I don't think that there has been a better time to build. Due to current economic conditions the housing markets are suffering. The good news for consumers here is that Contractors are willing to take on projects at significantly lower rates to keep business going. We have seen many subcontractor's discount their prices in an effort to get work just to pay their employees and overhead.
However, Don't expect a Contractor to work for nothing. State insurance requirements, trucks, fuel, licensing, professional affiliations and other overhead costs translate to a typical cost of doing business of around 8% to 10%. Contractor's General Liability Insurance rates are based on gross cost of work completed - not just Contractor's Fees billed. This alone is a significant expense.
Further, Contractors are, by law, responsible for the structure for 9 years now so don't expect anyone to give away their services.
If you are going to go for it, don't forget to implement as many Green features that you can fit into your budget. At the end of the day, Greening your home will save you money on energy costs and provide a healthier living environment.
Think about the future. If you were looking to buy or rent a house, would you rather live in an energy efficient house that provides a healthy living environment or a regular old house? It won't be long before a house that is not Green will be considered obsolete or at best, a house that requires serious updating.
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Remodeling green can be understood as a matter of degrees, and the degrees will depend on your budget. To that end, here is an outline of the most popular kinds of green remodeling – from simple to extreme.
Remodeling Green – the fast and simple improvements anyone can make today.
Switch to energy efficient light bulbs (like compact fluorescent)
Add heat reflective films on all windows
Install weather stripping on door and window frames
Install low flow shower heads and faucets
Adjust the float in the toilet tank to use less water
Insulate the hot water distribution pipes in your home
Install insulating/reflective window treatments/coverings
Remodeling Green – Improvements that can really make a difference without breaking the bank.
New exterior doors and windows that provide better insulation
Additional insulation in the walls, floors and ceiling
Energy efficient appliances, water heater and furnace/air conditioner/heat pump
Choose low flow faucets and toilets
Add ceiling fans in rooms
Plant trees to shade your home in hot weather
Use only building materials that are certified from sustainable or rapidly-renewable sources
Use only environmentally friendly paints, floor coverings, exterior siding and roofing materials
Buy salvaged or recycled materials for your remodel or addition
Remodeling Green – Extreme improvements that make sense for many homes.
Photovoltaic cells to generate electricity
Solar water heating system
Replace windows with triple-glazed UV reflective coated models
Install a geothermal heating and cooling system
Replace all appliances with the highest-rated energy efficient models
Install a high-efficiency metal roof.
Many homeowners also ask about the impact of these improvements on the value of their home at resale. The fast and simple green improvements will have little impact on what a potential buyer is willing to pay for a home. The extreme green improvements will only appeal to specific buyers, so it’s a big gamble to assume a potential buyer will be interested in paying for these improvements.
Many of the green improvements that won’t break the bank, however, can also earn a healthy return on investment when you sell your home. The improvements that have the greatest impact on home value are these:
New exterior doors and windows currently increases the value of the home by the same amount as the cost to buy and install them.
Energy efficient appliances added as part of a kitchen remodel can also increase home value by the amount of the cost to purchase.
Buying salvaged or recycled materials can reduce the cost of your remodel without reducing your home’s appreciation due to the remodel, making it a big winner for both the environment and your wallet.
The other improvements listed will appeal to home buyers who have a real interest in a green home; but to other buyers, it will have no bearing on the price they will offer for the home.
If you are considering remodeling green, consider your remodeling budget, the changes that will have the greatest benefit for your family, and then consider the green improvements that will win the greatest return on investment. You can get a quick estimate of the cost to remodel and calculate the return on your investment at www.remodelormove.com
Then decide whether you want to do a simple green remodel or an extreme green project. Keep in mind, whatever you decide, that every one of these improvements will be environmentally friendly, energy or resource efficient, and will save you money and increase your comfort in the home.
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