Ready to remodel and interested in sustainability? Of course, you should implement well-known Green building solutions such as using sustainable countertop materials and energy-efficient appliances. But according to Don Knapp, a spokesperson for Build it Green, there are many lesser-known Green materials you can utilize to make your remodeling project more environmentally-friendly. Read more

Last fall, we published a long piece about how to make different types of Bay Area homes more energy efficient (download the free e-book here). This month, we’ve distilled the wisdom offered in that post and added a few more Green tips in honor of March, the greenest of months. Enjoy!

1. Implement a whole-house solution
Richard Hiteshew of A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. says people who want to “Green up” their homes should “reduce before they produce.” Read more

In the course of planning a home remodeling project, it’s beneficial to gain insight from informative resources. Along with the Diamond Certified Resource, a great place to look for information is remodeling industry organizations. In addition to advocating high standards of workmanship and professionalism in the remodeling industry, these associations are dedicated to educating and empowering professionals and consumers alike. Here are three of the premier organizations in the remodeling industry:

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

Overview

NARI is the only independent national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. By providing helpful resources for remodeling professionals and consumers, it seeks to fulfill its stated core purpose: “To advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, Read more

When planning to remodel their kitchens, many homeowners focus on improving aspects such as visual aesthetics and functional utility. However, a kitchen remodel also provides a great opportunity to improve energy efficiency, primarily through updating appliances like refrigerators and ovens with new, environmentally-friendly models. By minimizing energy consumption, updating your kitchen appliances will reduce both your carbon footprint and monthly power bills, which is a true win-win situation. Here are some things to look for when selecting new appliances: Read more

Everyone knows home remodeling projects can be costly and complicated, but they don’t have to be as stressful as they’re often made out to be. By taking preliminary steps and addressing things in advance, you can set yourself up for a smooth process and successful results. To gain some helpful insight, we’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to give their tips on preparing for a remodeling project.

1. Define the scope: Jim Kabel of Next Stage Design + Build
Before you begin interviewing designers and contractors, have a clear idea of what you want. Read more

While many Bay Area residents are preparing to tackle their long-deferred project ideas, for some, the urge to remodel is constrained by the significant expenses involved. However, even if you’re working with a limited budget, there are numerous ways you can cut costs without compromising quality. Here are seven money-saving strategies to consider:

1. Design your project to accommodate existing systems. If your plumbing and electrical systems are in good condition, you can avoid the cost of rerouting pipes or wiring by designing your remodeling project to accommodate them. In addition to saving a substantial amount of money, this strategy aligns with a sustainable approach to remodeling. Read more

Overview
Build It Green is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way homes are built and renovated in California by emphasizing aspects like conservation, sustainability, and health. In partnering with builders, contractors, architects and realtors, the organization’s stated mission is “to help professionals adopt Green practices and grow the market for efficient, healthy homes.” Read more