How Green is Green Enough?
In talking with clients the question comes up about what elements they can use to make their project more "green". Clients also ask what does take to make your project a green project. The way that I usually break it down is that people should not try to think of things in black and white, but more in a graduating scale. The governing bodies that determine how green a project is use a system that assigns points to each green element, so their are different levels. In a way I have always practiced a green life style, not necessarily because I was trying to save the planet, but because it made sense. I've turned a 100 year old door into a table, used off-cuts from projects as fire wood, and recycled all the cardboard from construction projects because I wouldn't have to pay the cost that it takes to just through it in the dumpster. I believe in being effective and efficient, which are definitely part of the green picture. It's like buying quality shoes that last you ten years or longer versus a cheap pair that last you a year. If you buy energy efficient windows and doors, add insulation in the attic, and use energy efficient appliances it will end up saving you in the long run. Some are easy applications, some are more complex, like icf, insulated concrete forms. Here were I live, in Dallas county, they have instituted that projects must have apply green applications to 4 out of six possible categories. Overall each green element serves a purpose, even choosing just one will have an impact on your home. If you would like to add a green element to your house, remember to look at it as something with options, not as something either you are green or you are not.

Lead Paint Has Become a Big Issue!

As of April 22nd 2010 the EPA has determined that any house built before 1978 must follow strict guidelines when being remodeled. It use to be that a homeowner could opt out of taking the necessary precautions when remodeling as long as no one under six was living in the house and no one was pregnant, but that option is no gone. Contractors will have to consider their projects budget and time needed to accommodate this, so homeowners be prepared. Although the cost should not be a huge increase, it will add to it. I have taken the class to be certified as a renovator. While I found the class necessary, I also found the changes needed to renovate will cause a bit of an adjustment for contractors. Things to consider when budgeting are signage, everything in the room to be covered in plastic, logging all requirements completed, training for employees, new protective clothing each day, employees submitting to tests to make sure lead levels are safe, and the list goes on. Also if you are a general contractor you need to make sure all of your subs are certified to work in the area. Now if a homeowner does not want to have lead testing done in order to avoid having their house labeled as one with lead based paint when they try to sell, they can do that. But the contractor will still have to perform all safe practices in accordance with the EPA and OSHA as a precaution. As a homeowner and contractor I can appreciate these rules, but as just a contractor I know if will make think twice about dealing with a "target house"(built before 1978). Not that I would not do it, but in lieu of a potential $37,500.00 max fine per day for a violation, that can be a heavy weight to bear.

Forza Stone & Thin Slate

I recently had the chance to check out what I think is one of the latest and coolest products in stone applications. These two products are called Thin Slate and Forza Stone. The Thin Slate comes in sections as big as 2' x 4' and can acutally bend like a roll of formica, but it is real slate. The Forza Stone is about 3/8" thick but only about less than 1/4" is actually stone. Forza Stone comes in larger slabs/panels so it makes installation a lot quicker. I have actually seen a guy standing on a Forza Stone slab suspended over his truck bed, so they are durable. Both have the potential to contribute to leed points for green building and are very cost effective. For the most part these products use a rubber backing, though Forza Stone uses aluminum as well. They are largely used in wall applications both residential and commercial. Both products are sold exclusively through IMC, http://www.imcstone.com/ and then purchased through fabricators. They look to have the makings of a brand new market.

Ditra vs cement board

Although I have not used the ditra product yet I find it a wise choice. People have installed tile without any underlayment, with cement/concrete, cement board, and now a flexible underlayment. It will add about $2/sf, but it is important for homeowners to consider the reduction in installation time. Contractors will like working with it because of being less mess, quicker to install and better long term performance. There is still a larger number of contractors using cement board but I think homeowners should realize the value in upgrading to a product like ditra, especially in places with unstable soil like the south west.