|
You are not authorized to post a reply.
|
 Prev Next
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
aeridyne
Registered Users
New Member
Posts:50
 |
| 10/05/2009 10:47 AM |
|
So I've been trying to figure out how I can get a green certification of some kind for my home, I think it would be a good way to make sure that I have actually done a good job of renovating this house what I would call, "correctly". Aside from that, the area that I live in is terrible, and I mean terrible, when it comes to living green whatsoever. Flint Michigan is like a twilight zone, and I've been fighting tooth and nail the whole way. None of the builders have a clue about building green in this area, and they don't care, because there is no demand from the people, because, blah blah, and it's a vicious cycle. I want to break this cycle by showing people something green can be built, built well, by ordinary people, that it's not that hard, and it doesn't have to cost that much. I figured that getting a green built certification level of silver or so would do nicely to display something people would take notice of, and once I got people interested, I could share the knowledge and do something positive for this place. Well, always easier said than done... I've got no help at this point, have been trying to design this all by myself, and do the vast majority of the work myself too, I could use some insight or help from someone who has done it or knows... Many thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
taco_mel
Registered Users
New Member
Posts:10
|
| 10/11/2009 4:55 PM |
|
We selected our builder for our new house based on quality of workmanship and references, before we even started to consider green stuff. In Wisconsin we have the "green built home" checklist which has literally hundreds of things that can be done in a remodel or new home. So our approach was to have the builder explain the ones we didn't understand and quote the ones that seemed reasonable. Granted, this is Madison, and green building is all the rage, but much of the unique stuff was new to our builder (e.g. geothermal, drain water heat recovery, LED). I spent countless hours doing most of the research myself so I can understand where your frustration is coming from.
So here is my advice. The single most important thing that we did was to hire an Energy Star consultant. We really lucked out with our choice, because she has been an extremely valuable source of advice, and a good independent voice when something that one of the subcontractors was saying didn't quite make sense. She recommended our insulation strategy, provided references, pulled out her "Rolodex" on a number of occasions to help us, etc. To say that she's fabulous and kick-*** is an understatement. Sure, it'll cost you a few hundred bucks, but in our case we make back three times that amount in utility incentives, and that's even before we consider the performance of the building. If you can find someone equally as committed as you, having someone validate your research and ideas is well worth the money. |
|
Blogging the construction of our "green" home in Middleton, Wisconsin:
http://www.middletongreenhome.com |
|
|
ICFconstruction
Registered Users
Advanced Member
Posts:638
|
| 10/12/2009 6:17 AM |
|
| Building green does not ensure quality. The right consultant can help. Pick a general contractor based on quality and references, not just the cheapest. A construction manager is a good option instead of a GC, it is nice because the manager should go over all the sub-contractor bids with you. Pick an ICF sub-contractor with lots of experience, one that is dedicated to they system, owns all their own bracing and equipment, not one that usually does other systems and only ICFs when someone asks. Then just take one thing at a time, be involved. |
|
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
|
|
wes
Registered Users
Advanced Member
Posts:637
|
| 10/12/2009 7:20 AM |
|
Brad,
Your last post is generally correct. However, hiring a "ICF specialist" who does no work other than one brand of ICFs, is not always possible. I know that is the case in my area. There are several crews in my area, including my own, who do quality ICF work, all of whom do other types of construction, as well. |
|
Wes Shelby
Design Systems Group
Murray KY
wandr@ainweb.net |
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.6
|
Professionals Serving
Your Location:
|