Most home and business owners who dream of incorporating a wine space into their homes, shops, or restaurants will require the services of a professional contractor. Several factors, including the location and cooling equipment, have the potential to derail a project, which makes it imperative to hire the right person for the job. Being aware of the most essential components of building a wine storage space and preparing questions ahead of hiring a general contractor will empower anyone to identify a qualified professional and initiate a project with confidence.
What You Need to Know Before Getting Started
Vigorous Planning
When evaluating a prospective contractor for a wine cellar job, it is imperative that they display an understanding of the complexities of creating a wine cellar. Building out a wine storage space extends far beyond calculating cubic feet. They must understand the multitude of factors that go into building a wine cellar including location, insulation, and vibration. A contractor should also be involved throughout the process from planning to execution. Ideally, contractors also have a roster of plumbers, HVAC experts, electricians, and other specialists they regularly work with and a portfolio of completed projects and list of references at their fingertips.
Why it matters: Calculating cubic feet is an important first step in any plan to build a wine storage space. However, if a contractor quickly advances to starting construction after calculating the heat load of a space, you may not have the right person. A beautiful and reliable wine storage space hinges on a well-thought-out plan.
Technical Considerations
Vapor Barrier & Insulation
Protecting your prized wine collection depends on maintaining an air-tight environment. There are several ways to keep out extreme temperatures and moisture. A vapor barrier, which is generally a thin layer of plastic or closed-cell spray foam, should be installed between the walls and wooden frame or on top of the frame enclosing most wine rooms. After installing the vapor barrier, you will need to consider insulation. Some contractors use standard batt insulation or foam board, but closed cell spray is typically recommended as it is a much more efficient form of insulation. Be certain your contractor knows how to insulate a space and prioritizes effective insulation methods.
Why it matters: Comprehensive insulation lessens the amount of energy needed to maintain consistent temperatures and relative humidity in a wine space. Without consistent environmental conditions, labels, aroma, and flavor of wine may be compromised.
Lighting
Wine should be kept away from incandescent and natural light. Any contractor building a wine cellar should know to recommend LED lighting instead.
Why it matters: UV rays and heat from incandescent lightbulbs can disturb the aging process and degrade wine, jeopardizing your valuable collection.
Vibration
One important aspect of deciding on the best location for a wine cellar has to do with vibration. A contractor should guide clients against placing wine storage spaces by high traffic areas, like under stairs or next to mechanical and laundry rooms.
Why it matters: Movement disturbs the stability of wine, negatively impacting the aging process. Vibration can also influence the aroma of wine.
HVAC Equipment
If a contractor has never worked on a wine cellar project before, they may opt for a standard residential HVAC unit as that’s what they’re most familiar with. A contractor should recommend a cooling unit that is designed for use in wine cellar spaces.
Why it matters: Standard HVAC equipment can’t maintain the low temperatures required for proper long-term preservation of wine. A specialized cooling system, like a Wine Guardian unit, will be able to reach temperatures between 55 – 58°F. In addition, standard HVAC equipment will continually pull moisture from the air at low temperatures which is detrimental to wine corks. Wine Guardian units can also be equipped with humidifiers, giving wine cellar owners even more control of their wine space.
Take A Proactive Approach
One strategy to make the prospect of building a wine cellar less daunting is to take control. Educate yourself on the basic principles of wine cellar construction so you are familiar with the terminology and understand what goes into a well-constructed space. After an initial consultation with a contractor, calculate the heat load of your space yourself. Does it match the estimate of your contractor, or at least come close? Lastly, once you have identified the right fit, propose a meeting or call with each member of your team, including contractor, designer, and any technical experts. Agree on next steps, a plan of action, and strategies to troubleshoot.
Come Prepared with Questions
While you’re scoping out potential general contractors for the job, it’s good to come prepared with a list of questions while getting a consultation:
- Do you have a track record of being on budget and on time?
- How will my estimate be impacted in the event of unexpected challenges?
- What type of wine cooling equipment do you typically recommend and why?
- What type of insulation do you typically use?
- Will you insulate the floor and ceiling?
- Where will exhaust from the cooling system go?
- What type of racking do you recommend?
- How familiar are you with working on wine cellar projects?
Is Past Wine Cellar Experience Absolutely Necessary?
You may be drawn to the overall experience and reputation of a contractor with little or no wine cellar building experience. Should you give them a chance? If a contractor has a sterling reputation and established relationships with HVAC professionals, electricians, plumbers, and designers who do have experience with wine rooms, you are likely to be met with success. It is critical that a contractor stay closely involved through each phase of the project and has a plan of action when things go wrong. Whether your contractor has experience or not, it is a good idea to speak with past clients and not just rely on instincts.
Knowing what to look for in a contractor will make the process of building a wine cellar far more exciting and less anxiety provoking. Education and planning are the most important steps in identifying the right person for the job. If you are in doubt or need support, please reach out to us or to the team at Wine Care Concepts. They are a longstanding distributor of Wine Guardian products and provided their advice to help support this educational article. They have years of experience working with general contractors and are happy to extend the knowledge they’ve learned onto you.
