January 30, 2018
Remodeling your home, whether it is a basement, attic, or garage, is one of best home improvement decisions you could make. Well-planned additions and remodels consistently rank in the top 10 ROI home improvements when it comes to recouping costs at time of sale.
Whether it’s a playroom for the kids or a full in-law suite, there are a few things you should know before even thinking about remodeling.
Once you’ve decided on an addition or remodel, but before you make any arrangements, discuss your plans with a professional HVAC contractor. You don’t want to waste precious time and money only to find out that you skipped important heating, air conditioning and ventilation details.
Never ignore a moldy and musty space, especially if you are considering a remodel. Moisture problems are common in basements. If you aren’t sure if your space has the right humidity levels, you can do a little moisture test.
Cut a couple of 2-ft by 2-ft plastic sheeting pieces and tape them to the floor, walls, and ceiling. Come back in a week to see if any condensation has accumulated on the plastic.
A simpler way would be to purchase a hygrometer/thermometer device to measure the temperature and humidity levels. The ideal indoor humidity range is somewhere between 30% and 50%. If you detect any water spots or moisture problems, you may need to seal your foundation, fix plumbing leaks, improve drainage, and/or add some basement waterproofing.
If it’s just high humidity, however, a properly designed HVAC, ventilation, and humidification system should be able to keep your basement moisture levels under control.
Contact an HVAC expert to test your basement’s moisture and humidity levels before planning your basement remodel.
VOCs are all around us. They get emitted from a wide variety of common household products including: nail polish remover, paint, glue, carpeting, any fuel-burning process, air fresheners, cleaners, and detergents.
Off gassing occurs when chemicals, gasses, and VOCs get released into the air. Many building materials are notorious for off gassing. Research your products and building materials on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, which contains a wealth of information on nearly every home product.
VOCs and off gassing are extremely harmful in high doses, but can be effectively managed with proper handling and ventilation. Learn more about ventilation solutions.
Carbon monoxide (CO), as you probably know, is an odorless and colorless gas with the potential to kill. CO is a byproduct of the combustion process. Generators, stoves, furnaces, water heater, and barbecues all produce carbon monoxide.
If you don’t have an existing HVAC system in your remodeling space, consider adding a ductless mini-split unit. Here are some of the reasons why ductless mini-splits are popular choices for add-ons and remodels:
Keep in mind that finding HVAC specialists for ductless mini-splits can be difficult. Make sure you hire qualified contractors with lots of experience installing HVAC zoning systems.
Don’t make the mistake of going through with a remodeling project without considering all of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs of your new space.
Speak with your local HVAC specialist before and after your next add-on or remodel. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to Ask a Champion: