i would like to build average size arts an craft home for my wife and i. to down size and retire someday we hope. we want solar and want it to as green as possible. i live in ohio near cincinnati and i dont think the builders are green savvy cause i talked to a few and they acted as if i was crazy. i need a start can you help me
Edited 1/4/2008 5:44 pm ET by danshere
Replies
Somebody show up and give this man a link to shelternerd's web-site. That'd be a great place for him to start.
Good luck,
David
edit: http://www.ChandlerDesignBuild.com check this out Dan.
BTW, welcome. Profile???
The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
Edited 1/4/2008 7:14 pm ET by davidhawks
Edited 1/4/2008 7:14 pm ET by davidhawks
Thanks David. You made my day. Have a good one yourself.------------------
"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
You're quite welcome sir.
FWIW, when I think green, I think Chandler.
Hope to be able to pick your brains one day soon. Right now I'd only be willing to operate under the cloak of green from a strictly business P.O.V. (read: marketing tool). Part of me feels that there is some dishonesty in that.
Need to MAKE the time to learn so I can BELIEVE in it.
The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
David I think the best way to start is by scoring a few of your projects on the http://www.NAHBgreen.org on-line scoring tool or the North Carolina scoring tool at http://www.HBADOC.comOf course I'd be happy to meet you for a beer if your ever in the Chapel Hill area and answer whatever questions you may have. M------------------
"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
Can't think of a good enough excuse to be that far east right off. But now that I know where ur at I'll be athinking.
ThanksThe best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
If I wind up out west (you in Asheville?) I'll let you know.Michael------------------
"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."
Not nearly that far.
Statesville, exit 145 off I-40, 5 minutes from the exit.
Love to pound a cuppa joe with ya sometime if you're out our way.
Email me thru the forum anytime for contact info.
The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
I have had a similar experience talking to builders ( that is, general contractors) here. They are not very interested in doing things that are different from what they have done before.
I have had more success talking to specialists - plumber, geo-thermal installer, electrician, etc. They are more up-to-date on new ideas and seem to be looking for opportunities to try them out. Try talking directly to them and then take those ideas to a good designer.
Google "Green Building Group" and follow the crumbs until you find the nearest green building guild, or organization. Should be quite a few builders and designers in an area as populated as that. Western Washington is crawling with them.
I'd suggest you start with a designer, though, not a builder. Virtually any competent builder could implement green building priciples. By starting with a green design, you could then find a builder you are personally compatible with, even if they have limited green building experience.
Finding a competent leader is the hard part. Do that, and everything else falls into place.
Ever wonder why "holistic" doesn't start with "w"?
Other good places to look are http://www.notsobighouse.com and http://www.NAHBgreen.org both maintain lists of the type of builder you are looking for.
Michael
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"You cannot work hard enough to make up for a sloppy estimate."