skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Buying 3 yr old home--questions

15 years ago

We have contract on 3 yr old home that was custom built by owners but there were some features they did not add--like radiant barrier decking under-roof...

they used fiberglass in walls I am sure because there is blown fiberglass in attic...although they could have beefed it up since the inspector says that it is heavier than code...

I think it would be smart to get energy raters/retrofiting type company to assess the house before we move in and get stuff up in the attic --- our energy use may differ from the owners--we are just empty nesters and won't use the uptairs much at all--they had college age girls and a mother living with them----so from usage standpoint theirs would be higher anyway...

my husband did not want to do energy assessment during the option period--he says the house is better built that the one we are moving from and he knew that the owner was not going to pay for any upgrades...

some features of design show that they did things to lower energy use--like not having large windows on west side of house...but then again they did not use the radiant barrier decking--and it is compositin roof so taking those panels off when it is reroofed is just too expensive...

I know we need to get water heater blankets for the two gas water heaters--they are in the attic--

and I know it needs some weather stipping on the outside doors...

would it be smart to have the audit done on such a new home before we move in or wait and see what the bills will be?

What to look for in choosing someone to do the energy audit and any upgrades?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

baymee
15 years ago
Are you planning to put possessions up in the attic? If not, it wouldn't hurt to wait till next year and see what your energy costs are.

That will give you time to get an unbiased energy auditor. I think there is something like Angie's List that gives feedback on the various contractors in your area.
loves2read
Original Author
15 years ago
that is a good point about see how energy costs go--there is about 2500 sq ft down I think which is a little more than we have now--but there is no way to close off the 2nd floor--even if there is separate unit for that space...

we are hoping to clean out/throw out lot of stuff we have in house now--some of which is in the attic--we also have a storage unit with who knows what it in--
my husband always thinks we will have another use for something...
but this new house is larger--has 3 car garage vs 2 car now
so we do have more storage downstairs...

I just thought it would be easier for someone to get up in there and do stuff now
the attic garage probably has the most useable floor space--it is not floored at this time--the attic over the living area has broken roof line to contend with--makes it more difficult to get around up there...

I do have Angie's List membership and have been happy with the people I have found through it so far...
Related Discussions
Sunshine Blue blueberries - where to get 3yr old plants?
Q
Comments (6)
Edible Landscaping in Stuart has 3 year old Brightwell Blues. Mr. MacKenzie says they outperformed all others in their trials in Stuart. They were still picking in August. I'm ordering 4 low-chill varieties from Hartmans, 100 plants in all. But they will be small for ease in shipping. Blues grow very fast, so I'm not worried about buying the little, well-rooted ones. If you want some of the little Sunshine plants, check out the Florida Forum to get on the list. Cost will be under $3 each. Lisa Here is a link that might be useful: Edible Landscaping
...See More
3-yr old Rhododendron size
Q
Comments (2)
The size at 3 years of age can depend entirely on the particular variety. In this case, since it's blooming, all would appear to be well. 2.5 feet at 3 years would give a 10 year height of 7.5 feet which would be pretty normal, depending on the size when first planted.
...See More
daughter won't dress 3 yr old
Q
Comments (16)
Binkie, I reread your last post. If I understand correctly, your daughter and grandchild live free because of a home you let her live in. Also, she does not work. This makes me want to ask a few questions... First, if she doesn't work, how does she have the money to go shopping, even at thrift shops, six or so days a week? Second, if you own the house, then why don't you make it a condition for her living there that she keep it reasonably clean and tidy. What you described in your other post sounds like a health and fire hazard to me. Six root canals, crowns, and an extraction at 3??? I understand why you say that was serious. I'm glad to hear she got the toothpaste. Now, let's hope she follows through with teaching him to brush. Yes, occassionally not wearing socks or underwear is probably not grounds for social services to step it, but if what you've described is true, I would guess they'd step in in a heartbeat. What you have described is a child running around in a house packed full with stuff, everything in chaos, a child with a mouth full of rotten teeth, running around half naked and stinky feet. All of this with the Mother's attitude as "it doesn't matter." Now, what do you think social services would see?
...See More
3yr old still using bottle at night!
Q
Comments (10)
My 3 year old DD goes to bed with half bottle warm milk,we sing wee willie winkie,we all (the whole family)! kiss her good-night, I close the door and she happily goes to sleep and wakes at 6:45. My other DD, now 14 went to bed the same way. The day before she started school at age 4 (was in England), I told her that she can throw the bottle away and have a cup of warm milk before going to bed because she is going to school the next day and is too big for a bottle now. She was fine with this and it worked, though she was a little sad and still remembers having felt a little sad about it.She's a fab daughter and has great teeth! I think its fine if the child is happy with it, its not too problematic for the parents and the child always uses the toilet before bed and 1st thing on waking. My 3 year old is always dry at night but I keep her potty and tissues next to her bed so she can go straight away in the morning.
...See More
baymee
15 years ago
It seems like your auditor said there is more than enough insulation in your attic and if you want to put things up there, you'd have to put plywood down....not an easy thing to do now. Otherwise, I don't know what else you'd put up there except central A/C. Seems like the attic is in good shape. The other projects can wait until later or after you see what heating and cooling costs are and then make an informed decision.

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: To Buy or Not to Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Before you make your next home-decor purchase, ask yourself these 10 questions

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

MOVING Hiring a Home Inspector? Ask These 10 Questions

By Christine Tusher

How to make sure the pro who performs your home inspection is properly qualified and insured, so you can protect your big investment

WORKING WITH PROS 9 Questions to Ask a Home Remodeler Before You Meet

By Ventana Construction LLC

Save time and effort by ruling out deal breakers with your contractor before an in-person session

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mount range hood to wall or ceiling?

19

HVAC Covered in Ice

10

A/c making humming sound

4

Typical charge to install fuse

18

HVAC condensate pump issue

0