For those of you who have been wondering, "What goes on in Greenwich with the net zero home?", we're alive and well AND have been working, despite the horribly cold temperatures and snowy conditions. It has been incredibly cold here in the Northeast - - colder than either of us can recall, with only 1 or 2 days above freezing since January 1. We have experienced more below zero temperatures this winter than in probably the last 10 winters combined; and, of course, while living in a camper!
Much of our time in the past 6 weeks has been spent in survival mode - - making sure our water source continues to flow, heat working around the clock, plowing, shoveling - - all that fun stuff. But we're doing fine - - we just had to shift our work to the future phases of home building in order to keep the ball moving while it snows and blows outside. On not-so-cold-you-can't move days, Kevin installed all of the custom made proper vents in the attic, and built 8 very awesome looking gable returns, and the remainder of rain screen is ready to be installed as soon as the temperatures moderate. We have also attended two Net Zero home online seminars, and a NYSERDA event in Latham (during a snow storm) on February 9.
That said, the kitchen has been ordered; the countertop selected. Shower and tub units, and bath vanities have been chosen; finalizing sink/countertops next week. The overhead door/opener has been ordered. Selection is underway for faucets and lighting. The electrical plan has been evaluated, tweaked, and tweaked again (and again). All of the electrical boxes (wall and ceiling) have been placed in the "third BR", with the rest of the house to be completed by the weekend. We hope to meet with our HVAC contractor soon to finalize mechanicals and finish up the plumbing portion of the exercise.
More details and photos to follow. Despite the harsh winter, spring is around the corner, and "this too, shall pass".
Much of our time in the past 6 weeks has been spent in survival mode - - making sure our water source continues to flow, heat working around the clock, plowing, shoveling - - all that fun stuff. But we're doing fine - - we just had to shift our work to the future phases of home building in order to keep the ball moving while it snows and blows outside. On not-so-cold-you-can't move days, Kevin installed all of the custom made proper vents in the attic, and built 8 very awesome looking gable returns, and the remainder of rain screen is ready to be installed as soon as the temperatures moderate. We have also attended two Net Zero home online seminars, and a NYSERDA event in Latham (during a snow storm) on February 9.
That said, the kitchen has been ordered; the countertop selected. Shower and tub units, and bath vanities have been chosen; finalizing sink/countertops next week. The overhead door/opener has been ordered. Selection is underway for faucets and lighting. The electrical plan has been evaluated, tweaked, and tweaked again (and again). All of the electrical boxes (wall and ceiling) have been placed in the "third BR", with the rest of the house to be completed by the weekend. We hope to meet with our HVAC contractor soon to finalize mechanicals and finish up the plumbing portion of the exercise.
More details and photos to follow. Despite the harsh winter, spring is around the corner, and "this too, shall pass".