Building

Marlene, You can write a book about this, it really depends on your budget, location and use of floor (kitchen, bath, familyroom, basement). I recommend the going to www.TheFlooringGirl.com to find answers. Here is a link http://theflooringgirl.com/request-a-free-consultation/frequently-asked-questions.html

Michael there are so many resources for you. Your local state or regional chapter of the US Green Building Council, Certified Greee Professionals at National Association of Home Builder, Realtors~Green. Here is a link for more http://activerain.com/blogsview/3707698/look-here-to-find-your-local-green-professionals-

Hi Marlee, Yes to both of your questions at Rings End lumber with a number of locations through out Connecticut. http://www.ringsend.com/products/doors Good luck on your project.

HI Christa, I have heard all too many stories about families stuck in this situation. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization that recycles building materials in Connecticut and Nationwide. Here is their website; there is a recycle store next town over from you. http://blog.habitatcfc.org/ You can also try contacting your local building supply company to see if they or if they know of any contractor’s that have left over unused materials. Patience is key, rebuilding a home is a long process I wish you the best of luck.

Feel free to give me a call. My office number is 203-296-2207 or my cell is 203-650-5583

Lisa here are some websites to help you find a local builder who specializes in green building techniques, materials and designs. 1. The National Assoc. of Home Builders (NAHB) has a Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation for builders. Here is a link to find local CGP’s in your region. http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?sectionID=1434&directoryID=1415 2. The National Assoc. of Realtor’s also has a Green designation for real estate agents. http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/find_an_nar_green_designee.cfm 3. U.S. Green Building Council has LEED AP Homes designation for architects, builders, consultants. https://ssl12.cyzap.net/gbcicertonline/onlinedirectory/ https://ssl12.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/tool 4. Energy Star program for homes by the US government. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.locator

Lisa, I'm currently building a house with multiple certifications,located in Old Greenwich Connecticut. I would be interested in taking a look at your plans. Pete F. www.preferredbuilders.biz

Go to your local U.S. Green Building Council and they will send an email out to the members their region http://www.usgbc.org/FindaChapter/ChapList.aspx. You could also find LEED homes in your area by searching the database at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147#Lists . Each home project is assigned a LEED Rater and they can give you some references as well. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2528

Looks like we all are suggesting techniques used by the U.S. Green Building Council. You can download their free LEED for Homes guide at http://www.usgbc.org. If you want more detail you can purchase the expanded edition that goes into more detail. I've LEED registered my 1956 Frank Lloyd Wright home as a gut rehab. See my checklist at http://green-cincinnati.com/category/flw-boulter-house/.

Lexi, #1 When choosing cabinets you want to have formaldehyde free glues and low volatile organic compounds that give off little or no toxic fumes. #2 For countertops using there are quite a few manufacturers that incorporate recycled paper, recycled glass and limestone. here is a example. http://www.squakmountainstone.com/ #3 Choose Energy Star appliances which will save your utility costs and may provide rebates for your refrigerator, dishwasher along with water sense approved faucet fixtures. Here is a useful link http://www.energystar.gov/ I hope this serves you well! Pete F,

Lexi, my links did not come through on my first comments. To find USGBC chapters ~ http://www.usgbc.org/FindaChapter/ChapList.aspx To find Certified Green Professional Builders at NAHB ~ http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=1434

Kitchen Remodeling. Lexi I totally agree with Andrew: 1. You want to reduce waste as much as possible by reusing or giving away 2. Try to use renewable products and/or recycled products 3. Natural light with high efficient gas filled windows. I would also suggest: • Energy Star appliances that will continue to use less energy. • Efficient light fixtures such as LED’s that will give you great task lighting. • Find a ‘green’ contractor; try the NAHB website or your local USGBC chapter for accredited professionals. • Pick out all your materials before hand, have proper blueprints drawn so there are no miss communications. If we can be of any further help please send e-mail, good luck.

lexi: 1. divert as much of the waste from the demolition away from a landfill as you can. an increasing number of waste management facilities have diversion programs for construction waste that can reduce the impact on the landfill. not sure if there is a habitat for humanity "re-store" near you or a place that takes in used building materials and re-sells them for profit. we have one in our community and its a good feeling to leave something there, i also buy stuff there too. also consider re-installing the old cabinets in a garage, basement or other area of the house (or a friend's house). 2. use materials with low-energy or recycled content. cork flooring, countertops with easily renewable core materials, tile made from recycled glass. the neat thing about all of these is that so many manufacturers have jumped into the game, your kitchen doesn't have to look dull or strictly earth-tone... 3. bring as much natural light into the space as is feasible, which can greatly reduce the amount of time the lights are on. consider the layout and how frequently used task areas (sink, cutting board) may be placed near a window or under a skylight. best of luck, let me know how it goes ...

Thank you for the link, always good to hear about new products

Great news! I just heard that it is suppose to start in July.

Congratulations!