Part 1: Sustainable Investment Property Showcase: Following a South Dallas Efficiency Remodel

In the heart of South Dallas, an exciting sustainable remodeling project is underway that demonstrates how investment properties can be transformed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. We're following an investor who is committed to showcasing green building practices on a 1930s home in the 75210 zip code area, while simultaneously creating learning opportunities for students through partnerships with nonprofits for green contractors and high school apprentice programs.

Property Background: Starting from Square One

This investment property presents the perfect canvas for demonstrating comprehensive sustainability upgrades. Built in the 1930s, the brick home features original shiplap walls and has never had central heating or air conditioning installed. The property currently has:

• Zero insulation in the walls, attic, or floor

• Single-pane aluminum windows throughout

• A dirt crawl space without vapor barrier

• No attic access point

• No HVAC system

The investor sees these challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to showcase how older properties can be brought into the modern era of energy efficiency.

Planned Sustainable Upgrades

Insulation Improvements

The insulation contractor has discussed several critical upgrades:

• Installing a vapor barrier in the crawl space to prevent moisture issues

• Adding floor insulation to improve comfort and efficiency

• Installing either spray foam or blown-in cellulose insulation for the currently bare walls

• Creating attic access to add proper insulation overhead

Window Replacements

All existing single-pane aluminum windows will be replaced with energy-efficient, low-E windows that will significantly reduce heat transfer and improve comfort throughout the seasons.

HVAC Installation

The property will receive its first-ever central heating and cooling system. The investor is exploring a high-efficiency heat pump solution, with particular interest in a Mitsubishi multi-zone ductless system. Final decisions will be made after budget considerations.

Ductless systems provide no heat gain or loss to ducting in the attic and can usually achieve as high as 26 SEER2 ratings making them far more energy efficient.

Renewable Energy

A particularly exciting aspect of this project may involve a nonprofit for training green solar contractors called greencareerstexas.org. We also hope to be using the property as a training ground for students learning to install solar panels and other types of sustainability contract work. This educational component will not only provide valuable hands-on experience for future sustainability professionals but will also reduce the property's energy consumption moving forward.

Water Heating Solutions

With only one bathroom in the home, the investor is weighing options between a heat pump water heater or a tankless electric on-demand system. The property offers sufficient space to relocate the water heater to the attic if necessary.

A Learning Showcase for Sustainable Investment

What makes this project especially valuable is its educational mission. Beyond simply improving a single property, this remodel aims to demonstrate to other investors and homeowners how sustainability can be integrated into renovation projects—even for older homes with significant efficiency challenges.

The investor's commitment to transparency throughout the process provides a real-world case study of sustainable remodeling choices, their implementation, and eventually, their performance and return on investment.

Follow the Journey

This blog will provide regular updates as this South Dallas home undergoes its sustainability transformation. We'll document decision-making processes, installation challenges, and solutions discovered along the way. Whether you're a property investor, homeowner considering your own efficiency upgrades, or simply interested in sustainable building practices, this project offers valuable insights into the practical application of green building principles in our DFW community.

Stay tuned for our next update as budget decisions are finalized and the first phase of improvements begins!

We don’t know how many parts there are going to be to this series. So stay tuned.