| For those who are planning to build a new house or | | | | general category of green, each firm or architect will |
| do some major home remodeling, why not do such | | | | have its strong points, as some focus on healthy |
| tasks the eco-friendly way?. The concepts of green | | | | building, while other concentrate on energy efficiency |
| building have taken a major foothold in the home | | | | and/or renewable energy, and some apply their |
| building and construction industry. | | | | expertise on green materials, natural building |
| Based on US Census figures, it was estimated that | | | | techniques, or building modular homes. Look for a |
| more than 1.3 million new homes were built in the | | | | professional contractor that has extensive applied |
| United States in 2002, and remodelling and home | | | | experience in building green, and will gladly apply |
| improvement spending in 1996 amounted to $119 | | | | these elements to your home project. |
| billion. Remodeling or constructing your home gives | | | | Choosing Green Architects And Home Contractors |
| you a chance to help transform the marketplace | | | | - Check Out Their Previous Record For |
| towards a sustainability and environment-friendly one, | | | | Demonstrated Experience. |
| and create living space that's better for you and the | | | | First, do a thorough background check on an |
| environment. | | | | architect or contractor's experience with green |
| Homes Have A Major Effect On The Environment | | | | building. Find out if he or she can point to specific |
| It's a fact that homes affect the planet,from the use | | | | projects in their portfolio, and provide references as |
| and depletion of natural resource, human health, to | | | | well. Aside from ensuring that the architect or |
| overall ecological integrity. Aside from basic health and | | | | contractor is licensed and bonded, ask if he or she is |
| safety measures mentioned in the building code, | | | | a member of green design organizations or has |
| there's no requirement to minimize these impacts. A | | | | participated in any programs, and if the contractor |
| new home construction or remodel would serve an | | | | follows construction practices that minimize pollution |
| opportunity in creating a symbolic and physical | | | | and protects indoor air quality and enhance worker |
| representation of your commitment to caring for the | | | | health and safety as well. |
| planet, health, and in a vital and engaged community. | | | | - Ensure That A Contractor Practices What He Or |
| Why It Pays To Find Architects Or Contractors Who | | | | She Professes. |
| Espouse Green Building Concepts | | | | Aska prospective home contractor or architect how |
| One you try looking for eco-friendly home building | | | | he or she operates their business; like does he |
| concepts and practices, you'll be surprised to quickly | | | | recycle in the office as well as on the job site? Find |
| find one once you tap into the local design | | | | out if the green design elements evident,such as |
| community, that there are a number of firms that | | | | environmentally responsible materials and office |
| have gained stellar reputations for going green. | | | | supplies, energy efficient lighting, fixtures. |
| Upon closer observation, you'll notice that within the | | | | |