Best remodels to beat Boston weather

Living in an area of the country that is blessed with four beautiful seasons, Bostonians are faced with the challenge of building and remodeling homes that can stand up to brutal weather. Here are some considerations as you remodel your home to conform to the needs of a climate that spends much of the year enveloped in colder weather:

Insulation

In a city of Boston’s vintage, it’s likely many homeowners live in homes that are uninsulated, improperly insulated or in need of new insulation. Property owners have a variety of options at their disposal from fiberglass batt to foam insulation.

However, what’s important regardless of the insulation you choose is the R-value. Basically, the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is. The home's overall R-value can be also increased by layering insulation of varying R-values. Not only do you need to insulate the rafters and between wall joists properly, but also around plumbing to prevent it from freezing in winter.

Furnace

A good furnace is crucial for the comfort of you and your family. Installing a new furnace may not only keep you warm but save you money — not only in terms of reducing the actual energy usage, but also in the form of tax credits and utility company rebates. Credits and rebates can apply to a variety of heating options, from corn, pellet or wood-burning stoves to 95-percent efficiency furnaces.

Windows

Keeping out cold drafts is so much easier with modern double- or triple-paned windows. When selecting windows, look for a U-factor of less than 0.32 which indicates better insulating properties. It will help you keep your heating bills lower in cold temperatures.

Vapor diffusion retarder

More commonly called vapor barriers, these units are recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. Place them on the interior side of walls in cold weather climates.

As always, when hiring a highly rated Boston handyman or remodeler to update your home, make sure you receive several estimates and check references or reviews. It’s also important to ensure they have proper insurance and bonding, and licensing.