Solar installments are an option even in the cloudy Northwest. Check out April's EcoConsumer
to learn more about home solar energy projects.

Dear Molly in Green Lake,

Congrats on wanting a green house, Molly in Green Lake!  Green remodeling uses materials efficiently, with little waste and less impact on the planet.  Your energy and water costs will go down, along with other lifecycle costs for your home.  Best of all, this remodel will enhance the health of everyone in your home.

First off, choose a great team to work on your home.  Hire architects, designers, contractors and subcontractors that are well experienced in green remodeling and design - or at least open and positive about the practice.  It's also helpful to have a consultant who is up-to-speed on aspects of green remodeling.

When planning a remodel, be clear on your priorities, environmental and otherwise.  Your design needs to work well with how you will actually use your home and in a space no larger than you need.  When doing a green remodel, choose fixtures, appliances, materials, colors and finishes that are low-toxic, reduce energy and water consumption and reduce your home's effect on surrounding areas, including:

• Energy-efficient windows and exterior doors
• Good insulation for all walls, attics and floors over unheated spaces
• Passive solar collection installments, such as solar hot water and/or photovoltaic collectors
• Day-light and compact fluorescent lighting
• ENERGY STAR appliances
• Flow restrictors on faucets and shower heads and low-flush toilets
• Horizontal-axis washing machines
• Rain barrels and other rainwater collectors for reuse

Select good building materials, such as salvaged and high-recycled fiber content, wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or any materials that are long-lasting and easy to maintain. 

Evaluate any existing problems in your home.  Does it have mold, off-gassing from new finishes or materials, toxic substances (asbestos or lead), proper ventilation, soil content problems, etc.?  A solution for any of these problems needs to be incorporated into your remodel.

Quality construction control is also a big issue for a healthy remodel.  The de-construction and construction processes should keep in mind the same green principles as the finished product.  Make sure your team re-uses or recycles as much waste as possible, salvaging material for use in your remodel or for sale to a salvaged material store.  You can also give these materials away through newspapers, internet listings or as a free curbside offering!  Install barriers to fully isolate the work area, protecting your indoor air quality and keeping your home well-ventilated. 

Be sure to maintain your home as efficiently as you design it.  Have your contractors and subcontractors tell you how everything works, how to maintain each component and where to get materials (i.e. furnace filters).  Green cleaning is easy when you choose low-toxic accessories and fixtures.  Use low-toxic cleaning products on household surfaces and a HEPA filter bag when you vacuum.  On a simpler note, no shoes in the house!  They drag in harmful toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals.

This information is submitted by Sunshine Construction on behalf of the Master Builders Association.  For more information on the MBA, go to www.masterbuildersinfo.com.  For a look at a built green home by Sunshine Construction, click on similar projects.  To reach Sunshine Construction, email JonAlex315@aol.com.