Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies( Series - For Dummies (home & Garden) )

The fun and easy way(R) to plan and build your dream green home

Want to build responsibly and help preserve the environment? This friendly, step-by-step guide introduces you to every facet of green building and remodeling, from sizing up construction sites and selecting materials to working with green professionals, reducing energy and water use, and weighing the pros and cons of popular green building methods.

Discover how to:

Identify green materials

Put together a team of green professionals

Work within your budget

Use green building methods and sustainable systems

Avoid costly mistakes

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 home--even a green home--uses 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 mistakes

Complete 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.