General Contractor + Landmarks & Eco Consultant Combo?

Hi all, My reno project started out small. But it’s not looking so small anymore. …heard that story before? The plan’s not firm, but the project could potentially eventually include: replacing 90-yr old electic system throughout the house, replacing the ancient boiler, retrofitting radiant in the main floor, insulating like crazy, adding A/C of some sort, redoing one bathroom and adding another, replacing windows, rebuilding the front porch before it collapses, and other things that my brain is mercifully repressing. Okay, maybe it only started out small in a delusional part of my brain.  We have a contractor we like, who comes with great references and a lot of experience working on old buildings. But he’s never dealt with a landmark commission and he’s not got a big background in eco-renovation (the former is mandatory, the latter is a *huge* priority for us).  So is it crazy to imagine a team with a contractor, a deep green consultant, a landmarks consultant…and an architect thrown in there if/when need be? Am I signing myself up for months of coordinating and researching, in which case I should just keep searching for Mr. Contractor Right? Or is it reasonable to work with this plan? Also, oddly, we had no problem locating a landmarks consultant, but I cannot seem to find a super-green consultant. Recommendations MUCH appreciated!!! Thanks!

kimplicated

in Environmental and Green Design 12 years and 2 months ago

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masterbuilder | 12 years and 2 months ago

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I’m a GC with a landmarks relationship working on specialized “green” projects.  The commission approved our plans to retrofit/superinsulate a wood frame house from around circa 1860 and took keen interest in how the project will preserve the house.  We are also currently working on two other comprehensive projects that will be superinsulated and feature specially designed mechanical systems.  Frankly, a lot of this comes down to common sense building that has already been engineered.  The NYC Building Code has a lot of requirements as well.  Please email if you would like more information or to see some of the images we created for the LPC public hearing. masterbuildernyc@gmail.com  BLUE GREEN RED LLC

Goatcrapp | 12 years and 2 months ago

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you’re setting yourself up for a ton of headaches the more you grow that team.   Get an architect, and a GC who has experience in green alternatives…    also make sure what you have in mind for “green” truly is, or you’ll be spending more money for no gain, and a potentially larger carbon foot print when you factor in the manufacturing process (which you have no part in, but might be a dirty process – so the end result is you do no harm, but do no good either, and spend more for the privelege.  One good example is recycled rubber and tire substrates vs good old rock and pebble. very dirty manufacture process negates the benefits if green is the main goal.)

kimplicated | 12 years and 2 months ago

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Well, that’s discouraging. That’s the one thing we haven’t investigated. We’re also looking for guidance in questions, for example, like spray foam insulation–eco-friendly in that it’s super effective at sealing leaks, but what about off-gassing, and how does the calculus change if you use one that’s water-blown instead of using CFCs? Would an architect help on issues that specific?

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 2 months ago

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You just need an architect.  Most of us are green and NYC has an energy code to comply with as well.