Monday, May 18, 2009

Green! Green! Green!

You know "green" must be fashionable or you wouldn't see it nearly every time you turn on the television or pick up a magazine. Maybe you're thinking about building a new home or starting a remodel on your existing residence. How will "green" impact your project? Is "green" a good investment? Where do you start?



Well what do you expect me to say? I'm a custom home builder so I recommend you call a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional. Let one of us help you decide how much "green" is for you.



"Green " means lower home operating costs as well as a more comfortable and healthier home environment. It doesn't take your project longer to achieve "green", but it does mean initially investing more in order to receive "green's" long lasting benefits.



Two sources to learn more about "green" are the NAHB National Green Building Program @ http://www.nahbgreen.org/ and the EPA's Energy-Star program @ http://www.energystar.gov/. To comply with these two programs some of the requirements are expensive. You'll have to decide how much you are willing to invest. To qualify for these two programs an accredited third party "verifier" must inspect your home at critical stages of construction. Energy efficient windows, doors, insulation, furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters, plumbing fixtures and faucets, electrical fixtures, and low VOC paints are just a few areas I recommend you consider. How much does "green" add to the cost of your project? It's hard to answer that question without examining each area to ascertain its value to you. How long before I get a return on my investment? Same answer.


Should I just forget about "green"? Absolutely not! Anything and everything you choose to do "green" will be a smart choice for your family and in most cases will also help our environment.

Friday, May 1, 2009

WELCOME TO MY FIRST BLOG

So here's my first blog post. I am committed to posting items you might find informative whether you have built several custom homes or are in the planning stages for your first. You are welcome to comment or ask questions and I will respond. The following are some topics I intend to post in the next few months:


  • Green-Green-Green - What is it and is it for me?


  • Suggestions on selecting a custom home builder


  • How to select the perfect lot


  • What is Energy Star?


  • Interviewing Architects


  • How to search on line for a floor plan without going blind


  • Do I need an Interior Designer?


  • Should I consider being my own General Contractor?


I also will post some home maintenance tips and suggestions.


Here we go..........I hope you find my Blog helpful and informative.