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November 21, 2009  |  Login
It Is Easy Being Green: Steps to a Green Building
By Eric Corey Freed
 
Although every home project will be unique and different, the steps to planning a green building are similar. The following list shows what you need to consider in the early planning phases for a typical green building:

1.Decide whether you want to remodel or add on to your existing home, or build a new home (see remodeling questions)

2.Plan your financing; consider a green mortgage program (learn more about green real estate).

3.Choose a site — preferably in a dense area, with lots of sunlight (more tips on site selection).

4.Research the planning code requirements for height limits, setbacks, and allowable size (find green building codes for your area).

5.Ask about priority permitting for a green building (more on green home certification).

6.Have a survey prepared by a civil engineer (find green building professionals).

7.Diagram the site for sunlight, wind, views, and features (more on site selction).

8.Research grants and incentives for green builders (more on finding rebates).

9.Interview and hire an architect (find the right architect for you).

10.Create the preliminary design.

11.Talk to your neighbors about your project before you begin.

12.Orient rooms based on the location of the sun (more on orienting your home).

13.Set priorities for the materials you use, giving preference to healthy, natural, and low-toxic finishes (some tips for finding green building materials and how to choose them)

14.Consider exposing the structure to reduce your use of materials (find more on home finishes).

15.Dimension the building to match the unit of construction — 16 inches, 24 inches, and so on (some tips on house framing).

16.  ....read more

 
 
 
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