Another important consideration was sustainability. While I don't disagree with the current certification programs proliferating in the Treasure Valley such as Energy Star and LEED certification, my philosophy is that the "sticker," and the costs associated with obtaining the stamp of approval, are not necessary to achieve high standards of both sustainability and energy efficiency. Moreover, LEED and Energy Star programs do not necessarily constitute the highest level of "green" building.

When designing a home, often the most overlooked way to maximize energy savings is passive solar design, which uses the sun's energy to heat and cool living spaces. Passive solar design elements, including the placement of windows, venting considerations, and other elements, were consciously built into this project to achieve high standards of energy efficiency. An efficient ceiling ventilation system, complete with operable clerestory windows, helps to evacuate hot air that has risen upstairs and reduce the dependance upon air conditioning. Windows were chosen not only for their beauty, but also for their low U value, triple paned glass, and insulating features to reduce energy consumption both during winter and summer. Appliances, too, were chosen for their energy efficiency as well as aesthetics.

Natural and sustainable materials were used whenever possible. For example, the walls were finished with American Clay, a natural product that absorbs moisture and releases it back into the home's interior atmosphere. Clay has no odor or harmful chemicals, and has a unique textural quality with pigment already part of the finished application. However, as is the case when using natural materials, imperfections are part of its finished charm. This is true of the natural hardwoods used both inside and out, as well as for the exterior rafters and soffit, all of which are solid wood. Hardi-plank Artisan exterior siding, a fiber cement product, was chosen for its durability and sustainability. It requires minimal maintenance, no need to paint as often as other types of siding, and it resists insects and rot.   

Sustainability also meant choosing materials that won't end up in the landfill. Because the materials used were predominantly natural, they are all recyclable in the future. Materials were chosen specifically for their durability as well. This is a home that is meant to last a long time, and will not require anything to be replaced due to wear in five to ten years. For example, the wood floors, which are Acacia on the main floor and Brazilian Koa in the bedrooms, and the Ipe interior window trim, are sustainable hardwoods that can be refinished multiple times. Other materials, like granite scraps, were salvaged and put to use in parts of the home to minimize waste.

Most important, however, was the philosophy of the site chosen and its eventual development as a single family home. The home was built on a site that housed a dilapidated and run down structure.  

Although the materials of the old home were not salvageable, as is generally the case in a renovation, its foundation was solid, and therefore incorporated into the new home.  The footprint of the house took the principle of the "not so big house" into consideration, to prevent wasted space and maximize the enjoyment of the outdoors. In this case, sustainability meant revitalizing a corner of the North End.  

I hope you enjoy the tour of the 18th & Dewey house, and appreciate the design philosophies that went into creating it. I look forward to creating and executing your vision. 

• Update Kitchen & Bathrooms. These still are the most popular rooms in a home. Money invested into a kitchen or bath benefits resale value of a home, as they are highly frequented areas.
• Improve Energy Efficiency. As our natural resources become more precious, we as homeowners have the ability to effect change. And, as much as we dislike replacing systems that still work, heating and cooling systems over ten years of age should be upgraded to units that not only are more energy efficient, but are also more compact, and of better quality.
• Increase Insulation Effectiveness.    Insulation and weatherproof sealing are great methods to improve energy efficiency for little cost. Older homes, especially those in the North End, may have ineffective insulation. Once a home is properly insulated with updated materials, homeowners are able to physically feel the decrease of both varying temperatures and their power bill.
• Enhance Curb Appeal.  Nothing compares to a first impression. This is what makes you feel happy when you drive up to your home, and potentially others will feel the same way if you find yourself in a position to sell. Consider the overall look, including siding, doors, roof, windows and landscaping. Also overlooked, especially if you have a North End home, are front porches. Often, poorly executed renovations enclosing a front porch have ruined the aesthetics of the home, as was the case for this house. A front entry way addition along with deliberate window placement restored a balanced look to this home's front facade.

For general information on the resale value of improvements in the Boise area, consult Remodeling Magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value report. The report provides a comparison of a range of job costs with their expected resale value after one year. Trends in resale value have, as you might expect, mirrored the decline in housing values seen across the treasure valley. For a more in-depth analysis of housing price trends, visit Community Real Estate's facebook page, where a series of articles is posted discussing the trends present in the housing market in and around Boise.