What’s the ROI?

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Homeowners considering energy efficiency projects ask a lot of the same questions.

  • Will this really make our house more comfortable?
  • How much will it save us on energy bills?
  • And most importantly, what’s the return on our investment?

Until recently, that last question has been a sticking point for many would-be retrofitters.  Sure, most banks can’t match the 10-year ROI an energy upgrade provides, and sure, rising oil prices might mean you recoup your original investment even faster, but plenty of homeowners believe that investing in energy efficiency only makes sense if they plan to be in their current home for at least ten years.  If they might move – well, there’s no way to be sure that potential buyers will appreciate the decidedly unsexy air sealing and insulation.  (That’s why so many home performance pros say their biggest competitors aren’t other insulators – they’re kitchen remodelers.)

Enter the Appraisal Institute. The leading association of real estate appraisers has published the Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum to help appraisers quantify energy upgrades that might otherwise go unnoticed. It also assists appraisers in analyzing residential green features and properties.

There are sections for insulation, water efficiency, Energy Star appliances and windows, day lighting, programmable thermostats, and solar panels. There prompts for HERS and LEED ratings, as well as to note energy audits and “work completed as a result of the audit.”  There’s even a section on location that gives extra credit to homes with passive solar orientation, natural landscaping, and walkable neighborhoods, and accessible public transportation.

This could help change everything.

Not right away, of course. An Efficiency First program on Getting Fair Value for Energy Efficient Homes noted the need to standardize the way we describe and document efficiency projects before we expect real estate brokers and homebuyers to understand their value. But brokers are interested, and there’s already a movement to Green the MLS so it’s easier to identify energy efficient homes within the multiple listing system.

Yes, we need to be careful: the last thing anyone wants is the kind of “green-washing” that’s resulted in “natural” junk food. 

But realistic, reliable information that gives homes credit for environmentally and financially beneficial features?  We’re bound to see an ROI on that.

Contact us today to learn more!

207-594-2244

Very easy process, start to finish.  Friendly, professional, and really know their stuff.  They made some improvements to our condo and we were very happy with how it played out.  Would definitely recommend them.

Clayton Eames

Last week, my oil company asked if we were using some other kind of fuel because our usage was so much less than they had expected We are very happy with the results; the house is much more comfortable

Steve T.

St. George

We had Evergreen Home Performance of Rockland come in to make our home more energy efficient, and what a TOP notch crew. Brian and his crew did an amazing job from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and professional. We would Definitely highly recommend this crew to anyone who is looking for energy efficiency in their home with a company that truly is an expert and knows how to do a quality job and truly cares about their customer.

Melissa S.

Owls Head

Evergreen is a terrific company to deal with. Polite and efficient crews, meeting deadlines and major reduction in our heat bills. They corrected a lot of issues we suffered from doing work with a shoddy building contractor. We would recommend them to anyone.

Mary Carey

I cannot say enough great things about working with Evergreen Home Performance. Everything including the initial consultation, the fabulous work crew, the office support and the final resolution was handled in a caring and professional manner. My only regret is that I did not know about them earlier. I enthusiastically recommend Evergreen to anyone with concerns about home energy use.

Darlene R

Bath

We had Evergreen energy do blow-in cellulose. I was very happy with the result. They tested with blower-door before and after. House is now MUCH warmer. Also, in the time since when I've had to open walls for various access, I've been impressed with how they got the insulation packed in everywhere. I'd use them again.

Noah

Peaks Island

Great company. Very professional and thorough. They take the time to explain everything and offer options to fit your budget. Wonderful experience from start to finish.

Bonnie Eustace

Evergreen did a fantastic job insulating our 1930's home. The onsite team was professional, clean, and really just a joy to interact with throughout the process. A blower test at the end showed a significant decrease in air leakage. I highly recommend Evergreen.

Kristen H.

South Portland

We just finished a large project of air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic which had been completely renovated 8 years ago but still felt cold and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

Emily Gallant

Evergreen listened and produced a thoughtful evaluation, proposal and comprehensive plan for our attic and basement. They exhibited excellent workmanship, teamwork, and came back as planned after the completion of the job to test the outcomes. Their overall performance as insulation and home improvement contractors is truly outstanding and we highly recommend them.

Susan S.

Saco

First we have Evergreen do a BIG project worth about $20K (windows, basement, insulate & rebuild an entire wall, a door, attics, and air sealing). They were so great we had them come back later when we decided we did want to do our other door. They are professional and do great work. They take care of your home and are trustworthy, and on top of all that friendly! I highly recommend you call them!

Garreth C Debiegun

We had a fantastic experience working with Evergreen to insulate our roof this winter. Everyone was extremely friendly throughout the process - the crew at our home worked hard, were approachable with questions, and the team leader even showed me around the project to point out specific areas they were working to improve.

Joel Wentz

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

This team of individuals was professional at all times. They set up barriers that kept the dust at a minimum. They conducted an air flow audit and cut the draft circulation from the outside in half by sealing cracks. They hauled out the old insulation and replaced it with blown in insulation with an R - 60 Value. They also did the rebate paperwork so that I could get my $1500.00 rebate from the state of Maine. I highly recommend Evergreen Home Performance!

Daniel B.

Rockland

We needed basement encapsulation to stop moisture coming up into the house from our regularly flooding basement. We had mold growing on windowsills and furniture. All the staff were friendly, respectful of our home, and easy to work with. Humidity has gone from 70% down to 40% and mold has not grown back after two months. Very grateful.

Sarah C.

Belfast

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