The following article is from the March/April edition of our regular Green Living column in Prestige Magazine, which is published for Pinellas county and the Trinity communities.
Green Remodeling – Is It Right For Everyone?
We believe green remodeling has as much to do with saving you money and improving the quality of life for your family as it does with helping the planet. When we first meet a client, it’s not unusual for them to view “green” remodeling as something that might be good for someone else, but not something they need, or even want.
We usually get one of two responses when we first bring up the idea of adding green to a project: “Isn’t it difficult?” or “Isn’t it expensive?” The first has to do with the belief that being green involves a lot of sacrifice and extra effort. For these clients “green” might conjure images of adobe mud wall construction and limiting family showers to once a week. Don’t worry! Going green doesn’t mean giving up modern conveniences or luxuries.
The second, and most common response, is from homeowners who believe adding “green” to their remodeling project means draining all the “green” from their wallets. In fact, there are many green features which pay for themselves quickly, such as additional insulation, programmable thermostats, A/C duct sealing, compact fluorescent bulbs, and more. Also, a common misperception is that green remodeling is an all or nothing thing – it isn’t. Going green is kind of like getting into a pool. Some people only dip their toes, others go to their waist, while others dive all the way into the deep end. What you choose depends entirely on what is most important to you and your family.
Some homeowners concentrate their green investment in areas that reduce monthly utility bills, such as on low-flow fixtures, solar hot water, and efficient A/C systems. In return, they’re able to spend those saved dollars on their families. Others, especially those with children, choose paints, flooring, and other products low in toxic chemicals to improve indoor air quality. Some focus on sustainability and their “footprint” on the planet by using sustainable, recycled content and recyclable products. Finally, there are those for whom the sky is the limit. They add everything including high performance windows, full photovoltaic solar systems, geothermal, greywater recovery, rainwater harvesting, and more!
So, which shade of green is right for you? As a Green Certified design-build contractor, we can help you determine which combination of features are right for you and your family. Adding Charter Bay to your team will go a long way towards ensuring your remodeling project is a great success no matter which end of the green spectrum fits you best!
Eric Stockland is CEO of Charter Bay Home Builders, a full-service FGBC and NAHB Green Certified remodeling and custom home building company. Charter Bay is dedicated to the simple idea that “If you’re not happy, we’re not done”. Visit www.CharterBayHomes.com or call 813-357-9030 today for a free consultation . Lic# CBC1255041
