Green Remodeling

So you have an existing home and you would like to make it green? Great!

There are no "silver bullets".

Simply replacing old, leaky windows with new, energy efficient windows may help, but you need to take a step back and see how your home is currently performing before you spend any money on windows, insulation, roofing, etc.

Bottom line, have your home tested. Do an "energy audit" to find out how your home is performing. If there are leaks, where are they? Many energy auditors do a blower door test where a 15-20 mile per hour wind is simulated in your home to see where air (and heat) is leaking. Some can do thermal imaging where they take a picture of your home to see where the heat is leaking in vivid color.

Without knowing this baseline, you could be throwing your money out the window...even if you buy the greenest materials on Earth.

Click here to find an energy auditor in your area

Click here for Household Energy Efficiency Tips

Don't go it alone.

While any home owner can use Earth friendly, healthy, energy efficient ideas, cleaning products, and materials throughout their home, any home improvements should be looked at in the context of the home as a system. While it may sound easy, it is not. Remember, no silver bullets.

Obviously, we believe remodellers who belong to the NAHB are the best people to work with when doing any home improvements because they've been trained on green building techniques. They understand the home is a system and they will look at your project strategically and will not just throw silver bullets at the problem.

But, just as important, members of the National Association of Home Builders, and their local Home Builder Association care about the housing industry. They take their job seriously and are some of the most educated, experienced, and trustworthy building professionals in the world.

So once your home has been tested, it's time for a plan. Working with a NAHB member will help ensure your plan's success.