Build It Green

Are you thinking about making improvements to your home? Perhaps, you have a smallish project such as a bath or kitchen remodel?

Or, if you have an 80+ year old home like mine which has had minimal updating, a full face lift may be in order-then it's a matter of deciding whether to go the piece meal, room by room approach which may be more expensive in the long run but more economically feasible in the short run vs. the full on move into a rental to implement a complete top to bottom remodel.

Either way, spend the time up front to determine what products and finishes you want to incorporate into your project & come up with a master plan (which is subject to change as you move through your projects and as you live in your home using the existing space).

Research, research, research!!! The more informed you are about the project and what final result you'd like, the easier it will be to communicate your goals to your general contractor & designer. Your homework will result in a project that should be finished on time and with minimal surprises. Nothing adds up to project overages & delays more quickly than job changes after a project has started.

If you want to incorporate elements of green design & energy efficiency, seek out a professional who has experience in this field which is becoming more mainstream and in demand. Build It Green has a resource list of certified professionals.

A great store for environmentally friendly products is:
Eco Design Resources. Additional green resources can be found at my website under the "Bower Power Team" link.

There is also a plethora of design & renovation books available. A few of my favorites are: The Kitchen Idea Book, Good House Parts, & The Not So Big House.

If you have any concerns about over improving for your neighborhood or making the design too personalized or unique, consult with your Realtor for a second opinion on resale value & marketability. This becomes even more important if you are thinking of making a potential move within 3-5 years after project completion.