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How to Find an Eco-Friendly Contractor for Your Renovations
posted at 2021-05-12
Green building is a new term circulating the world of environmental sustainability. It describes construction practices that utilize eco-friendly resources and materials. The approach of sustainable building is appealing to many homeowners looking to renovate their houses.
Before developing a green home, one must find an eco-friendly contractor. These professionals build using sustainable practices and create environmentally beneficial homes. They produce energy- and water-efficient projects that conserve natural resources.
There are a few steps you must take when looking to hire an eco-friendly contractor. Listing your priorities, researching local companies and looking for transparency can ensure you get a sustainable builder.
List your priorities
Before reaching out to contractors, it is helpful to define your specific renovation needs. Eco-friendly builders use recycled and locally sourced materials. You may want to determine what items you will need for your project and evaluate whether you can go green.
There are various things you should consider regarding your project. Deciding what green development elements are important to you can help you evaluate what you need from a contractor:
- Do you want renewable energy utilized in the production process?
- Do you want solar panels installed while renovating?
- Do you want nontoxic, sustainable and ethically sourced materials used?
- Do you want a design that adapts to a changing environment?
- Do you want excellent indoor air quality?
You will also need to evaluate your budget. Green development is an upcoming industry that relies on new technology. This can be an investment for contractors, who may charge more. Consider this investment when you request a consultation.
Customer service is another priority to evaluate. An effective contractor-client relationship can promote the communication needed for sustainable development. Make sure the builder is putting your needs and vision first to ensure satisfaction.
Research local contractors
It's vital to be aware of the necessary qualifications when looking around your area for eco-friendly contractors. There are four main sustainable building certifications that a company could hold.
- A certified green professional (CGP) utilizes green building practices and sustainable materials while maintaining reasonable prices for their services.
- A green advantage certified associate (GACA) conducts environmentally conscious work across trades.
- A green advantage certified practitioner (GAGP) supervises the sustainability of individual workers' practices.
- The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification indicates a builder's design, construction and operation sustainability.
One may also turn to the government's Energy Star search engine to find eco-friendly suppliers. This resource locates certified contractors in your area based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) construction standards.
Demand transparency
When you locate green contractors in your area, look for transparency on their sites to ensure they practice quality. Observing their ratings and reviews can help you gauge the honesty of their work. You can also interview eco-friendly companies to confirm the sustainability of their practices.
In an interview, you can ask a builder:
- Where do you source your materials from?
- What type of energy do you utilize for fueling your construction?
- What was the date of the last green class you attended?
- How can green building benefit a homeowner?
- How many sustainable projects have you conducted in the past?
Finally, you can gather references from the contractor's past projects. You may reach out to their contacts to ensure their practices are genuinely environmentally sustainable.
Proceed with confidence
Finding the right eco-friendly contractor for your home renovation takes some work, but it's worth it. Once you have evaluated all the information you've gathered, you're ready to hire the ideal company for your project.
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