I am what some folks would call an “extreme do-it-yourselfer” and can tackle just about any home project. However, living nearly three hours away from this project has demanded I balance my desire to chip-in and tackle big portions of the project with the realistic amount of time I’ll be able to spend traveling up to the site and completing portions of it.

I also recognize that in order to meet the aggressive project schedule I need to focus on where I can add the most value while staying out of the way of the construction crew.

As of now, the following projects are on the sweat equity list and meet the right ROI requirements:

Basement Insulation: 

1. Vapor barrier under basement slab
2. Foam insulation under slab and on basement walls
3. Rim-joist closed-cell foam

HVAC: 

1. Installation of air source heat pumps
2. Installation of HRV and ductwork

Finish Work: 

1. Cabinet assembly (Ikea cabinets require assembly)
2. Install cathedral cove lighting and under-shelf kitchen lighting

Other areas to save include:

1. Make some of the light fixtures
2. Build the bathroom vanities
3. Build the outdoor patio