The peace and quiet of a mountain hideaway can restore the soul, but the squirrels in the attic, the termites in the floor framing, the road that washes away with every hard rain, and the contractors who disappear during hunting season are also a part of the deal. Make your home as compatible as you can with the elements around you. Don’t try to fight Mother Nature — she’ll win.

• If your property is on a slope, be sure to soil around your foundation is packed and sloped to force surface water to roll away from the structure. Install a French drain just below the soil surface on the uphill side of the house to collect ponding water and move it away from the house.
  
  
• Mold and mildew can be a problem, especially if the home is sometimes unoccupied. Clean out your ductwork periodically, invest in a dehumidifier, and use water-friendly lumber and finishes to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
  
  
• Storms and falling tree limbs can damage your roof and your electrical service. Inspect both systems regularly, and when you remodel, add special surge protection and sturdy roof structure and finishes.

Be sure your designer and your contractor have lots of experience working in your unique environment before you hire them, and get a good warranty! Inexperienced contractors will probably not understand your special challenges. You’ll be paying for their education, and down the road you’ll be paying for their mistakes.

MORE INFORMATION

You’ll find lots more information about the home remodeling process in Managing a Renovation: Staying in Charge and Out of Trouble, our friendly and comprehensive homeowner’s guide to remodeling project management. Download the table of contents and a sample chapter, or go to the order form to purchase it.

We offer ready-to-use construction forms, including a complete remodeling contract, in our Bookstore, as well. Have a look.

And, you may want to look at our list of More Resources for some great design ideas.

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