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green building: Sometimes “Green” Is Only About Money - 05/22/10 06:40 PM
The attached article from BiggerPockets.com, while somewhat “tongue in cheek,” offers some good insights and cautions for those looking to build or buy a home that is sustainable or environmentally friendly. The article looks at “green” building practices from a “Godfather” approach, better understood as: What Would Michael Do?
 
The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions
 
… (3 comments)

green building: Is The Energy Star Label Meaningful? - 04/07/10 04:51 PM
Is the Energy Star Label meaningful? A recent report from the Government Accountability Office, GAO, has consumers concerned that the promised savings from Energy Star rated equipment may be bogus. The report, issued March 5, 2010 found some gaping holes in the way the program functions, and stated: “ . . . Energy Star is for the most part a self-certification program vulnerable to fraud and abuse. GAO obtained Energy Star certifications for 15 bogus products, including a gas-powered alarm clock.”
 

GAO’s fictitious companies also received approval for an alleged air cleaner that was, in reality, nothing more than … (17 comments)

green building: Greed May Be Good For Wall Street, But Green Can Be Good At Home - 10/15/09 07:19 AM
With no end in sight for the continued escalation of energy prices and with increasing concern for our environment, more homeowners and buyers are looking to purchase “green” or “sustainable” or want to retrofit their existing homes to make them greener. Is green building a fad or a serious issue?
 
Green building is definitely for real and it’s here to stay. The issues surrounding it are important and look to both our individual financial security and the future environment of our planet. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), more and more builders are joining the green revolution … (17 comments)

green building: Instead of "Green," Let's Build Homes That Make Sense - 05/19/09 04:12 PM
With so much emphasis being placed upon the building of “green” homes, the term has lost some of its meaning. Much of the confusion surrounding the term stems from its very casual use by many in construction, manufacturing, and real estate; and in some cases, the person or entity using the term is just as confused as the consumer.
 
While there are various green certifications available for new construction, remodeling, and home products—Leed, Energy Star, Earth Craft—it’s sometimes difficult for consumers to differentiate between the options offered. What home buyers need is a home that makes sense for them, a … (14 comments)

green building: Downsizing, a "Green" Way to Lower Housing Costs - 05/09/09 04:23 PM
The recent downturn in the economy has many homeowners scrambling to find ways to cut their household expenses. And many who are in the market to purchase a home have turned their attention to smaller, “greener,” and more energy efficient homes.
 
The financial benefits of downsizing appeal to most everyone. Taxes and insurance can be dramatically less, and smaller homes require less furniture and “stuff.” Selling a larger, more expensive home may also generate extra dollars that can be used for savings, investments, and college tuition; and for some lucky sellers, the sale may provide the funds to be mortgage … (4 comments)

green building: What Makes a Home Green? - 04/14/09 06:33 PM
As more builders, remodelers, and homeowners tout the virtues of their “green” homes, many buyers are scratching their heads trying to separate the “wheat” from the “chaff.” Eager sellers, sometimes with little knowledge of what actually constitutes a green home, often tout homes as green when, in reality, they may be no more so than their neighbors. Those serious about purchasing green should do a bit of homework prior to beginning their search.
 
To begin with, there is no single definition of what constitutes a green home, but there are resources available that will help buyers evaluate and compare … (2 comments)

green building: Frugal Living Info on The Housing Guru - 02/17/09 02:36 PM
The Housing Guru has just added a new section entitled, "Frugal Living" to its website, www.thehousingguru.com. The new section provides information on saving money when remodeling, green living, how to save on energy costs, and several easy do-it-yourself projects. 
 
Check out this new section; and if it has been a while since you last visited, we have added other useful information for those interested in buying, selling, building, or remodeling.  Also, watch for our new "Home Repair" and "How To" sections, coming soon. 
 
The Housing Guru is committed to providing timely and useful information for home owners, home buyers … (2 comments)

green building: 25 Money Saving Tips for the Home - 02/05/09 01:17 PM
The following money savings tips are part of an upcoming section for TheHousingGuru.com, called Frugal Living. While some may seem obvious and perhaps a bit mundane, many are overlooked and yet can cumulatively save thousands of dollars a year for the average homeowner.
 
1. Install a programmable thermostat.
2. Use “Smart Power Strips” to turn off power to electronics when not in use.
3. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
4. Install surge protectors on all electronics.
5. Install CFLs or LEDs wherever possible.
6. Buy only EnergyStar® appliances.
7. Change furnace filters at least every 90 … (4 comments)

green building: Easy Energy-saving Modifications for Older Homes - 10/24/08 03:53 PM
Is it possible to retrofit older homes to make them both environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate? Yes it is, and many of the changes are simple and will not “break the bank.” There are several inexpensive alterations that can be made that will have a significant impact on a home’s energy and resource consumption. Below I have listed some practical modifications, generally in order of cost, which owners of older homes should consider:
 
Caulking around windows, doors, and siding joints
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs.
Installing electronic “set-back” thermostats
Adding insulation … (7 comments)

green building: Green Building Basics - 10/11/08 12:33 PM
The following is a brief list of some of the things one should look for when desiring to purchase a more "green" home:
 
It begins with site selection and orientation. The home should be oriented to maximize natural heat and light while minimizing the load on the HVAC system, and some trees should be left to provide a windbreak and shade. When possible homes should be located near shopping, schools, churches, to minimize driving.
Low-impact development methods used to minimize storm water runoff. Care is taken when grading to better control drainage and minimize disturbed areas.
Designs should be more … (4 comments)

 

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