
• Use finger-jointed studs.
• Use SIPs for walls and roofs.

EXTERIOR SIDING
• Use alternatives to wood.
• Use fiber-cement exterior siding.
• Use finger-jointed trim.
• Install drainage planes.

ROOFING
• Calculate how much roofing you’ll need.
• Avoid adhesives.
• Provide a light-colored or reflective roof.
• Install radiant barriers.
• Install 40- to 50-year roofing.

ELECTRICAL
• Install clerestory windows.
• Install light shelves.
• Install energy-saving compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs).
• Install lighting controls.
• Minimize light pollution.

INSULATION
• Use formaldehyde-free, recycled-content fiberglass insulation.
• Use cellulose insulation.
• Use mineral/rock wool insulation.
• Caulk, seal and weatherstrip.

SOLAR ENERGY
• Install double-pane windows.
• Install low-E windows.
• Install low-conductivity frames.
• Incorporate natural light.
• Incorporate and distribute thermal mass.
• Install window coverings and overhangs.
• Install a solar water heater.
• Install grid-connected PV panels.
• Install off-the-grid PV panels.
• Install solar hot water pre-plumbing.

INTERIOR MATERIALS/FINISHES
• Use formaldehyde-free materials.
• Select wood flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
• Use rapidly renewable flooring materials.
• Install recycled-content carpet and underlayment.
• Use low- or no-VOC and formaldehyde-free paint.
• Use low-VOC, water-based wood finishes.
• Use solvent-free adhesives.

Reprinted with permission from Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time by David Johnston and Kim Master (New Society, 2004)


Comments

Add Your Comment

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Natural Home readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Natural Home?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
(Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.


Subscribe today and save 50%
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Province: *
Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to Natural Home

Welcome to Natural Home, the authority on green lifestyle and design. With an up-to-date outlook on current trends in sustainable building and wholesome living, Natural Home gives today’s eco-conscious homeowners the information they need to live in nurturing, healthy homes. Subscribe to Natural Home today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save money and a few trees by paying with your credit card now. Take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $4.95 and get six issues of Natural Home for just $15! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)

Or, choose Bill Me Later and pay just $19.95