Alair Decatur Renovation Project Earns EarthCraft Certification

When most people think of a home renovation, they picture shiny new kitchens, sparkling new baths and expanded space to spread out and enjoy family time. But internal systems are as important as external beauty, and by focusing on both, home renovator Alair Homes Decatur (www.alairhomes.com/decatur), EarthCraft consultant SK Collaborative (www.skcollaborative.com) and Engineered Solutions of Georgia (www.esogrepair.com) were able to bring both style and energy-efficiency to a 1960s-era ranch house in Decatur. And by doing so, the home earned EarthCraft’s first EarthCraft House Platinum Certification of 2021.

The homeowners had updated their heating and air system prior to engaging Alair Decatur for a renovation, but the home’s humidity issues had worsened instead of improved.

“At my very first meeting, the homeowners told me they were noticing new and increased condensation,” said Heather Shuster, Alair Decatur partner. “They had assumed that updating their HVAC systems would eliminate any water problems, but unfortunately the opposite occurred – they began having more significant humidity issues. I recommended bringing in an EarthCraft consultant to analyze how the home was functioning and to help figure out a prescriptive approach for improving the home as a component of the renovation we were about to undertake.”

SK Collaborative worked with Alair Decatur to identify and resolve the humidity issues. Contributing factors included a lack of insulation and no air seal in the home’s exterior walls. Outside, the sloping yard channeled water towards the home instead of away, so Engineered Solutions of Georgia redesigned the gutter system, added trenching and installed additional sump pumps to manage water at both the terrace and lower levels of the home. Alair Decatur installed UltraAire ventilating dehumidifiers on the HVAC system to manage excess humidity on the lower levels and included ductwork to the closed attic to address any humidity in the sealed attic space. The renovation team also used ZIP System sheathing to create an integrated water-resistive barrier on the walls, and reinstalled spray foam all the way to the exterior walls.

“It’s a very exciting for homeowners when their house is awarded a Platinum Certification from EarthCraft,” said Shuster. “The EarthCraft House program recognizes homes that are sourced, constructed and designed to reduce environmental impacts. We recommended, and the homeowners agreed to, Energy Star appliances, plumbing fixtures that conserve water, sustainably sourced and finished flooring, and other ‘green’ choices. The final result is a home that’s not only comfortable, but is using energy wisely. I love working with homeowners who put a high priority on clean air, water conservation and energy efficiency when they renovate, and am very happy to see this house receive the prestigious EarthCraft recognition.”

About Alair Homes Decatur

Alair Homes Decatur was founded in 2001 by Peter Michelson as Renewal Design Build. He and his brother, David Michelson, who joined the firm in 2004, are fourth-generation builders, specializing in custom home building and home renovations and remodeling. In 2018, their firm became part of Alair, the largest and fastest-growing premium construction management franchise in North America, and includes Partners Heather Shuster and Ken Carter. Now, as Alair Homes Decatur, a partner in Alair Homes North Georgia, the Michelsons and their team of experienced and award-winning custom home builders and remodelers are serving local homeowners through personalized, detail-oriented residential construction services from small home renovations to designing and building multi-million dollar dream homes. Every client receives the same premium service, and remains fully informed, involved and in control throughout the design and construction process. www.alairhomes.com/decatur

About EarthCraft House

EarthCraft House is the foundation of the EarthCraft family of programs. Launched in 1999 through a partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface Institute, EarthCraft House has become a popular choice for single-family homebuilders and homeowners. The EarthCraft House program certifies homes that are sourced, constructed and designed to reduce environmental impacts. EarthCraft homes also save homeowners a projected 30 percent on their energy bills, relative to comparable buildings that are constructed through standard construction methods. To earn certification, homes must meet standards for performance, health, environment and comfort. www.earthcraft.org/programs/earthcraft-house