Going Green

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When planning a remodel, one of the first decisions you will make is how to incorporate green building practices into your project. Green building strategies help to preserve the environment for future generations and make life in your home more comfortable and healthier today. Many are committed to green design. Green companies & the latest award-winning innovations in green building create home environments that are healthy, efficient, and beautiful. 

Certified Green professionals who will expertly guide you through decision-making process. Cost effective technology has improved to the point that it is of no question of the benefit.  

What is Green? What is “green” really means in green design and green remodeling or building is a comprehensive approach that will conserve natural resources, uses water and energy wisely for long-term savings, uses healthy products and incorporates sustainable materials, improves indoor environmental quality, builds high quality, durable structures, reduces and recycles construction and demolition waste, facilitates ease of responsible use and maintenance, creates livable, vibrant communities.  

Green companies can advise you on appropriate ways to integrate green components. They will help you choose which components are right for your home and your family.  

A variety of Green Materials, Products, and Systems are mandated by towns Building Codes and are currently being used in standard building practice. There are different manufacturers with countless options. Sorting through your choices to determine which is best for your home can be daunting. Below is a partial list of available materials, products, and systems that green companies will advise you regarding your projects are, energy efficient windows, engineered lumber, radiant barrier plywood, thermal insulation vapor barriers, moisture protection with vapor barriers, high efficiency light fixtures, high efficiency water heaters, heating, air conditioning, and air quality systems, low flow toilet and shower heads, point of use hot water heaters, recirculation of centralized hot water heaters, irrigation systems and drought resistant landscape, solar powered exterior landscape lighting Interior finishes.  Every finish material in your home has an impact on the environment. So how do you choose green interior finishes without your home looking like it belongs in Popular Mechanics? Seek award-winning interior designers and experts in helping you select the right blend of materials throughout your home that are green, beautiful and healthy. 

If green materials, products and systems are improperly installed, they will not serve the purpose they were designed for. Seek companies that surpass minimum standards which may maximize the life span of your home. The goal is to produce high quality Craftsmanship which makes your investment worthwhile.  Hiring a company with building excellence and established disciplines, will address the following, test for asbestos and/or lead-based materials prior to demolition to eliminate the risk of airborne contamination. 

Carefully remove and save used appliances, fixtures, or other materials to be donated to Habitat for Humanity, build temporary walls or vapor barriers for dust control between livable areas of the home and areas under construction. temporarily seal off all exposed mechanical ductwork, create rope barriers to protect existing landscaping from foot traffic or accidental damage, recycle allowable construction waste, define on-site tool wash-out areas and perform a careful daily job site cleanup.

Property Maintenance Keeping your green home green? Proper maintenance and care are essential to responsible home ownership. Throughout your project, your selected company should advise you on the best practices for living in your home with environmental consciousness. There are also many resources available online for green living education. 

Here are just a few ideas to start.

Review new product manuals for proper use and care.  Change HVAC air filters per manufacturer’s recommendations. Change light bulbs to LED wherever possible. Adjust thermostats to energy-saving settings while at home. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperatures at less comfortable levels when you’re not home or sleeping, keep windows open for fresh air and ventilation, repair chalk joints at areas of water penetration, plant drought resistant landscaping, direct landscape sprinkler heads away from the building perimeter, make sure attics are properly ventilated, remove all toxic liquids from your garage and storage rooms, switch to nontoxic cleaning products, use low VOC paints and finishes, visit your local greenhouse and purchase a tree to shade your home to save on cooling costs.