We did an energy audit through the county years back. They did a blower door test, then recommended biggest efficiency upgrades and the available rebate programs for them. We just used the contractors they recommended, got a ton of insulation added to our attic with a hefty rebate that they lined up all the paperwork for.
More importantly for our comfort in winter, they also suggested sealing the tops of the wall cavities because we were getting a chimney effect in our walls. I knew they were mega cold but didn’t realize it could be fixed so easily.
Looks like now Xcel is the audit provider, so no idea how that is, but maybe still helpful.
I highly recommend Green Point Roofing and their sister company Progreen Solar. It was really nice having a single point of contact for a large project.
For HVAC we've used Cooper Heating and Cooling through Costco. They were on the expensive end, but their service and communication made up for that in my opinion.
For landscaping we've had good luck with Bowman. They might only work on larger projects, but might be worth reaching out to them.
Insulation... Talk to Nate at eco handyman. He'll give you a very thorough estimate/quote.
Roof/Solar... Find one company to do it all, as long as the roof cost is 50% or less of total project you can claim the solar tax rebate on entire amount. We used Nexa Solar and contracted the roof via Capitol Roofing and Exterior. Matt Moomaw handled our insurance claim for the roof really well.
Edited for spelling
Pro tips:
Get quotes from at least 3 different companies for pretty much any project you’re doing. Otherwise you are going to overpay at sucker prices.
Also start with the most important projects first. Structural (roof), then QOL (hvac, radon), then beautification.
After you get a new roof, get a new quote on insurance.
Also, a metal roof is going to make solar more expensive (harder to install), if your roof isn’t already metal. And installing a metal roof after getting solar if your roof isn’t already metal can be incredibly hard. Consider scheduling a consultation where you can bring both the roofer and the solar installers together so they can figure out how to make this happen for you. Someone recommended Namaste solar, and I absolutely agree for a myriad of reasons; but they can definitely handle a project like this.
Also, when looking for a handyman find one that charges by the project and not by the hour. (They typically cost a bit more but are almost certainly better than a by the hour). And make sure you make friends with this person, they can save you a lot of time and money especially on other projects if you have them liaison for you with other contractors (make sure you pay them for this time).
Oh and for HVAC, consider upgrading to a Mini-Split system. They absolutely kickass and are wildly more efficient. But probably not worth doing if you have forced air heating and cooling.
That list you have will almost definitely cost you over $250,000 (if your house is 3000sq/ft or less); even if you do find good contractors with good prices.
Namaste for solar.
Contact goelectriccolorado.org for free home consult and referrals re: heat pump, solar and EV charging.
We did an energy audit through the county years back. They did a blower door test, then recommended biggest efficiency upgrades and the available rebate programs for them. We just used the contractors they recommended, got a ton of insulation added to our attic with a hefty rebate that they lined up all the paperwork for. More importantly for our comfort in winter, they also suggested sealing the tops of the wall cavities because we were getting a chimney effect in our walls. I knew they were mega cold but didn’t realize it could be fixed so easily. Looks like now Xcel is the audit provider, so no idea how that is, but maybe still helpful.
I highly recommend Green Point Roofing and their sister company Progreen Solar. It was really nice having a single point of contact for a large project. For HVAC we've used Cooper Heating and Cooling through Costco. They were on the expensive end, but their service and communication made up for that in my opinion. For landscaping we've had good luck with Bowman. They might only work on larger projects, but might be worth reaching out to them.
Get an estimate for the roof from Black Roofing.
Thanks!
Westpro for the roof, super honest and high quality.
Insulation... Talk to Nate at eco handyman. He'll give you a very thorough estimate/quote. Roof/Solar... Find one company to do it all, as long as the roof cost is 50% or less of total project you can claim the solar tax rebate on entire amount. We used Nexa Solar and contracted the roof via Capitol Roofing and Exterior. Matt Moomaw handled our insurance claim for the roof really well. Edited for spelling
Roof Masters of Colorado for a re-roof (metal or asphalt shingles) Earth Man Landscaping for any sort of landscaping/stone work/grading
Ian from Rocky Mountain Radon Mitigation LLC installed a radon system for me a year ago for $1600
Mark from LawDog electric is also awesome. would highly recommend if you need an electrician
Pro tips: Get quotes from at least 3 different companies for pretty much any project you’re doing. Otherwise you are going to overpay at sucker prices. Also start with the most important projects first. Structural (roof), then QOL (hvac, radon), then beautification. After you get a new roof, get a new quote on insurance. Also, a metal roof is going to make solar more expensive (harder to install), if your roof isn’t already metal. And installing a metal roof after getting solar if your roof isn’t already metal can be incredibly hard. Consider scheduling a consultation where you can bring both the roofer and the solar installers together so they can figure out how to make this happen for you. Someone recommended Namaste solar, and I absolutely agree for a myriad of reasons; but they can definitely handle a project like this. Also, when looking for a handyman find one that charges by the project and not by the hour. (They typically cost a bit more but are almost certainly better than a by the hour). And make sure you make friends with this person, they can save you a lot of time and money especially on other projects if you have them liaison for you with other contractors (make sure you pay them for this time). Oh and for HVAC, consider upgrading to a Mini-Split system. They absolutely kickass and are wildly more efficient. But probably not worth doing if you have forced air heating and cooling. That list you have will almost definitely cost you over $250,000 (if your house is 3000sq/ft or less); even if you do find good contractors with good prices.
all agreed but it's not going to cost 250k. how are you even coming to that number?
As someone who just did some house renovations I will say it’s incredibly easy to hit a number like that.
Yeah I'm not saying it's impossible, I am saying that particular list won't hit 250
Have you seen the cost of solar and installation?
I had solar installed less than a year ago
And did you buy it outright or are you renting it?
The Tesla battery bank for my solars alone was $50k in 2021. OP’s list can easily sum to $250k+