Better Renovations + Retrofits

Worth Preserving Headquarters, Germantown NY

“The greenest building is the one that is already built.”

— Carl Elefante, preservation architect

There are over 85 million existing single family houses in America. Roughly 40 million of them were built before the 1970’s oil crises… and the increased use of insulation and double-pane windows that followed. These old houses comprise the fabric of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Most are well constructed. Many have elegant architectural details. These are the places that many of us call home. They are worth preserving.

What are the best practices for stewarding existing homes for the 21st century?

How should we prioritize our actions, when undertaking a renovation?
How do we strike a balance between the concerns of historical commissions and the new energy codes that are being enacted?
What is the best way to weatherize a damp fieldstone basement?
In the end, how do we know if we have done a good job?

The geographic scope of this project has been limited to the Northeast, in recognition of the fact that house design and construction is regional in nature - influenced by local climate, culture and building traditions.

Case Studies

This project would not exist if it weren’t for all the talented and committed contributors who expressed enthusiasm for the endeavor and made time in their very busy schedules to collaborate.

KEY of PROJECT TYPES

I
ENERGY RETROFIT

minor renovations to house

II
LIGHT TO MODERATE RENOVATIONS

little change to footprint

III
EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS

typically with additions to footprint

* HISTORIC LISTING OR DISTRICT

CONNECTICUT

1. Kent | Hudson Valley Preservation Corp.