Planet Green
DCL
Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional tips and insight on green renovation.[/i]
It may be difficult to find a reputable green contractor. Most experienced and proficient contractors won't advertise. They get enough work through word of mouth and return business. So finding a green contractor can be quite the task, but it is not impossible. Ask around, before reaching for the phone book.
If you can't find someone through word of mouth, the best advice I can give is find a first-class contractor. You want someone who will give you a high-quality build. Hire someone who can create an attractive, long-lasting home that you'll enjoy living in. A contractor that is worth his or her salt will be well-versed on the latest home technologies, and a lot of the newer technologies are ones that would be considered green, ones that conserve energy and water and keep your home's indoor air clean.
Go back and look at my 5 Green Bubbles post. Health, design, energy, workmanship and materials. These are the things a top-notch contractor is going to be concerned with.
And get involved. Ask questions. You may not be the one building the home, but you will be the one living in it for the rest of your life. Make sure that you get what you want. A good contractor will help you achieve the green home of your dreams.
