Most of think of being green as reserved for new construction.

New construction may have it's advantages because you start with a goal, a budget and fit the construction to your lifestyle.

When working with a green builder their are several questions to ask.

1. Have you built green homes before?
2. Are you willing to share the names of your past clients for me to speak too?
3. Can I have the names of some of your suppliers?  You want to make sure your project doesn't end with a construction lean!
4. Ask the contractor if he has any certifications like, "LEED", any questions check here: http://www.usgbc.org
5. Ask the contractor for some recommendations.

Now the fact is if you already own your home and it doesn't have in floor heating like this home. Adding it can be a very expensive and mostly prohibitive venture.

Living GREEN is easier than you think! 

Being GREEN can be as simple as updating your:

• Windows, Replacement Windows 
• Furnace, Energy Efficient, Geo Thermal
• Setback Furnace Thermostat 
• Flooring materials  
• Using Thermal blinds
• Exterior Door Moldings
• Attic & Side Wall Insulation
• Roofing Materials
• Low Flow Water Savers, Toilets, Showerheads, On-Demand Water Heaters  

This can save you energy and pay for itself. 
Did you know you could qualify for energy tax credits by turning green...now that is some green!

Living Green isn't just for new construction.  Although the new materials are far superior and the construction methods have seen some vast improvements.  Living green can be done on a daily basis impacting our environment for generations we will never meet!

Have you thought of using only recyclable products?  Look at your shopping habits does the container recycle?  When you are pushing your shopping cart down the isle can you see what will be left behind in land fills?  Will the containers, packaging and wrappers degrade back to earth friendly components or become part of an ugly landscape?

Thinking of helping your heat bill and the furnace is already 90% efficient; windows updated?  Look at your insulation...attic and side walls, hot water heater, hot water pipes, insulation where your home and foundation meet.  These projects don't need to be done all at once, you can make a list and do them as your finances allow in order of importance and investment return.  Look at what allows you a tax credit and lowers your living costs first.

Will these things make a difference?  You bet, both in your daily living and our environmental lives.  Look at your hot water heat temperature setting...turn down a few degrees...you'll hardly notice but your gas or electric consumption will drop and so will our national fuel usage and foreign oil dependency, IF each one of us turned back the dial a few degrees imagine the impact!

Look at the molding around your entry doors, you think "its a little drafty but it'll do"...think again.  That draft could be costing you a $100.00 a year in energy costs!  Think the only time you use energy is in the winter months?  What about your air conditioning?  Lighting is another area that canimpact your budget.  You think energy efficient bulbs cost to much?  Read the side panel...see the saving and life expectancy you may rethink that position too!

Living Green isn't just for NEW construction...existing homes can get a good dose of Green too!  All you have to do is look at your home from a new perspective and reap the benefits.  Kermit the Frog said, " It isn't easy being GREEN".  Today with modern technology and a little work being GREEN is easier than ever!

Having GREEN thoughts...hope this helped you see how being GREEN can help you in your daily life even when your home isn't new construction.

Gary White, Associate Broker FlexIt Realty, Grand Rapids, Michgian              Tell me about your GREEN projects.