How to Go Green: Home Renovation

[by Rebecca Silver]

Maybe its the tile falling off the bathroom wall, the kitchen drawers that won't close tight, or not having enough space in your living room for yourself, your kids and your stuff! As much as we wish our homes would magically grow and change with our needs and priorities, many of us have or will tackle a dreaded home makeover. And what's not to fear? Between the cost, the hassle, not having the knowhow, and the many potential problems that are bound to come up along the way (lead paint anyone?), few of us relish in the renovation process. So while the Planet Green team can't promise to take all of your woes away, we are here to equip you with some tricks of the green trade, and perhaps save you some green in the process.

Key to the home renovation challenge is understanding your own limits and abilities. While you may be Mr./Ms. fix-it at home, have you tackled a gut renovation? You can fix a cabinet or a clogged drain, but can you install an HVAC system? How about the challenges of attaining the proper building permits, or understanding which tax breaks you're eligible for by building an energy efficient home? All of this and you want to take a green approach? The best way to start any new project of this scope is to consult an expert! This doesn't mean you won't have to dirty your hands in this process - those of us who have dealt with architects and contractors know that this is the farthest thing from the truth. With this input comes the opportunity to express both your needs in terms of a living space, and your commitment to rebuilding with respect to the environment.

Just remember not to get bogged down in the details. Although the green building process can involve energy efficient lighting, recycled counter tops and low-VOC paints, taking a holistic approach to your rebuild is a must! While your top priority may be 'that tiny bathroom that has to go', if your longer-term plans involve redoing the rest of the castle, allow yourself to think about the end result - an energy efficient home, tuned to its natural environs, durable, comfortable, and eco-friendly from the inside out. The right builder can help you stage your project in a way that helps you accomplish both small and grand ideas -- starting with the bigger picture, and working your way back into the details.

Now its your turn to be the expert. Whether you decide to tackle your renovation on your own, or to hire outside professionals, this guide will help tprepare you with questions for your builder and answers for yourself as you go through this tricky process. Good luck!

Special Thanks to Bart Bettencourt from Bettencourt Green Building Supplies for his thoughts and contributions to this article.

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