Green Building Questions To Ask Your Contractor

From Earth911's Alexis Petru:

Planning a home improvement project this spring?

Whether you’re simply painting a room or undertaking an entire kitchen remodel, here are 10 questions to ask your contractor to make sure your project is good for the planet, your family’s health and your budget.

For more tips on greening your home remodeling projects, visit nonprofit Build It Green’s website.

List and captions courtesy of Earth911

Comments

[Sheamus Warior]

01:19 AM on 05/31/2013

I want more and more articles and blogs please post soon such informative information.
http://www.fmb.org.uk/information-and-help/publications/masterbuilder/2011/january-2011/news/?entryid21=229246

[wrightrichard007]

04:39 PM on 12/20/2012

Great post. I recently ran into a general contractor in Elmsford NY that was looking into green building. Its more costly but in the end you save for money and the environment is cleaner. The thing is these days people just want whats cheaper right now.

[Rob Krebs]

11:17 AM on 03/10/2012

Alexis Petru, great article! As this article/slideshow points out, there are many factors that determine how "green" a building product is - manufacturing, installation, impact during usage, disposal, etc. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) measures all of these factors and helps users choose the product that is the most sustainable. I believe this is the direction the construction industry needs to head. In fact, there are already standards in place to do this - part of the ISO 14000 series deals with Life Cycle Assessment. See http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/Main-Menu/Life-Cycle-Assessment/default.aspx

Rob Krebs

American Chemistry Council

http://www.facebook.com/greenbuildingsolutions

[baxtron]

03:54 PM on 02/29/2012

is your "eco" house going to be 6,000 sq ft? because that is not actually eco friendly. or do you just call it that to show off to your friends. saw it on a local MN show called Green Living.

[boxjelly]

03:06 PM on 02/29/2012

I had to laugh at the deconstruction part! I am a general contractor who specializes in historic remodels and green building upfits and new.

I generally deconstruct as much as possible, but I will tell you it is not cheap if you are dealing with historic architectural details...

I could go on and on about clients inspired by watching too much This Old House then being taken aback when they find out how much it will cost and the time it will take to do the same to their property. "But it looked so simple on..." is something I hear far too often.

[baxtron]

03:52 PM on 02/29/2012

it's those commercials or cut aways to that stupid gardening guy that gets them everytime.

[El Justiciero]

07:02 PM on 02/29/2012

Seriously. . . people should be more concerned with insulation and energy efficiency than deconstructability.

[Kenz300]

02:10 PM on 02/29/2012

As the price of energy continues to rise we will all be looking to save money by incorporating energy efficiency into our buying decisions. Energy efficient cars, appliances, homes and even light bulbs will become a bigger part of our purchase decision. The long term savings definitely outweighs the short term cost.

[El Justiciero]

07:02 PM on 02/29/2012

I can't believe they left that out of this list.

[mrpell]

06:07 PM on 02/28/2012

Ask your contractor and then be prepared to understand why recycling waste materials, "deconstructing", and using "green" materials will cost you more - because it will. If "green" makes you feel better and you are willing to pay for it then by all means have at it.

[El Justiciero]

07:05 PM on 02/29/2012

Not green for green's sake. I am very particular about energy efficiency and insulation. I can't BELIEVE they left that out of this list. It should be # 1. I WILL pay extra for energy efficiency and proper insulation.

[mrpell]

07:52 PM on 02/29/2012

Those are the two categories that absolutely save you money - the longer you live in the home the more you will save. I hope to have the opportunity to have a home with a zoned mini split system - very expensive but very comfortable and energy efficient.