Any construction/remodelers here?

[Jfitz]

Hi all -

The wife and I are looking into some serious renovations on our house, so I thought I'd throw it out here to see if there is anyone in the construction/remodelling business. We're not looking to get a contractor here but I'd like to bounce some questions off someone in the business to help us in approaching the project.

Please PM me instead of posting here on the forum...

Thanks in advance!

- John Fitz

[Vic]

Have fun with it, John! My wife and I fully restored a 1910 foursquare craftsman from the studs out. I've been out of construction, thankfully, for a long time. I'm an energy efficiency consultant for a public utility and my background comes in very handy. Feel free to bug me about any energy stuff. You'll find most things in this area are best discussed, so I can give you my phone number, if you'd like.

[TFPtrader]

Oh yea!, the fun begins. The key to large renovations is good design, lots of planning, coordination and making it all fit into a comfortable budget. Selection of contractors who understand this is paramount. Like Vic, I have a background in some construction work through the years but my expertise is installing heating and hot water systems. I've somewhat winded down now into semi retirement but I'll help you with any questions regarding a heating system. Lot's of good stuff out there now and you should look at your available options. A few bucks spent up front usually pays back nicely in the long run, if it's done right. Here's my website that shows some of the stuff I've been involved with. http://www.myadvance....com/ I don't know if heating is part of your scope of work, but I'll help you if I can from an installers perspective if it is.

[Jfitz]

Vic, Art - thanks for the replies! I definitely want to make sure the "infrastructure" (including energy efficiency and heating/cooling systems) are done correctly. If I have any questions I'll drop you a note.

[Derwood]

Hi. Currently not in the trade but I flipped more houses than I care to remember. No contractors either so I can help I guess. I know a lot about MA plumb and heating, fam business.