GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

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.

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

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.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |