Kathleen, it sounds like you have a fun project and a good client- a nice combination. I would recommend that, as part of your pre-design assessment of the existing structure, you have a blower door test done of the existing structure and simultaneously take infrared photos all around the house while it is being pressurized. Now that the cooler part of the year is upon us, the temperature differentials will enhance contrast in the thermal and air leakage performance of the existing structure. These tests will probably give you and your client a great starting point for getting the biggest bang for their project budget.
Flir One has an IR attachment for Smart Phones that work decently- you may just want to spring for a true IR camera if you plan on doing more of these projects.
https://www.flir.com/products/flir-one-gen-3/?creative=426653790666&keyword=flir%20one&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgNunr7a17QIVBNvACh3zZwTIEAAYASAAEgKvI_D_BwEThe November/December 2020 issue of The Journal of Light Construction has a very good article “Tracing Air Leaks With a Blower Door” that uses a high-volume theatrical fog machine to locate the air leaks. Probably more efficient than the more common chemical smoke sticks. You might find the article informative. A couple of years ago, NYS had a program where a blower door test of existing structures could be done for free. I had one done at my old family home in Syracuse a few years ago and it was most informative. Might want to check out that possibility.
Feel free to contact me directly if you want to bounce ideas around. I’m in the Buffalo area and have done a fair number of projects in Climate Zones 3, 5, & 6.
Regards.
Jim White AIA
Original Message:
Sent: 12/3/2020 10:34:00 AM
From: Kathleen A. Sullivan AIA
Subject: Net zero- Deep Energy Retrofit- Pretty Good House- Ener Phit?- Existing Single family Sustantial Renovation
Hello-
Excited to have a client who wants to do their renovation as thoughtfully as possible. NYS climate zone 4- suburban cape cod Dormer pop up- any advice and experience with setting goals and balancing costs and actual impact is appreciated.
------------------------------
Kathleen Sullivan AIA
Trio Architecture pllc
Hastings on Hudson NY
------------------------------