Mackinaw Street home getting uber makeover for energy efficiency

There's a formerly-foreclosed home getting a lot of attention recently from its neighbors on Mackinaw Street in Saginaw. Why? Well, because of its new found energy efficiency, of course.

The home, purchased by Phoenix Uber Renewal in July, has been the recipient of an ongoing renewal project. The company, which specializes in using home energy audits to identify a house's energy problems, is transforming the home into an example of how such audits and improvements can impact a homeowner's energy consumption and, in turn, their checking account.

"We began this project because we wanted to show our clients and our community a real-world example of what we can do," says Hilde McDonald, president of Phoenix Uber Renewal. "The Mackinaw House was a typical home in a typical neighborhood, and this project proves that anybody can take steps to make a home more efficient. And while we know that not everybody can make all the upgrades that we have, we can use the house to demonstrate where the average homeowner can begin."

Phoenix has made several changes to the home, including upgrades to new Energy Star roof shingles, heat-saving windows and energy-efficient siding. In addition, the company has also added new rigid foam board and spray foam insulation after discovering the exterior walls had no insulation.

"This project has been beneficial for us on many fronts," says McDonald. "It is helping Cech Corporation (Phoenix Uber Renewal's parent company) to diversify by becoming involved in an exciting industry."

While no completion date is set as of yet, Phoenix is planning on a celebration and an open house for the public to view once the project is finished. Those interested in the project can follow the progress here.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Hilde McDonald, Phoenix Uber Renewal