| Green remodeling is becoming more and more | | | | you tips on what to do and what to avoid. For |
| popular, and for very good reasons, it: | | | | example: placing a large glass window on the wrong |
| * Saves money on building materials | | | | side of the house can result in hotter summers and |
| * Offers a less polluted environment | | | | colder winters - more energy consumption and a |
| * Conserves energy with better natural lightening | | | | bigger electricity bill, which can all be avoided with |
| * Emphasizes better ventilation | | | | proper planning. |
| So, even though going green is the simple choice, | | | | * Qualified contractors - Qualified contractors are |
| finding a good green contractor that will help you | | | | actually pre-screened contractors. You can check to |
| achieve your desired end result is not so simple. | | | | see what the programs available in your area are for |
| Green construction is still a relatively new branch of | | | | green contractors and what criteria do contractors |
| construction, so getting a contractor that does not | | | | need to meet in order to become qualified. |
| only know what you need and how the achieve it, | | | | * Work Volume - This part is a bit tricky, so you |
| but also has prior experience with similar projects, is | | | | might need to get a couple of contractors in order to |
| very important. | | | | compare. You are looking for a contractor that is not |
| Look for green contractors that offer you the | | | | too busy but also had his share of recent green |
| following - | | | | projects. This guarantees that your contractor is up |
| * References from clients with finished green | | | | to date with the latest materials and green building |
| projects, similar to the one you are planning - Don't | | | | methods, as well as not too busy, so he can pay |
| settle for pictures, ask to see for yourself, and talk | | | | attention to your project. |
| to the owners. If you are planning to remodel your | | | | The best thing to do when looking for green |
| whole house, ask to see a finished project that has a | | | | contractors is to get price estimates which you can |
| similar size scale, not only a green roofing | | | | compare. Ask your contractor questions so that you |
| construction. | | | | will also notice how well he answers, how green |
| * Ideas - You don't have to accept everything your | | | | remodeling savvy he is. |
| contractor offers you, but check to see that he or | | | | The result of a thorough research can save you a lot |
| she have ideas. With green remodeling, you will need | | | | of time, money and heartache. |
| a contractor that can pick the best materials, offer | | | | |