LEED General Contractor ArticlesGreen
Building - Getting the Services of a Green Architect and ContractorBy
Vanessa
A. Doctor For those who are planning to build a new house or do some
major home remodeling, why not do such tasks the eco-friendly way?. The concepts
of green building have taken a major foothold in the home building and construction
industry. Based on US Census figures, it was estimated that more than 1.3
million new homes were built in the United States in 2002, and remodelling and
home improvement spending in 1996 amounted to $119 billion. Remodeling or constructing
your home gives you a chance to help transform the marketplace towards a sustainability
and environment-friendly one, and create living space that's better for you and
the environment. Homes Have A Major Effect On The EnvironmentIt's
a fact that homes affect the planet,from the use and depletion of natural resource,
human health, to overall ecological integrity. Aside from basic health and safety
measures mentioned in the building code, there's no requirement to minimize these
impacts. A new home construction or remodel would serve an opportunity in creating
a symbolic and physical representation of your commitment to caring for the planet,
health, and in a vital and engaged community. Why It Pays To Find Architects
Or Contractors Who Espouse Green Building ConceptsOne you try looking
for eco-friendly home building concepts and practices, you'll be surprised to
quickly find one once you tap into the local design community, that there are
a number of firms that have gained stellar reputations for going green. Upon
closer observation, you'll notice that within the general category of green, each
firm or architect will have its strong points, as some focus on healthy building,
while other concentrate on energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, and some
apply their expertise on green materials, natural building techniques, or building
modular homes. Look for a professional contractor that has extensive applied experience
in building green, and will gladly apply these elements to your home project. Choosing
Green Architects And Home Contractors- Check
Out Their Previous Record For Demonstrated Experience. First,
do a thorough background check on an architect or contractor's experience with
green building. Find out if he or she can point to specific projects in their
portfolio, and provide references as well. Aside from ensuring that the architect
or contractor is licensed and bonded, ask if he or she is a member of green design
organizations or has participated in any programs, and if the contractor follows
construction practices that minimize pollution and protects indoor air quality
and enhance worker health and safety as well. -
Ensure That A Contractor Practices What He Or She Professes. Aska
prospective home contractor or architect how he or she operates their business;
like does he recycle in the office as well as on the job site? Find out if the
green design elements evident,such as environmentally responsible materials and
office supplies, energy efficient lighting, fixtures. -
Check If Green Concepts Are Incorporated Into the Contract Details Architects
have standard specifications that lays out the orders for everyone involved in
building the house, down to how the paint is applied and what quality of materials
are chosen for the cabinets. These specifications are generally customized by
each company, and further modified for each project. These specs are a powerful
tool in green building, while at the same time, are a legal document, and can
be tedious to review sometimes. Ask an architect or contractor to give you an
overview of the specifications for your project, and ensure that they cover all
these. About the Authorhttp://realestatepr.org
- Real Estate PR Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top
- SEO Company Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Building---Getting-The-Services-Of-A-Green-Architect-and-Contractor&id=1115939  | This
website was created as a public service to promote green building and LEED general
contractors, by Bob Moore Construction Company and General Contractor.com. Bob
Moore Construction is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and
the first Platinum Level member of the north Texas chapter of USGBC, and maintains
a LEED AP on staff. A leading general contractor in Texas since 1946, the company
has earned several awards including the AGC General Contractor of the Year. Bob
Moore Construction is also a member of Associated General Contractors of America
(AGC), Tilt-up Concrete Association, and the OSHA Local Partnership Program. For
more information about Bob Moore Construction's green building program, please
visit their website at GeneralContractor.com |
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