Green Home Builder Checklist

When choosing a green home builder, it helps if you and your home builder are on the same page when it comes to your goals when building a green home. This article will help you to be able to set and achieve these goals.

Before choosing a particular builder, examine your options carefully. Are they affiliated with any professional groups or recommended by them?  Are they LEED certified professionals or any other special type of recognition?  What kinds of green projects have they done in the past?  How good are they at meeting expectations and budgets?  Any reputable builder will be registered with an organization of the trade. Having positive recommendations is also a good indicator of their work. If a builder is an expert in sustainable building, the builder usually holds a certification from LEED and similar entities. These tips can help you to choose a builder that is green in actions and words.

When you have chosen a builder, try to establish goals together. Are you designing a home with a particular focus of sustainability, such as energy usage or do you have other areas you wish to strive for as well?  Are you going to also go for other recognized standards, such as ENERGY STAR?  Is there a certain style that you (and/or your architect or engineer) wants in particular?  When you and your builder have a set of goals to follow, it is more likely that you will be satisfied with the end product. Maintaining a close relationship throughout the process will help assure that you and your builder are on the same page. Communication will help your goals to be met as well as to make this a positive opportunity for you and the builder.

Having a green home builder is a good step in the direction to maintaining sustainability. A good green builder will be able to show you why they are good at what they do. Having the right expertise and help makes a green home within reach and worthwhile. EnviroCitizen.org suggests you do your research and take your time when finding the right green homebuilder. A house is a big commitment both time-wise and monetarily. If you're truly dedicated to building a green home, it's best to find a homebuilder that understands the ins and outs of green building. This way, they can easily make green suggestions for alternatives to conventional building choices as well as understand your green preferences.