Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies

by Freed, Eric Corey

• ISBN13: 9780470175590
• ISBN10: 0470175591
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-12-10
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Want to build responsibly, reduce waste, and help preserve the environment? Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your friendly, step-by-step guide to every facet of this Earth-friendly method of construction. Building a homeeven a green homeuses plenty of resources and energy. This practical, hands-on book shows you how to build or remodel conscientiously, whether your dream home is a simple remodel or a brand-new multimillion-dollar mansion.You'll start by identifying green materials and sizing up potential systems and construction sites. You'll weigh the pros and cons of popular green building methods and identify opportunities for saving money in the long run. Need to find some green professionals to assist you in your venture? We'll help you do that, too. This book will also help you discover how to: Understand the lifecycle of building materials Choose the right system for your green building project Put together a green team Work within your budget Use green building methods and sustainable systems Speed construction and reduce energy use and waste Refinish old fixtures and materials Beware of asbestos and lead-paint hazards Avoid costly mistakesComplete with lists of ten green things to do on every project and ten things you can do right now in your home in order to go green, Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your one-stop guide to planning and building the home you've always wanted.

Author Biography

Eric Corey Freed teaches sustainable design at the Academy of Art University and the University of Claifornia, Berkeley. He sits on the board of numerous environmentally focused nonprofits and museums.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Need for Green

Going Green

Green Building in an Organically Grown Nutshell

Remodeling with a Green Eye

Working with Building Professionals

Paying Attention to Material Matters

Looking at a Material's Life Cycle: From Cradle to Grave

Material Opportunities: From Cradle to Cradle

Green Finish and Construction Materials

Green Building Methods

Framing Things Up

Natural Building Methods

Manufactured Building Methods

Green Building Systems and Site Planning

Energy Systems

Heating and Cooling Systems

Water and Waste Systems

Landscaping and Site Planning: Going Green in the Great Outdoors

The Part of Tens

Ten Common Myths about Green Building and Remodeling

Ten Green Things to Do on Every New-Home Project

Ten Green Materials You Can't Live Without

Ten Green Things You Can Do in Your Home Right Now

Appendix: Resources

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.