reNew Home
Since earning a BA in Sustainable Development form ASU in 2008, I (John Kidda) have worked in the “building performance” sector of the construction industry, which seeks to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. I spent two years with Building Performance Engineering in Boone, NC, where I was engaged primarily in project management and vocational training. After leaving BPE, I worked for Advanced Home Energy in the San Francisco Bay Area for three years. Initially involved in field production, I was quickly promoted to a technical and sales position, and eventually grew to manage sales, technical, and production staff for AHE.
Shortly after moving back to Boone in Fall 2013, I founded reNew Home, inc, with a plan to provide renovations to existing homes that incorporate building science principles and emphasize energy efficiency and the use of more sustainable and locally sourced materials.
Since incorporating last October, I have participated in a number of local construction projects:
I plan to reach into the government services sector in the near future. This spring, I became the only “Home Performance with Energy Star” Contractor in western North Carolina in response to demand from a state program that provides rehabilitation to low-income housing. In cooperation with the High Country Council of Government and a network of general contractors, I plan to provide energy audits, technical oversight, and program compliance services to WNC homes participating in this program.
The fiscal challenges I currently face are licensing, marketing, and equipment. I have been able to incorporate and sustain my business for a year without borrowing any money, and my goal is to grow incrementally while carrying little to no debt burden. If I can overcome a few substantial capital expenses over the next year, I feel I will be primed for continued success.
It is true that the Boone, NC area is saturated with general contractors as well as construction professionals specializing in energy efficiency. In my opinion, however, these two groups both miss the mark. The general contractors are usually competing on either price or aesthetics of finished product. The energy specialists typically offer only one product, or a small range or products geared toward the singular outcome of saving energy. The general contractors, by and large, don’t take the extra steps to provide the value inherent in the building science approach to their customers. They would be happy to carry out a $15,000 kitchen remodel without bothering to see whether the walls needed new insulation while it was convenient and inexpensive to perform. The energy specialists are so narrowly focused that they forget that homes need to be, first and foremost, livable and aesthetically pleasing. They will install a cutting-edge heating system, but leave legacy infrastructure in place, or fail to correct other eyesores. By providing the breadth of service a general contractor would provide, in conjunction with my knowledge of building science and sustainability, I will be able to carry out projects that provide the aesthetics desired by the typical customer, as well as the functional and environmental benefits advocated by the energy professionals. My focus will be on providing exactly the project the customer desires, but with an eye for related projects that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the home and make sense to carry out simultaneously. I believe there is a void in our construction market that can be filled by a business like mine.
Shortly after moving back to Boone in Fall 2013, I founded reNew Home, inc, with a plan to provide renovations to existing homes that incorporate building science principles and emphasize energy efficiency and the use of more sustainable and locally sourced materials.
Since incorporating last October, I have participated in a number of local construction projects:
- Built a horse barn with a 2,000 sf loft apartment. The project utilized locally sourced lumber, spray foam insulation, and high efficiency propane heating and hot water systems. (Subcontractor)
- Renovated a basement that had suffered moisture damage due to poor drainage and no insulation. Designed an insulation system that minimized thermal bridging and achieved a high level of insulation without subtracting from usable floor area. Used reclaimed materials for trim and finish. (Subcontractor)
- Renovated a basement apartment that had suffered moisture damage. Improved upon the aforementioned insulation system. Installed energy saving home automation system. Used reclaimed cabinetry and fixtures. (Project Lead)
- Currently converting a recently built pole barn into a 3,600 sf home. The dwelling will be off the grid, powered by a 6 kilowatt photovoltaic solar electric system with battery storage. Heat will be provided by two direct-vent, high efficiency wood stoves. Locally sourced lumber is being used for the siding and interior finishes. Framing is Forest Stewardship Council Approved. (Subcontractor)
I plan to reach into the government services sector in the near future. This spring, I became the only “Home Performance with Energy Star” Contractor in western North Carolina in response to demand from a state program that provides rehabilitation to low-income housing. In cooperation with the High Country Council of Government and a network of general contractors, I plan to provide energy audits, technical oversight, and program compliance services to WNC homes participating in this program.
The fiscal challenges I currently face are licensing, marketing, and equipment. I have been able to incorporate and sustain my business for a year without borrowing any money, and my goal is to grow incrementally while carrying little to no debt burden. If I can overcome a few substantial capital expenses over the next year, I feel I will be primed for continued success.
It is true that the Boone, NC area is saturated with general contractors as well as construction professionals specializing in energy efficiency. In my opinion, however, these two groups both miss the mark. The general contractors are usually competing on either price or aesthetics of finished product. The energy specialists typically offer only one product, or a small range or products geared toward the singular outcome of saving energy. The general contractors, by and large, don’t take the extra steps to provide the value inherent in the building science approach to their customers. They would be happy to carry out a $15,000 kitchen remodel without bothering to see whether the walls needed new insulation while it was convenient and inexpensive to perform. The energy specialists are so narrowly focused that they forget that homes need to be, first and foremost, livable and aesthetically pleasing. They will install a cutting-edge heating system, but leave legacy infrastructure in place, or fail to correct other eyesores. By providing the breadth of service a general contractor would provide, in conjunction with my knowledge of building science and sustainability, I will be able to carry out projects that provide the aesthetics desired by the typical customer, as well as the functional and environmental benefits advocated by the energy professionals. My focus will be on providing exactly the project the customer desires, but with an eye for related projects that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of the home and make sense to carry out simultaneously. I believe there is a void in our construction market that can be filled by a business like mine.
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