Reposted with permission from Pro Remodeler Magazine’s website.

Construction has begun on Pro Remodeler‘s Model ReModel 2022, the restoration of a 19th-century Victorian with a new modern in-law suite addition.

Design-build firm Symbi Homes will transform this single-family home in a historic neighborhood of Hyattsville, Md., showcasing their enlightened approach to home remodeling that emphasizes energy efficiency, technology, comfort, and wellness. Key aspects of the project include:

  • Giving the Victorian an exterior “facelift” by patching and painting the existing wood lap siding, installing a new roof, and restoring the original 1880s windows

  • Updating the insulation, air sealing, ductwork, appliances, and mechanicals of the existing home to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption

  • Building a new, high-performance 850-square-foot one-bedroom and universally designed in-law suite addition certified Zero Energy Ready by the US Dept of Energy

  • Maximizing indoor air quality with a state-of-the-art energy recovery ventilator (ERV) with air filtration and a whole-house dehumidifier for optimal comfort and wellness

  • Installing solar-powered renewable energy sources

“We are thrilled to be taking on this challenging and exceptional project that will restore and protect a historic treasure for generations to come,” says Symbi Homes CEO Nicole Tysvaer. “Our goal is to reduce energy consumption by at least 50%, while at the same time increasing the square footage by more than 60%. This is an important case study to demonstrate how contractors can take on deep energy retrofits without breaking the bank.”

The final product, Symbi Homes has named “Regeneration House,” will provide the ultimate solution for age-in-place accommodations, as the single-story backyard accessory dwelling unit has been designed with barrier-free entries, an ADA compatible bathroom, extra-wide hallways and doorways, and smart home automation. According to Tysvaer, the urban infill design represents “multi-generational living at its finest.”

View the full project here and sign up to learn about key milestones on our journey.