You may want to consider the spray in foam insulation. Especially upstairs. It costs more but our power bill is a ton less. And it keeps out more bugs and we have had no rodents.
One change after mine burned - I installed ALL doors at 3' wide. Even the closets and bathrooms. It makes moving furniture easier & in case someone ends up in a wheelchair♿ - quicker exit/access during an emergency. Thanks for the update. Many people are pulling for y'all. -KJ
Shane, when I had my fire the ins adjuster said I would never be able to get the smoke smell out of the foundation. Something to check into. Of course my circumstances were different. My first floor burned thru and I had furniture fall into the basement and burn and smolder.
Smart move on downsizing, imo. Lower heat/air cost plus years of collecting "stuff" you don't even use. Family/guest can stay in the "shop" if needed. lol I have a 16x40 "pool house". 😉
Before I built my 1st house I researched how Southerners kept cool before air conditioning. I figured whatever kept us cool then- would keep the electric bills lower now. All 6 of my houses sold to the first person who looked at them because I built to look nice but keep the bills down. 1- High ceilings - Easy to do w/ 1 story houses. I vaulted all bedrooms, family areas and even the master baths. Not only are they pretty but the heat stays well above our heads. Ceiling fans push the heat down during the few months we need it. 2- 2"x6" exterior walls = extra insulation- The extra cost now is a small investment. 3- Deep roof overhangs & Wrap around porches- This keeps the sun off the walls & the inside cooler. Newer homes tend to use 6-12" overhangs to save the builder money. Older homes had 3' overhangs. This also keeps rain out of open windows. 4- Double hung windows - Allows the top & bottom to open so you can let cool air in and heat escape at the same time. 5- Light color exterior walls. If the sun hits dark brick or paint it heats the inside of the wall. 6- Stone or brick fireplaces in the middle of the house - not exterior. The thermal mass from the brickwork helps maintain internal temps. 7- Working shutters - Painted any color you want when they're open. The backsides were painted white so they could be closed in the summer. Not only does this stop sun from coming inside but if sun hits the white backside - it reflects & illuminates the room, so no need to turn lights on. I found the same effect with white blinds. 8- Multiple layers of heavy curtains/drapes. I grew up in GA and remember only being hot a few days out of the year. My parents house had most of these features & no A/C. I also put closets on exterior walls. Just another pocket of insulation between you and the summer. This is more winter thing than summer - -Put ALL PLUMBING on interior walls to prevent freezing. Even if the pipe doesn't split - water doesn't flow if it's frozen.😅 Makes sure ALL WIRING is 12/2 or bigger. It can be run on 20amp breakers & Less chance of breakers kicking. Now is a great time to get the builder to incorporate energy saving features. You should talk to some old-timers and see if I missed anything. Best of luck ! ! -KJ
❤ I love your attitude and so so glad to see how quickly your progressing on the clean up. Sending prayers that everything goes according to your plans with no hiccups. ❤
Those two pups are so happy to see you!!!! So glad things are moving forward for ya'll. Keeping you and Kim in my prayers that everything moves along as planned.
It's a good start to the new house. The workers did an amazing job on the clean up. Glad the chicks are doing good. Amen Shane, keep the faith y'all will be back better than ever despite the tragic shock and loss. God bless you and Kim.
God Is With You And Your Family Shane And Your New Home Will Truly Be A Blessing, You Are Holding It Together For The Family And That Is Wonderful, All Your Animals And Crops Are Fine Another Blessing, Look Forward To Seeing The New Build, Wendy
