So, my handyman called and we have a completely new plan-a string of skylights across the south facing roof and a few on the north roof and possibly French doors below on the south side. I am looking into getting them at a salvage place everyone uses here and getting a coating to put on them for UV protection. I would save a ton of money, I could open the windows, use an exhaust fan, and could use the entire 12x18' two floor space for the room up to 14.5 '. Most likely wouldn't need a permit so he could do the work. He has a heating license so he can set up the heat in it's own zone and I could pop in an air conditioner in one of the two existing windows. He would use a vapor barrier and insulate like mad. But I really need to create a dry basement for storage first. My basement leaks every rain storm but he has worked on jobs sealing wet basements and think this can be done.
What do you think? I might spend more on heat but if I can find super low-e windows.....
Most of all, I want all that space! I could start right away on the basement without disrupting my tenants. Then they might be able to empty their stuff from the garage into the basement and he could make the sunroom that they could use if they chose. I'd feel a lot less pressured about the orchid moving timing too.
