Finding a Green Home Builder

Because green building is becoming so popular, it's relatively easy to find an experienced green home builder in just about any area of the country. However, there are some things you should look for before you hire a green home builder to build your energy-efficient building.

Locating a Green Home Builder

An easy way to find a green home builder in your area is to search for one online. There are professional green organizations online that list builders around the country, and the U.S. Green Building Council has organizations around the country with members who could meet your needs. If you're working with an architect or designer, ask them to recommend someone, they should have construction contacts with references that are experienced green builders.

Another way to find a green homebuilder is to ask friends and family. They may know of builders who've completed projects they were happy with, and it helps to know they're satisfied with the work and how it was completed. You want a contractor who has experience in green building, too. There are organizations that certify green builders, so you could contact one of them to find a builder in your area. Or, search for green building projects in your area and then ask them what contractor they've used to complete their projects. You local building department might be able to recommend someone, as well.

Questions to ask Your Green Builder

Of course you want to get references from anyone you're considering hiring as a contractor. Anyone can call himself a "green" builder, but you want to see actual projects they've completed, and talk to the owners about their overall experience. A good green builder knows what materials to use to make your home energy-efficient and eco-friendly, and they know how to use materials to help you lower your carbon footprint. That will help you save money in heating and cooling costs, but it can help save the environment, too. Many contractors get certified in green building, so ask your contractor if they have a certification. Ask them how many green buildings they've completed, and how much energy they've saved their customers. You also want to know how they work with the building department and if they've had any issues with building inspectors. Make sure your green home builder has a valid contractor's license in your state, and that they don't have any complaints against them with local contractors' boards or the Better Business Bureau, too.