My First "Green" Client

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 03-24-2008, 09:03 AM   #1
Project Manager
 
LaurieC's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Builder
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 243

My First "Green" Client


We've been working with these clients for about 4 months designing his new home (we're a desgin/build company). Friday we started on finish design and he mentioned for the first time he wants to go as green as possible. I've been doing research online (here and other places). Can anyone suggest a good book on the subject, or a site that focuses on finish?
Thanks!

LaurieC is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 03-24-2008, 09:07 AM   #2
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


I can suggest a REALLY good one. Get paid! If they can afford to be "Green Trendy" then they can afford to pay YOU for holding their hands through it!!!
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 09:26 AM   #3
Sharp Improvements
 
Norrrrrrrrrrrrm's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wilmington, N.C.
Posts: 554

Re: My First "Green" Client


Quote:
Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York View Post
I can suggest a REALLY good one. Get paid! If they can afford to be "Green Trendy" then they can afford to pay YOU for holding their hands through it!!!
Dude,
Get a grip. Some people are not trying to be trendy but actually make an environmental/personal choice for the better.Who said anything about having to hold hands because they don't know about green? Why not hold their hands and charge them out the rear because they don't know how to build a house? C'mon man!


As far as some sites go, I am not sure. There is a guy on here with a company called "green werks" or something like that. I'm sure he would help you out. Good luck
__________________
Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com
Norrrrrrrrrrrrm is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 10:07 AM   #4
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


I am not here to argue or fight. This be known.......

Lets let Laurie determine what is what. I do declare that MOST of the Greenies today are on "The Band Wagon". Yes Norrrrrrrrrrrrm! Most.

It is mostly a crock. Prove me wrong. I bet ya can not!
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 10:36 AM   #5
Pro
 
Milhaus's Avatar
 
Trade: Renovations
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Iowa - the potato state
Posts: 350

Re: My First "Green" Client


I beg to differ. I don't think it is a trend. I saw a figure the other day, and yes it was only a figure, but estimated that 'green' building will jump from $2 billion to $20 billion in the next 5 years. Call it what you want. It's the future and the more I know about it, the better off my business will be.

Take a look at some of the figures that the USGBC has put together based on their projects. It's commercial based, but 30% increased productivity from employees is a hard number to overlook when you're considering your new building. That's money in a business owner's pocket and us contractors as well.

mark
Milhaus is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 10:49 AM   #6
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


And THAT is EXACTLY what it is about!

USGBC? Come on now! US Green Building Council! It is NRDC affiliated and borne. It is a private, agenda laden lobby and a Political lobby! It is about as reliable a source as the Mileage Ratings for Cars!!!! USEPA!

They are the ones who say that the Oceans will rise 20 to 100 feet WHEN (not) the Ice caps melt. For that to occur it would require more water than exists on the Earth already!!!

Just another case of persons believing as Truth, what some Organization tells them.

Please do some comparative research before stating opinion based "facts".



Start here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_-k1PM5-_A
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

Last edited by MALCO.New.York; 03-24-2008 at 11:04 AM.
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 11:39 AM   #7
Pro
 
genecarp's Avatar
 
Trade: LI,NY designer, new homes, renovation work, concre
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 5,426

Re: My First "Green" Client


who gives a **** whether it is a FAD or here to stay, its important to be knowledgable either way
genecarp is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 11:49 AM   #8
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


Absolutely. And that was part of my original point! It is "new". We are professionals. It is a "Limited" market for now. Not everyone can execute "Green Contracting" so people should PAY for YOUR expertise accordingly.

BTW fad was never said!
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

Last edited by MALCO.New.York; 03-24-2008 at 12:54 PM.
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 12:40 PM   #9
Pro
 
threaderman's Avatar
 
Trade: Plumbing & Gas Contractor
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Oklahoma city
Posts: 1,178

Re: My First "Green" Client


Quote:
Originally Posted by Milhaus View Post
I beg to differ. I don't think it is a trend. I saw a figure the other day, and yes it was only a figure, but estimated that 'green' building will jump from $2 billion to $20 billion in the next 5 years. Call it what you want. It's the future and the more I know about it, the better off my business will be.

Take a look at some of the figures that the USGBC has put together based on their projects. It's commercial based, but 30% increased productivity from employees is a hard number to overlook when you're considering your new building. That's money in a business owner's pocket and us contractors as well.

mark
You betcha Mark.I am enrolled with Green Plumbers ,and hope to be one of the first in this area to be certified and able to assist Ho's and Bo's achieve thier goals.
threaderman is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 09:39 PM   #10
Project Manager
 
LaurieC's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Builder
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 243

Re: My First "Green" Client


Thanks for the interesting debate.

What I know for sure...I have a client right now who wants to build as green as he can, and still stay within his budget. I live in California where the market is precarious at best, and I need this client. I'm thinking of it as an adventure in knowledge. If it's a trend I will have made this client very happy. If it's not a trend I'll have the knowledge that could set me apart on the next bid.

I have found good information on a lot of building products (lumber, insulation etc...), but I'm having a much harder time with the finish. It's one thing to say you want to have "green countertops", it's another thing completely when you see how ugly they are. Any suggestions?
LaurieC is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 09:40 PM   #11
Project Manager
 
LaurieC's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Builder
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 243

Re: My First "Green" Client


Quote:
Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York View Post
people should PAY for YOUR expertise accordingly.
If they paid me accordingly, I'd have to lower my rates.
LaurieC is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 09:46 PM   #12
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


That is not fair Laurie!!!! If you can make them believe..........They will pay!

Not saying that you do not have to deliver, just appear to be more in control than you presently are. Do your homework and TELL them what they NEED.

The more you learn from this job the more you can charge for the next. And so on. And so on.

You are at the beginning of a serious MONEY MAKING trend in construction. As they say "Get in on the bottom floor and you will soon have an office on the top".

Like all "New" things it starts out to be very expensive, so make your money now because soon EVERYONE will be a Green Contractor.

My first cell phone was $2800.00. They give them away now!
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-24-2008, 10:38 PM   #13
Pro
 
orson's Avatar
 
Trade: Kitchen & Bath
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Millersville, PA
Posts: 1,328

Re: My First "Green" Client


http://www.regreenprogram.org/

http://www.regreenprogram.org/docume..._checklist.pdf

the second page of the .pdf has some links to some interesting websites. Some of the product supplier's supplies are an education in and of themselves.
orson is offline  
Old 03-25-2008, 08:04 AM   #14
Project Manager
 
LaurieC's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Builder
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 243

Re: My First "Green" Client


Thanks for the great site! So much info...so little time before our meeting. Wish me luck.
LaurieC is offline  
Old 03-29-2008, 02:32 PM   #15
Pro
 
Tony M's Avatar
 
Trade: Drylining
Join Date: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 223

Re: My First "Green" Client


My first green client was Doctor Bruce Banner. He only goes green when you make him angry.
Tony M is offline  
Old 03-29-2008, 02:37 PM   #16
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


I never did understand why the TV serial of 1977 had Banner named "David" (Bill Bixby).
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 03-29-2008, 02:52 PM   #17
Pro
 
Tony M's Avatar
 
Trade: Drylining
Join Date: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 223

Re: My First "Green" Client


Quote:
Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York View Post
I never did understand why the TV serial of 1977 had Banner named "David" (Bill Bixby).
Did I get his name wrong? Sorry. Should have just said The Incredible Hulk.
Tony M is offline  
Old 03-29-2008, 03:38 PM   #18
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: My First "Green" Client


No. You had it correct. Robert Bruce Banner. The TV show changed it to David Bruce Banner.
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 04-04-2008, 12:57 AM   #19
Pro
 
Milhaus's Avatar
 
Trade: Renovations
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Iowa - the potato state
Posts: 350

Re: My First "Green" Client


Green Remodeling by David Johnston is a good start. He writes for the average HO and what they can do during their own project. But, he breaks it down room by room so they're a great deal of ideas in there.

Malco - it isn't about who sponsors who, or where the money comes to fund the drive for green building. I BELIEVE in it. It is right for this world and it's right for my children. The FDA approves drugs everyday that are not safe for US citizens. Sure - they are based on the best info they have available to make a decision at that time, but in many cases their decisions are not right and the studies are pushed through before adequate results are in.

When I look at the big picture, it makes sense to me to recycle the building products that I can to keep them out of the ground, it makes sense to use a Low VOC product in carpeting that a one year old is crawling around on inhaling the crap in the carpet. Unfortunately, it's not a profit thing for me.

For example, formaldyhyde. It's in every wall in nearly every house in America. THEY EMBALM DEAD PEOPLE WITH THIS!!! It is known to cause cancer - one nasty plague we can't seem to figure out where it comes from!!! We have quit seeing the obvious for financial gain in this country. We HAVE to pay attention to how and what we are using to build. It doesn't make sense to me to not!

"Formaldehyde exposure can cause burning eyes and nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, headaches, and has been shown to be carcinogenic, causing nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer and possibly leukemia.[13] "Formaldehyde-catalyzed resins are used in the manufacture of engineered wood products such as particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), plywood, and oriented strand board (OSB), all of which have applications in site-built homes, mobile homes, and travel trailers."

Yep, wikipedia. But look it up elsewhere. It's still formaldehyde.

I wish my backing on this was financial gain, but it's not. I sure hope it comes with it though.

mark
Milhaus is offline  
Old 04-04-2008, 08:40 AM   #20
Project Manager
 
LaurieC's Avatar
 
Trade: Custom Home Builder
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 243

Re: My First "Green" Client


Thanks Mark, great info. I'll look up the book today. I do believe there will be a financial gain at some point in time. The public is just opening their eyes to the many ways they can be green. Thet're going to start looking for someone for direction...and that'll be you.
Thanks!
LaurieC is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Contracts andrew07 Business 15 01-11-2008 09:39 PM
Client wants to use "Direct Buy" for finish materials MikeTheBuilder Business 19 10-13-2007 01:56 AM
Delinquent client , what next ?? tomcutt Business 9 11-24-2006 12:13 PM
The client from hell returns Grainywood Flooring 8 10-18-2006 12:03 PM
Customer vs. Client. K2 General Discussion 19 09-30-2006 09:53 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?