However, if you are like most, and you’re only upgrading a bathroom, kitchen, or other project that requires only a skilled contractor, then you and your contractor will be responsible for the environmental and energy-saving considerations. We have a few tips that may be helpful.

In this section we’ll discuss structural wood panels, insulation, doors and windows, passive solar, lighting, roofing, exterior finishes, water-saving fixtures, energy-saving appliances, heating and cooling, and other topics related to “green building.” Unfortunately, we’ll only hit the high spots. An in-depth discussion is a book within itself, and there are some good books that you can find at your local library that will provide you with specific and detailed information on most any topic related to “green” living.

Structural insulated panels – Replaces traditional wall framing, reducing wood consumption and is more energy efficient than traditional framing. Structural panels are both strong and more resistant to air infiltration than are walls built with standard 2 x 4 studs, have higher “R” ratings, and more resistant to outside noise.

Insulation – Many new types of insulation offer advantages over the conventional materials used just a few years ago, and new materials are being introduced every year. Some of the new products are more environmentally friendly and less toxic than those with which you may be familiar. Icynene, the only spray-foam insulation certified by the Envirodesic air quality improvement certification program, is a great insulation and also reduces sound transmission. The advantages of some of the new materials are: less susceptibility to settling, higher “R” value, fire resistance, elimination of infiltration, and reduction of convective heat loss. Check with your contractor to see what is available in your area.

Doors and windows – Replacement doors and windows are available that can dramatically reduce both infiltration and passive energy loss. In many cases doors and windows can be replaced without replacing the existing frame, thus reducing installation costs. Check with your contractor.

Roofing – A new breed of roofing materials are more durable, long-lasting, and energy efficient, and some are even made from recycled materials. If you are planning to use asphalt shingles, a common choice in most regions, look for shingles made from recycled content. There are also fiber cement shingles, those made from plastic or rubber, and roofing made from various metals such as aluminum. If you are planning a new roof, you should also consider installing a radiant barrier on the underside of your roof. This will dramatically reduce attic heat and infiltration into the living space below.

Passive solar – Often overlooked, taking advantage of passive solar can add to both comfort and energy savings. Discuss orientation, window placement, and wall and floor materials with your architect or builder to reap the free benefits of the sun’s energy.

Exterior materials – The choice of exterior finish materials is much more than just appearance; certain materials are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Your contractor and local building supply house can show you a number of options including fiber cement, artificial stone, natural cedar, recycled plastic, locally produced brick, or natural stucco.

Lighting – The first step in creating energy efficient lighting is to take advantage of the available natural light, to use windows and light tubes or channels to allow the sun’s light in. Be cautious when using traditional skylights, however, as they often are energy wasters; and improper installation can result in leaking which may be difficult to resolve. In warmer regions, skylights can also generate too much heat in the living space. Also, try to use as many fixtures as possible that will accept LEDs or compact fluorescent light bulbs. When using recessed fixtures make certain they are “IC” rated, which means they can be covered with insulation, reducing infiltration.

Flooring – There are many new flooring materials that are environmentally friendly, attractive, and less expensive than some of the more traditional materials. Flooring such as bamboo, which is actually a grass, is both renewable and beautiful. Harder than traditional oak flooring, prefinished bamboo is durable and comes in a variety of shades. For those who choose carpet, there are several options made from recycled material that offer the look and feel of traditional carpet. Other options are cork, recycled content tile, and natural linoleum. A good flooring contractor can discuss your flooring options.

High-efficiency plumbing fixtures – Sometimes referred to as “low-flow,” the new breed of plumbing fixtures are hardly that. Technological advances incorporate air to boost the flow of water, allowing faucets, shower heads, and toilets to function with more force than their water-wasting cousins. Specify products that carry the WaterSense certification, a designation of the EPA. Such fixtures will save you both water and money.

EnergyStar® appliances – When replacing appliances or mechanical equipment, look for those with the EnergyStar® logo. You’ll be helping the environment and your energy budget.

Plastic Plumbing Pipe – New innovations in plastic plumbing pipe can save both money and help protect the environment and may be superior to their more expensive, resource depleting counterparts. Long the standard for water supply, the cost of copper pipe has encouraged manufacturers to develop less expensive alternatives, such as Pex; and some of the new materials offer advantages in addition to cost. Check with your plumber and get a recommendation for your project.

HEATING AND COOLING
If your project involves an expansion of living space, your current HVAC system may be inadequate to efficiently handle the additional space. And, if the unit is several years old, an upgrade is probably in order. Heating systems, especially in colder climates, consume more than half the energy used in a traditional home, and are responsible for releasing a billion tons or more of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system can both reduce your utility bills and harmful emissions.

Heating systems vary by region because of the available energy sources and local climatic conditions; therefore, there is no single recommendation for a “best” or “most efficient system.” I have listed some of the more common types below:

Geothermal
Gas or Oil Forced Air
Electric Resistance
Heat Pumps
Wood Fired

The key is to consult with a professional HVAC contractor and to discuss the options that fit your budget, design criteria, and energy needs. Then, choose the most efficient system possible that works in your situation.

WATER HEATING
One of the least understood yet most used appliances in a home is the water heater. Water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy in a home, following heating and cooling. The general life-span of the average water heater is about 10 years, and while many may last beyond that, their efficiency decreases with age.

One of the latest innovations in water heating is the “tankless” version. Although they have been in use for many years, their popularity has grown in recent times in conjunction with rising energy costs. The tankless models have the additional advantage of having a lifespan approximately double that of a conventional water heater. Tankless water heaters do cost more to install than conventional models, but the long-term savings significantly surpasses the initial costs. Consult with your plumber to determine if a tankless heater will work for you.

If, however, your choice is a conventional water heater, you can still reap savings. The newer models are significantly more efficient than their older counterparts. You can also increase the efficiency by installing an insulation blanket around the water heater; however, check the specifications of your particular model, as some newer “superinsulated” water heaters recommend not adding the blanket, and to do so voids the warranty.

Size the water heater to fit your average needs; don’t oversize. Doing so wastes significant amounts of energy. Try to locate the water heater as close as possible to the areas of highest use. It is also recommended to set the thermostat to 120 degrees which both conserves energy and reduces the risk of scalding.

OTHER APPLIANCES
Another potential energy hog is the dishwasher. Inefficient dishwashers waste both water and energy, and many older models do a poor job of cleaning. Buy one with an EnergyStar® rating. The upgrading costs will usually be recouped in less than five years.

Older refrigerators also consume dramatically more energy than newer ones, and if your renovation calls for a new refrigerator, purchase one with the EnergyStar® rating. If your old one is at least ten years old, the new refrigerator could allow you to reap 40% or more in energy savings. While it’s common to buy refrigerators larger than we need; it’s better to analyze your needs before purchasing.

Washing machines and dryers are also major energy consumers, and the new front loading washers use significantly less water and energy than older top loading models. While the initial costs is greater, the savings can be substantial. Again, if your plans call for the purchase of a new washer or dryer, make sure the one you purchase carries the EnergyStar® seal.

Reprinted by permission from TheHousingGuru.com

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 days.
8. Create a budget and stick to it.
9. Use curtains and blinds to keep out drafts in winter and too much direct sun in summer.
10. Organize your basement and garage and sell unneeded items.
11. Analyze your cable TV and phone service for services that can be eliminated.
12. Dial back your thermostat 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer.
13. Use your computer to search for bargains in groceries, auto supplies, vitamins and other items.
14. Pay yourself first and set a minimum amount to be saved each pay period.
15. Cancel your land line phone and use your cell only.
16. Purchase food in bulk at warehouse clubs and split huge quantities with friends/relatives.
17. Forget the movie theater and rent movies from the “Redbox.”
18. Barter services or goods with others.
19. Use income tax software to do your taxes.
20. Insulate your water heater (unless the manufacturer says it’s not necessary).
21. Take your lunch to work at least 2 days a week.
22. Launder in cold water.
23. Enroll in your electric company’s energy saver program.
24. Buy generic.
25. Wash whole loads only in washing machines and dishwashers.

Reprinted by permission from TheHousingGuru.com

Why would that be, you might ask? It’s really quite simple and is based upon the law of supply and demand. When building activity is at its peak, both building materials and labor are at a premium; but when activity is low, contractors and suppliers cut prices in order to maintain the necessary volume to remain in business. We’re currently in one of those times.

While that doesn’t mean that every deal offered is a good one, homeowners who are willing to spend some time doing comparison shopping will find great deals and contractors eager to provide both great service and prices. Unfortunately though, there are always a few unscrupulous contractors, desperate for business who are willing to lie, cheat, or steal in order to fatten their wallets. We’ll give you a few tips to avoid the crooks.

Always ask for recent references (preferably a half-dozen or more) and then check them out—all of them. If you can view some of the most recent jobs, that’s even better. NEVER pay money up front before the job is started or material is delivered. Small contractors may tell you they have to have up-front money to begin the job, and if you agree, you risking losing all of it.

One way to get around this problem is to arrange to pay for the material yourself. In fact, you may be able to supply all of the material and have the contractor supply labor only. The negative side of this is large jobs where you may not have any idea of what the material will cost. (In the past I did a number of such jobs, including building entire houses, supplying labor only. However, I always provided my customers with a written estimate of all material costs and updated it as the job progressed.) If you’re comfortable with such an arrangement, it can offer significant savings. Then, if you are buying from a local home center, you may be able to get a discount if you use their credit card, or you can charge the total to an awards card. Either way, you will have additional savings from the transaction.

Demand lien waivers (available at office supply stores or online) to protect you from subcontractors or suppliers who don’t get paid. Lien waivers should be requested each time a payment is made to the contractor.

Additional Savings Opportunities:

Shop for materials at local “salvage stores.” While you may assume that such stores carry only junk or damaged materials, that’s not the case. I’ve often saved hundreds on returned or slightly damaged doors and windows that were equal to or better than those for which I had originally budgeted. The key is to make certain the items fit your needs, both for energy efficiency and appearance.

Do some of the work yourself. Those who are handy, and some who are not so handy, will still find some tasks on their project where they may be able to save by providing some of the labor. Jobs as simple as site clean up, painting, screwing down a subfloor, or installing insulation can easily be done by anyone who has ever operated a hand drill or paint roller. Check with your contractor to see if providing labor on your job makes sense.

Check online for appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, special doors and windows, and finish materials. While you may not choose to order online, you can at least do some comparison shopping; and you may find local dealers of which you were unaware.

Investigate all your materials options. For instance, if you are painting the trim work, there are options that are much less expensive than wood, many of which will provide a better finish with less effort. There are molded trims that look great and, once painted, can’t be distinguished from real wood. Some of these materials, however, do not do well in high moisture areas and especially don’t like getting wet. In such cases you’re better off with wood.

Use your computer to check for substitute and less expensive options for all your material needs. There are some great sources of information where you can compare materials, costs, and ease of installation.

Reprinted by permission from TheHousingGuru.com