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You’ve picked out the perfect finishes, hired a contractor, and can already picture your dream space coming to life. But there’s one critical step that too many renovations skip—and it can make or break your comfort for years to come: properly planning the HVAC.
Andrew Navarro, Service Manager for R.S. Andrews, says it’s a mistake he sees over and over again.
“A lot of people will come in and finish out a basement without addressing the HVAC… and the rooms are either going to be hot or cold based on whether the upstairs system is running or not.”
In other words, if your new space isn’t truly conditioned, it’s not truly complete.
The Hidden Mistake Contractors Don’t Always Mention
In many home renovation bids, HVAC gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list—or worse, left out entirely. Not because it’s unimportant, but because skipping it can make a contractor’s price tag look more attractive.
That’s when homeowners unknowingly inherit the problem. Tapping into an existing system might seem like an easy fix, but your main HVAC was designed for the original square footage—not your new finished space. Without the proper system, you’ll end up with a climate you can’t control and a utility bill that climbs faster than you expected.
What “Conditioned” Really Means
If you’re planning to spend time—or have loved ones spend time—in a newly renovated space, comfort isn’t optional. “You don’t want your mom, your aunt, your grandkids living in a part of the home that’s not conditioned comfortably,” Navarro says.
True conditioning isn’t just moving air around. It’s about precisely controlling temperature and humidity in every part of your home, no matter the season. That requires thoughtful planning before a single nail is driven.
Why R.S. Andrews Puts Comfort First
When R.S. Andrews is brought in early on a renovation, the process starts with a heat load calculation. This isn’t just guesswork—it’s a science-based evaluation that looks at your new space’s square footage, insulation, layout, and exposure to the sun. The goal: determine exactly what size and type of system will efficiently heat and cool the space year-round.
For Dale Cardwell’s basement project, that answer was a mini-split system—a highly efficient, targeted HVAC solution that provides independent temperature control for the space without overtaxing the existing upstairs unit.
The result? Lower energy use, long-term savings, and a room that’s as comfortable in July as it is in January.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Overlooking HVAC in a renovation isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a financial one. An improperly conditioned space can:
- Drive up energy costs as your main system strains to meet demands it wasn’t designed for
- Shorten the lifespan of your existing HVAC unit
- Lead to uneven temperatures and moisture problems that damage your finishes over time
Investing in the right system from the start means avoiding the expense of retrofits, repairs, or complete do-overs later.
Your Renovation, Done Right
Whether it’s a basement, addition, or attic conversion, R.S. Andrews treats HVAC as a priority, not an afterthought. Their experts understand that in the end, a gorgeous new space isn’t worth much if no one wants to spend time there because it’s uncomfortable.
If you’re on the brink of a home upgrade, start with the system that will make it livable year-round. Call R.S. Andrews before you hire a contractor, and let them create a comfort plan tailored to your space and your budget.
Because a renovation isn’t truly complete until it’s a place you love to be—in every season.