My first "Green" client - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

LaurieC · 03-24-2008, 08:03 AM

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!

MALCO.New.York · 03-24-2008, 08:07 AM

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!!!

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm · 03-24-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

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

MALCO.New.York · 03-24-2008, 09:07 AM

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!

Milhaus · 03-24-2008, 09:36 AM

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

MALCO.New.York · 03-24-2008, 09:49 AM

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

**genecarp** · 03-24-2008, 10:39 AM

who gives a **** whether it is a FAD or here to stay, its important to be knowledgable either way

MALCO.New.York · 03-24-2008, 10:49 AM

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!

threaderman · 03-24-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milhaus

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.

LaurieC · 03-24-2008, 08:39 PM

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 · 03-24-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

people should PAY for YOUR expertise accordingly.

If they paid me accordingly, I'd have to lower my rates.

MALCO.New.York · 03-24-2008, 08:46 PM

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!

orson · 03-24-2008, 09:38 PM

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.

LaurieC · 03-25-2008, 07:04 AM

Thanks for the great site! So much info...so little time before our meeting. Wish me luck.

Tony M · 03-29-2008, 01:32 PM

My first green client was Doctor Bruce Banner. He only goes green when you make him angry.

MALCO.New.York · 03-29-2008, 01:37 PM

I never did understand why the TV serial of 1977 had Banner named "David" (Bill Bixby).

Tony M · 03-29-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

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.

MALCO.New.York · 03-29-2008, 02:38 PM

No. You had it correct. Robert Bruce Banner. The TV show changed it to David Bruce Banner.

Milhaus · 04-03-2008, 11:57 PM

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

LaurieC · 04-04-2008, 07:40 AM

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!