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You can increase the value of your next remodeling project by including energy efficiency improvements. Learn how with Energy Efficiency Improvements for Remodeling Projects.
Remodeling & Retrofits
Jump to: Innovative Products & Processes | Design & Construction Guides | Best Practices | Performance Reports & Case Studies | Field Evaluations | Questions & Answers | Web Links

Products, practices, and results to consider when remodeling a home. Some key issues include universal design, energy efficiency, and lead paint remediation.

Innovative Products & Processes - PATH Technology Inventory [Back to Top]

Consider using the products below to take advantage of their potential to provide one or more of the following in the homes you build: Affordability, Energy Efficiency, Quality & Durability, Environmental Performance, and Safety.

Advanced Framing Techniques: Optimum Value Engineering (OVE)
Aerosol Duct Sealing
Attic Access Insulation and Air Seal Systems
Central Air Purification/Ventilation/ Dehumidification Systems
Combined Heat and Power Systems for Residential Use
Compact Fluorescent Lighting
Drainwater Heat Recovery
Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps
Electrical Raceways
Energy and Heat Recovery Ventilators (ERV/HRV)
Fiber-Cement Siding
Flashing Products
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Grid-marked Sheathing
Heat Pump Water Heaters
High Efficiency Air Conditioners without HCFC
High Performance Glazing
High-Efficiency Refrigerators
Horizontal Axis Washer-Dryer Combination Unit
Horizontal-Axis (Front-Loading) Clothes Washers
Hot Water Recirculation Systems
HVAC "Smart" Zoning Controls
HVAC Sizing Practice
Information-Age Wiring for Home Automation Systems
In-Line Fans
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Insulation Alternatives: Blown or Foamed Through a Membrane
Insulation Alternatives: Non-Fiberglass Batts
Insulation Alternatives: Sprayed Fiber Insulation
Insulation Alternatives: Sprayed Foam Insulation
Interior Storm Windows
Latex Foam Sealant
LED Lighting
Lighting Controls
Low- or No-VOC Paints, Finishes and Adhesives
Low-E Storm Windows
Mini-Duct Air Distribution System
Modular Air Handler Hot Water Coil
Modulating Furnace
Passive Solar Ventilation Air Pre-heater
Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaics - Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Plastic Ductwork Systems
Programmable Thermostats
Radiant Barriers
Radiant Ceiling Panels
Radiant Cooling - Hydronic
Radiant Floor Heating - Dry System Hydronic
Rammed Earth, Adobe, Cob & Soil-Cement
Residential Green Roof Systems
Self-Sealing Duct Components
SmartVent Roof Ventilation
Solar Water Heaters
Solar-Powered Attic Fan
Structural Insulating Sheathing
Structured Wiring Systems
Switchable Glazing Windows
Tankless Water Heaters
Tubular Skylights
Two-stage Evaporative Cooler
Ventilation Control Systems
Vertical Axis (Top-loading) Energy-Saving Clothes Washers
Water Cooled Evaporative Air Conditioning
Water Heaters With Space Heating Capability
Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation Strategies
Wind Power Generator
Window Film
Wireless Thermostats

Design & Construction Guides [Back to Top]

Guides for designing and building various types of construction

Advanced Wall Framing: Build efficiently, use less material, and save energy!
Community Guide to Basic and Cost-Saving Construction in the American Southwest
Considerations for Building a More Energy Efficient Home
Efficient Lighting Strategies - Wise Design Choices Can Meet Lighting Needs and Save Energy
Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency Tips for New and Existing Homes
Energy Efficiency Improvements for Remodeling Projects - Training Modules
Energy Efficiency in Remodeling: Appliances & Lighting
Energy Efficiency in Remodeling: Ducts
Energy Efficiency in Remodeling: House Air Leakage
Energy Efficiency in Remodeling: Roofs & Ceilings
Energy Efficiency in Remodeling: Windows
ENERGY STAR® Building Upgrade Manual
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Selection and maintenance guidelines for major home appliances
Energy-Efficient Lighting - ToolBase TechSpecs
Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners
Heating and Cooling Remodeling Options - ToolBase TechSpecs
Home Automation Options for Existing Houses: "No New Wires" Solutions
Installing Vinyl Siding Over Existing Wood Cladding
Nationally Applicable Recommended Rehabilitation Provisions
Passive Solar Design
Photovoltaic Systems - ToolBase TechSpecs
Residential Communications Wiring Special Report
Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guideline
Retrofitting Apartment Buildings to Conserve Water: A Guide for Managers, Engineers, and Contractors
Smart Codes in Your Community: A Guide to Building Rehabilitation Codes
Solar Water Heating
Spot Ventilation - Source Control to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Staining Western Redcedar and Redwood Siding
Technology Fact Sheet: Air Sealing - Seal air leaks and save energy!
The Ins and Outs of Caulking
The Rehab Guide, Volume 1: Foundations
The Rehab Guide, Volume 2: Exterior Walls
The Rehab Guide, Volume 3: Roofs
The Rehab Guide, Volume 4: Windows and Doors
The Rehab Guide, Volume 5: Partitions, Ceilings, Floors and Stairs
The Rehab Guide, Volume 6: Kitchens & Baths
The Rehab Guide, Volume 7: Electrical/Electronics
The Rehab Guide, Volume 8: HVAC/Plumbing
The Rehab Guide, Volume 9: Site Work
Water Conservation Overview of Retrofit Strategies: A Guide for Apartment Owners and Managers
Water Intrusion and Remediation for Wood Frame Homes with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Window Selection: Modern windows provide energy savings, durability, and comfort
Best Practices [Back to Top]

General recommendations and accepted practices

Before You Install Exterior Wood-Based Siding
The Home Automation Question: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?

Performance Reports & Case Studies [Back to Top]

Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real life applications

"On the Path" ZEH Demonstration - Bel Air, Maryland Bob Ward Companies of Edgewood, Maryland worked with the NAHB Research Center to build one of the first ultra energy-efficient production homes in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Bern Clothes Washer Study The small town of Bern, Kansas was selected evaluate the energy and water savings of high-efficiency, horizontal-axis washers.
Field Test of Advanced Duct-Sealing Technologies within the Weatherization Assistance Program A field test of an aerosol-spray duct-sealing technology and a conventional, best-practice approach was performed in 80 homes to determine the efficacy and programmatic needs of the duct-sealing technologies as applied in the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program.
Innovative Rehabilitation Technologies: A State of the Art Overview This study identifies promising cost-saving technologies for housing rehabilitation
Photovoltaics: A Background Paper for Homebuilders, Remodelers and Editors A 10-page summary that describes solar PV technology and how steel roofing with a PV coating was installed on an NAHB Research Center Townhouse in 1996. A useful introductory document for those who want to know how it works.
Strategies for Energy Efficient Remodeling: SEER 2003 Case Study Report The goal of the Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Remodeling (SEER) project is to provide information to remodelers and consumers about opportunities to increase home energy performance.
Worker Exposures to Airborne Lead during Residential Remodeling Activities - Results of Five Site Visits 5 case studies that monitored worker exposure to airborne lead during residential remodeling activities.
ZEH Demonstration - Califon, New Jersey Although it did not start out to be a zero energy home, the remodeling project performed by Asdal Builders in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center resulted in a newly remodeled home that will be a net-zero energy home.
ZEH Presentations These ZEH presentations include "Strategies for Energy Efficient Remodeling (SEER)" and "Zero Energy Homes: A Brief Primer"

Field Evaluations [Back to Top]

Evaluation of how products and systems perform in real life applications

Asdal Builders
B.C. Daniels
Bob Ward Companies
Existing Homes in Chicago
Model reMODEL
Summerset Development Company
Weingarten House
Williams Building Diagnostics, Inc.

Questions & Answers [Back to Top]

Frequently asked questions, answered by home building professionals

Can you help me find a good remodeling contractor in my area?
Do electrical switches, connections, receptacles, and wiring need to be replaced after flooding?
How much does the average family room addition cost?
Should ceramic tile adhered to concrete slabs be removed after flooding to avoid potential mold problems?
What types of remodeling jobs result in the highest resale value?
Where can I find 1920s products to help me renovate a home using period finishes?
Where can I find statistics on the remodeling industry?

Web Links [Back to Top]

Recommended Web resources for additional information