Page 3 - Green Builder Remodeling Field Report 2021

Beyond the

Fancy Facades

Partnering with contractors, building
science experts and millennial homebuyers,

Green Builder pushed the needle forward
this year on home remodeling.

With two major renovation projects underway, one in Scottsdale,
Arizona, the other in Austin, Texas, we experienced the real-world
surprises and setbacks that make remodeling so challenging: labor
shortages, permitting issues, unexpected water damage “behind-
the-walls,” clients getting a divorce, and so on.
One of the resounding lessons we’ve learned from both of these
projects is that homes built in the last 30 or 40 years as “luxury”
products often don’t pass muster, when it comes to performance.
Both of our whole-house renovations uncovered construction
flaws and inferior products far less impressive than the facade you
see from outside the walls. This Report aims to consolidate that
knowledge, and add to it many other remodeling tips and caveats
REVISION HOUSE SCOTTSDALE we’ve collected over the past year testing products, talking with
trades and manufacturers and generally staying on top of what’s
been a supercharged year for remodeling.
Here’s a first-hand look at two great projects, completed despite
a roller coaster ride of pandemic anxiety. This has been no ordinary
time, and that has certainly influenced our partner projects. It’s a
new normal. From material shortages to the growing pains of going
“all electric,” the business and science of remodeling have been in
flux. Here are two outstanding case studies to draw from. Whether
you’re doing the work, or launching into your own major renovation,
I hope you can learn from these projects vicariously. There’s no
better teacher than first-hand experience.

REVISION HOUSE AUSTIN
MATT POWER, EDITOR

REMODELING FIELD REPORT GREEN BUILDER 3