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Community and Q&A

Finding a Contractor for Green Building Renovations

dan7210329 | Posted in GBA Pro Help on

I just bought a 1900s brick row home in Harrisburg, Pa in historic district.  I need a contractor who can retrofit energy efficient systems but does so preserving as much historic detail as possible.  Can anyone suggest where I can go to find such a contractor?
City requires work preserves exterior historic character of buildings – replacement windows must appear as original – wood, not vinyl, for example.  Another example: if the large double hung picture window on the first floor may not be replaced to preserve historic nature, I need designer/contractor who can specify and install appropriate techniques & materials.  Other issues: How best to air/thermal barrier to the 3rd floor ceiling below the flat roof?  Same with 3rd floor dormers peaking out of mansard roofs?  Replace baseboard electric heat and add air conditioning.

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Replies

  1. user-2310254 | | #1

    Dan,

    I'll give your post a bump. FWIW, you could search for Passive House builders as a starting point. In the meantime, you might want to read this article (https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/insulating-old-brick-buildings) so you can ask questions that will reveal if the contractor is a fit for your project.

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