This is a guest post by Andrea Goldman, the principal in the Law Office of Andrea Goldman 305 Walnut Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02460. She is a litigator, mediator and arbitrator. Ms. Goldman focuses on construction, contractor/homeowner and business law. She is fluent in Spanish and French and has served international clients in their native language. For more information about Andrea Goldman visit www.andreagoldmanlaw.com or call (617) 467-3072.

Click here to read Part-I of this series - Green Housing Legal Advice: The Basics

Potential areas for risk include the following:

• Certification
• Rebates and tax incentives
• Green materials and supplies
• Installation
• Warranties
• Performance

Certification

Contractors and homeowners need to discuss certification options. They should consider using a design team to maximize cost savings and think about whether it is worth pursuing a level of certification. Both should be aware of the possibility of an increased financial burden. Contractors and homeowners will want to familiarize themselves with local and state laws that may affect certification (zoning, conservation commission). Homeowners should be made aware of the changing nature of certification (requirements are fluid) by contractors, and most importantly, the potential for the need to renew certification after a certain number of years.

Rebates and Tax Incentives

Familiarize yourself with the requirements for rebates and tax incentives. Designate responsibility for the acquisition of rebates in the contract. Contractors would want homeowners to assume responsibility for the rebates, and vice-versa.

Green materials and supplies

Beware of “greenwashing” and the potential for fraud. Educate yourself about alternatives in green products and systems. Clearly spell out in the contract who has chosen the green options and who is responsible for them. Make sure to ask for all manufacturers’ warranties. Find out about implied warranties in your state.

Warranties

Clearly delineate warranties for materials, installation and performance. Allocate risk between the contractor and the homeowner. Again, be aware of implied warranties in your state.

Performance

Homeowners should ask for guarantees in the contract, and contractors should avoid giving guarantees that cannot be implemented. Allocate risk amongst builders, subcontractors, suppliers and owners. Account for regional variations in performance. Make sure warranties are included. Discuss and delineate maintenance responsibilities in the contract.

Suppliers

Only choose reputable suppliers. Make sure you acquire all necessary documentation for installation, warranties and rebates. Include disclaimers for materials chosen by consumers. Ensure that proper installation procedures are followed, or the manufacturer’s warranty could be invalidated.

Resources :

1. NAHB-National Green Building Program http://www.nahbgreen.org/
2. LEED for Homes http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147
3. ANSI Green Building Standard http://www.nahbgreen.org/Guidelines/ansistandard.aspx
4. ASHRAE Green Building Standard http://www.ashrae.org/pressroom/detail/16309
5. Green Real Estate Law Journal http://www.greenrealestatelaw.com/
6. Green Building Law Update http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/
7. Green Building Law http://www.greenbuildinglawblog.com/

Part III of this series, Green Housing Legal Advice: Contracts will be published next week.

This is a guest post by Andrea Goldman, the principal in the Law Office of Andrea Goldman 305 Walnut Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02460. She is a litigator, mediator and arbitrator. Ms. Goldman focuses on construction, contractor/homeowner and business law. She is fluent in Spanish and French and has served international clients in their native language. For more information about Andrea Goldman visit www.andreagoldmanlaw.com or call (617) 467-3072.

Green housing is all the rage these days, and contractors and consumers are faced with a myriad of confusing options when it comes to “going green.” Despite the confusion, however, contractors should not ignore green construction methods and products because statistics show that green construction is on the rise even though the market for construction has been depressed. In addition to being challenged by how much there is to offer in environmental choices when contemplating a renovation or new construction project, contractors and homeowners need to protect themselves when buying green systems and materials.

First, a few statistics: The National Association of Home Builders recently released figures from a survey of multi-family builders and developers that stated that 74 percent of respondents said that their buyers and renters are willing to pay more for green amenities. The median additional amount that they’re willing to pay is just 2 percent.

• 89 percent of respondents (again, multi-family builders and developers, nationwide) said they are currently installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting in their projects.
• 79 percent are installing low-E windows.
• 64 percent are incorporating recycled materials.
• 50 percent are installing greater insulation than required by local code (that figure jumps to 70 percent among respondents based on the West Coast). (source: www.contractorheadlines.com/2008/09/green_building_statistics_dema.html)

On the residential side, McGraw-Hill Construction’s 2008 summary shows that 56% of green home purchasers earn less than $75,000 per year and that 29% earn less than $50,000.

(source : http://theleed.com/2009/04/the-statistics-are-bullish-on-green/)

Why should contractors and homeowners consider green options? There are:

• Lower operating costs—Homeowners receive less expensive utility bills because of energy and water efficiency measures.
• Increased comfort—Green homes have relatively even temperatures throughout the home, with fewer drafts and better humidity control.
• Improved environmental quality—builders pay extra attention to construction details that control moisture, choose materials that contain fewer chemicals, and design air exchange/filtration systems that can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
• Enhanced durability and less maintenance—Green homes incorporate building materials and construction details that strive to increase the useful life of the individual components and the whole house. Longer lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement but also reduce maintenance and repair costs.
• Green homes have lawns that require less weeding and watering, building elements that require less maintenance, and more durable building components that reduce the time needed for upkeep.
• It is important to note that a builder can do only so much when it comes to how the home will perform. Homeowners play a big role in the house performance and, therefore, should be instructed on how to operate the green home as it was intended. Anecdotally, builders are adding green features even without advertising them.

There are currently many standards to choose from:

• LEED for homes
• NAHB Green Building Certification http://www.nahbgreen.org/Certification/homecertification.aspx
• Energy Star
• Proposed Standard 189, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is being developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The resulting ANSI approved ICC-700-2008 National Green Building Standard defines green building for single and multifamily homes, residential remodeling projects and site development projects while still allowing for the flexibility required for regionally-appropriate best green practices. Similar to the NAHB Model Green Homebuilding Guidelines, a builder, remodeler or developer must incorporate a minimum number of features in the following areas: energy, water, and resource efficiency, lot and site development, indoor environmental quality, and home owner education. The more points accrued, the higher the score. The Standard, however, includes more mandatory items and suggests that higher thresholds be met in several categories. A new threshold - “Emerald” - was added to denote the highest achievement in residential green construction.

There is more risk in green construction because so many of the products and systems are relatively new. By following the recommendations in this article, builders and homeowners can protect themselves from potential disputes, failures, or poor performance. Going green is both environmentally and personally beneficial, but one needs to make choices that are both informed and profitable.

Resources :

1. NAHB-National Green Building Program http://www.nahbgreen.org/
2. LEED for Homes http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147
3. ANSI Green Building Standard http://www.nahbgreen.org/Guidelines/ansistandard.aspx
4. ASHRAE Green Building Standard http://www.ashrae.org/pressroom/detail/16309
5. Green Real Estate Law Journal http://www.greenrealestatelaw.com/
6. Green Building Law Update http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/
7. Green Building Law http://www.greenbuildinglawblog.com/

Part II of this series, Green Housing Legal Advice: Litigation Issues will be published next week.

Company Information

mackmiller design+build is an award winning, full service, design build remodeling company in the Twin Cities. Managing sales, design and project management of distinctive residential remodeling projects such as lower level buildouts, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and total home makeovers. Listening carefully to our clients needs, we propose solutions and work with the client to craft a unique solution for them and their budget. While working in the clients home, we respect it as our own and take great effort to contain the project and make it as painless as possible for the client. We’ve been featured in Mpls-St Paul Magazine, Eden Prairie Magazine, Qualified Remodeler, Remodeling Today, Southwest Journal, HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck, Fine Homebuilding and numerous other publications and websites. mackmiller design+build has been honored with 15 design awards in the last 15 months. www.mackmiller.com 952-949-8600.

Design Challenge

This family of six wanted to duplicate the feeling of their favorite Colorado ski lodge - Steamboat Springs - in their unfinished lower level. The design team accepted the challenge creating an authentic lodge look without the hassle or expense of a plane ticket. From the moment you descend the staircase and grab the driftwood handrail, you know you are going someplace special. Upon completion of the space, more than one visitor exclaimed, “this looks just like Steamboat!” Mission accomplished. The family’s desire was for the “lodge feel” to serve as a backdrop to several specific uses of the space. They wanted a cozy TV room with a wood burning fireplace, a game area for a ping-pong table and game table, storage for games with counter space for food when entertaining, a kitchenette for beverages and making snacks, an exercise room with a rubber floor, a bathroom, a future workshop, and a large storage room.

• Transform an unfinished basement into a ski lodge getaway

• Use unconventional materials to achieve “the look”

• Combine the ambience of the old with the comforts of the new

• Get rid of the basement feel

• Do something creative to get rid of the HVAC ductwork running below the ceiling joists

• Provide multiple uses in a coherent space

• Accessorize with authentic artifacts to enhance lodge feel

Project Challenges

• Ceiling Modification Challenge - Here is a creative response to a chronic challenge. The unfinished lower level was a great blank canvas with the exception of the HVAC chases that extended 4’ into the main TV room and if simply boxed in, would have a lopsided ceiling height change interfering with the fireplace. The chase also protruded 3’ into the game room/kitchenette area and down the main hallway. The 9’ ceiling height made the fix possible.

• Which Wood To Use and How Much - Many rustic designs overwhelm the senses with too much wood and too many species. Doors, cabinets, wall and ceiling coverings, trim and furniture are often a hodgepodge of woods. They overpower a project with too many surfaces and wood objects. You begin to feel lost in the forest.

• Minding the Details - Another problem with using reclaimed wood is maintaining the rustic continuity. Many projects using rustic or reclaimed materials are surfaced with joined edges. The authenticity of the wood is diminished by not attending to the edges of the wood. They also cut out the charm and character of the aged wood.

• Aging the Walls - The other area that is typically overlooked in a rustic design is the wall finish. Have you ever been in a vintage lodge with wood screaming with aged charm and find perfectly smooth sheetrock walls? Never; but that’s where most rustic remodeling projects miss the mark.

• Decorative Touches - Too many rustic items are just plain tacky. Too many bears and moose, furniture frames overpowered with clunky logs, too many tourist trap novelties, and poor hardware selections can sink a good project.

• The Handrail - Setting the Mood - The homeowners were adamant about setting the mood the moment they opened the door at the top of the stairs. The job was sold with the promise of a one-of-a-kind handrail. We had a vision of it our mind, and asked them to trust us on the design, delivery and execution.

Project Solutions Included

• Ceiling Modification Solution – Hiding ductwork in the TV room and hallway by lowering the ceiling to 7’-6” resulted in a cozier feel. Perimeter soffiting in the game room/kitchenette area hid the trunk lines and gave the illusion of a higher ceiling and had the secondary function of serving as a focal point for the gaming area. The ceiling modifications solved one of the biggest challenges of a lower level remodeling project that is removing the “basement feel” resulting from non-symmetric ceiling heights covering HVAC chases. The use of tongue and grooved, beveled, cedar planks converted the ceiling into a decorative element in its own right.

• Wood Choices and Quantity – To minimize a hodgepodge feel, we used only two species of wood. Reclaimed white pine barn board, lightly planed to keep the aged character of the wood. This was used for doors, cabinets, trim and wainscoting. The other wood was a knotty cedar for the ceiling. The homeowner’s budget precluded us from using a reclaimed material for the ceiling. We were careful not to overuse the amount of wood in the project. We wanted to express warmth through color other than wood tones.

• Minding the Details – Using the barn board for the cabinets and doors required convincing the cabinetmaker and door maker to leave their fine woodworking skills behind and think like a pioneer. No wood was joined (except for door panels), every edge was eased with a wavering block plane. Knots, bullet holes, gouges, old paint, saw marks and every other imperfection were embraced for the story they represented. The homeowner’s favorite feature is the perfectly square, hand chiseled mortise in the fireplace mantle. It makes for a great conversation piece.

• Aging the Walls – There is nothing more incongruous than rustic features and smooth sheetrock walls, especially white sheetrock walls. To give the walls an aged look we used a two-tone yellow, coarse Venetian plaster. Due to budget constraints, the Venetian plaster was eliminated from the exercise room.

• Decorative Touches – Extreme care went into the selection of the furniture and decorative items, trying to get the right balance of old and new. Many of the pictures and knickknacks were culled from hours of antique shopping in small towns in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The furniture is mainly reproductions made to look worn. Rust colored cabinet knobs, pulls and bath accessories along with oil rubbed bronze faucets, square cut hinges and knobs round out the step-back-in-time feel.

• The Handrail - Setting the Mood – Sometimes great ideas are simple in concept and harder execute. The railing construction began by scavenging riverbanks and lakeshores for driftwood of many shapes. Next was selecting the right piece for the right spot. The top of the newel post looks like a beaver just gnawed it. The railing was a real jigsaw puzzle. Joining it all into a sturdy handrail system that the inspector would approve of, was a combination of good carpentry skills, fast setting epoxy, and artistic luck. The resulting handrail wowed the homeowners and their friends. It sets the mood for a Colorado ski lodge getaway every time they descend the stairs.

Before and After Pictures

We would like to thank Mark Mackmiller and his team at mackmiller design+build for sharing their project with us.

The three rules of real estate are: location, location, location. And normally house hunters prefer that location to be somewhere on dry land. But as this gallery of underwater structures will show you, some of the coolest and most lavish locales can be found below sea level. Some are still in the works, some are ancient, and many defy logic—but all of them are must-see underwater spectacles.

1. Ithaa: the Underwater Dining Room

At the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, every diner gets a table at the window . . . or under the window. It is the world’s first entirely underwater glass restaurant, and—with a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean—it’s the only place where you can watch the day’s special swim freely overhead.

2. Seuthopolis, Bulgaria: the Underwater City

As it stands, the city of Seuthopolis is literally underwater. The ruins of the culture that once thrived there were discovered in the midst of a reservoir construction project, and the water won the first battle. But a Bulgarian architect named Zheko Tilev is working to uncover the ruins and preserve it with a dam wall surrounding the city, protecting the burgeoning tourist location from the waters that would loom 20 meters above the city’s ground level.

3. Delaware: the Underwater Subway Reef

In practice, the project was simple enough. By constructing a manmade reef along the coast of Delaware, activists would provide a shelter for marine life and a place to scrap hundreds of out-of-service subway cars. But the idea itself was temporarily scrapped amid controversial reception to the idea and difficulties in maintaining the structure. Still, it makes for a fascinating picture.

4. Mexican Caribbean: The World’s Largest Underwater Museum

A marriage of nature and art if ever there was one. This collection of underwater exhibits and sculptures became open to the seafaring public in late 2009 in a truly unique and creative effort to raise environmental awareness.

5. Poseidon Resorts, Fiji: the World’s First Sea-Floor Resort

Maybe there’s something relaxing about the ocean. Maybe you’ve always wanted to feel what it would be like to be the one in the tank and have the fish watch you. Or maybe you just can’t pass up a chance to join the 40-feet-under-the-sea club. Whatever the allure, staying in one of these luxury underwater suites (in a project that’s a bit behind schedule) is as cool as it gets.

6. Alexandria, Egypt: The Underwater Museum of a Lost City

Queen Cleopatra’s palace, or what remains of it, is submerged in the waters of the Mediterranean, but the plans for an underwater museum are underway to bring it back to life in the eyes of its visitors. Unlike the Mexican underwater museum, which celebrates the environmental side, the museum at Alexandria would preserve the cultural treasures hidden in the waters.

7. Red Sea Star, Israel: the Underwater Bar

Moses may have parted the Red Sea, but visitors to the Red Sea Star don’t have to pass through on “dry” ground—they’ll have cocktails. The night observatory is gorgeous and unique, and the underwater scenery is like no other bar in the world.

8. Hydropolis, Dubai: the Fully Submerged Underwater Hotel

Like its counterpart in Fiji, the Hydropolis construction plan is running behind while the architectural ambition runs rampant. This deep-sea destination is slated to plunge more than 60 meters below the surface of the water. The images should be breathtaking, but, as with other speculative projects in Dubai, we’ll believe this when we see it.

9. Yonaguni, Japan: The Underwater Monument

This rock formation is something of a monumental mystery. Despite its massive size and imposing layout, the formation wasn’t discovered until 1987. While some scientists believe the entire monument is nothing but a natural phenomenon, other scholars seem certain that much of it is the handiwork of man. No one can debate that the Yonaguni Monument is thoroughly fascinating.

10. Mataking Island, Malaysia: The Underwater Post Office

If you’re tired of long lines waiting to ship a package, perhaps you’d prefer diving into the water in full SCUBA gear to check your mail. The underwater structure that houses this bizarre little post was formally used as a cargo ship. Now it’s an object lesson in conservation and creative tropical reef mail service.

Those were some of the most spectacular underwater structures. If you know of any feel free to drop a link.

note : We are running a giveaway at the moment. If you are looking to get your hands on a Wii along with Wii Fit Plus and more, take part in fixR Giveaway.

It’s been a busy year already, in a good way. We’ve been planning on doing a contest to show our appreciation for quite some time and finally we got around to putting everything together. We have the detail below on how you can participate, but before we move forward, we would like to introduce ourselves (after all a formal introduction is always a good way to start things).

fixR has been described as an “ebay for home remodeling“: homeowners list their remodeling needs as contractor submit estimates to get the work.

Unlike the yellow pages, fixR helps homeowners select the most competitive and successful contractors for free: when a contractor bids on your project, fixR alerts all other professionals so they can adjust their bids to win the job… but it doesn’t stop here: homeowners review contractors so you can check their reputation before selecting them. fixR allows you to choose contractors based on quality, reputation and price!

Now that we are done introducing ourselves, let’s get straight to the contest.

Prizes

Altogether we are giving away five prizes. The first, second and third prizes are listed below.

1st Prize

Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii Fit Plus ($298 value) for one

2nd Prize

Black & Decker PS18FDPK 18-Volt 51-Piece Project Kit ($130 value) for two

3rd Prize

Black & Decker XD1200K 12-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Hex Cordless 5-Position Drill/Driver Kit ($80 value) for two

How To Enter The Contest

We have decided to open up participation in couple ways so it’s much easier for you. (you can choose one or all three options). Each option will be based on point system so it is much easier for us to choose a winner. Please follow the instructions below on how you can participate and the point system the contest will be based on.

NOTE : If you enter the contest through Twitter, Facebook and Blog, you MUST leave a comment with your Facebook usename, twitter link and blog link so we can verify its the same person. We know it’s extra work but we will give your comment 1 more point which will increase your chances of winning even more.

1. Twitter (2 points) : To participate using twitter all you have to do is follow us on twitter and retweet the contest. Click on the buttons below to follow and RT (1 point each).

1 point

2. Facebook (2 points) : To participate using Facebook, it’s even easier. Click on the button below and enter the contest via Facebook (and become a fan) which is worth 2 points. note : if you are not a fan the link will directly take you to the app. If you are already a fan, click on the promotion tab on the fanpage to participate.

2 points

3. Blog (3 points) : If you want to maximize your chances of winning, you can go ahead and write a post about this contest on your blog and why you want to win. Be sure to link to this post so we can track where it was mentioned. If you go with this option, you’ll earn 3 points.

How It Works

If you use only one of the above mentioned ways, you get the points for that particular platform. For example, if you choose to participate through Facebook only, you get two points. But if you choose to participate via Twitter and Facebook, that equals 4 points and so on and so forth.

Don’t forget to comment and leave your Facebook username, twitter link or blog post if you use more than one platform. It is REQUIRED so we can verify.

How The Winners Will Be Decided

We will choose winners based on points. As mentioned above, you have the option to choose only one way to participate, for example : Facebook, but you will earn only 2 points which will make it much harder to win. The more options you choose to participate, the stronger your chances of winning are. In case of a tie, we will choose winners based on no. of retweets they got, quality of blog post or facebook shares.

When Will The Contest End

The contest will end on Monday, Feb. 8th at 11 PM CST and the winners will be announced on Monday Feb. 10th. Be sure to check back here, facebook fanpage or twitter to see if you are the lucky winner. Sure, it’s been quite a long read for you and you are excited to get going. We’ll stop right here and let you have fun and enter the contest.

Good luck!

To participate you must be 18 years of age or older and a US resident. Shipping available in US only.

Note : This giveaway ended at 11:00 PM CST, Monday Feb. 8th 2010. We will be announcing winners on Wednesday Feb. 10th,2010. Be sure to check back to see if you are the lucky winner. Good luck to all who participated and thank you!

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Green building is taking over, not only because it is the more environmentally responsible way to build, but also because it saves money on energy costs and creates a healthier environment to live and work in. At the beginning of the year, Sean Penrith, the executive director of the Earth Advantage Institute, a non-profit green building certification organization in Portland, published a list of the top green building trends to watch out for in 2010 (pdf). The trends and technologies listed after the jump are either really popular already or are very likely to hit it big. Regardless though, if you are looking to build anything this year, be sure to consider these technologies.

1. Smart Home Metering Systems

Information is knowledge, so if you know how much energy your home is using, you can adjust to use less. Even better are smart monitoring and metering systems that automatically adjust to optimize the use of energy in your home. These monitors, which show real-time energy use, will also eventually communicate with the grid reducing power when needed. These devices, like the Onzo Smart Energy Kit, Google PowerMeter, EnergyHub, and Green Energy Options Trio, and other technologies like these are very likely to become standard on all new houses.

2. Home Energy Performance Rating

In some states like Oregon and Washington, it may soon be law that homes are required to have an energy rating when they sell, just like how cars have a fuel efficiency. When home buyers are informed of how energy efficient a home is they can make better choices when shopping for their next home. Energy Star runs the Home Energy Rating System, Oregon has the Energy Performance Score, Texas has the Home Energy Rating Organization, and more states are soon to follow. Soon, you can even expect to see home performance scores on the home listings like the MLS.

3. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

BIM software is utilized during the design of buildings to optimize all aspects to increase energy efficiency. Architects and designers can model how a building will behave given certain environmental conditions, materials, solar orientation, renewable energy, HVAC systems, dimensions and size, lighting and more. Experts expect that the use of BIM by architects, designers and builders will become more widespread and even more accurate.  Some of the programs being utilized include, DOE’s Energy Plus along with Google SketchUp’s OpenStudio plugin, and Autodesk’s Green Building Studio

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4. Financial Community Seeing Green

Lenders and insurers not only see the importance of green building, they’re also willing to buy into it because it will help them save money in the long run. Green buildings have lower operational costs, have healthier interiors, and are doing their part to reduce climate change, which is a great risk to insurance companies.  Insurers and lenders also feel that green home owners, for the most part, are more responsible, less likely to default, and more likely to maintain their property. Fireman’s Fund, for example is one of the first insurers to offer coverage for innovative green buildings.

5. Downsizing of Homes

One major trend lately is the building of smaller homes compared to the McMansions of yesteryear. Larger homes are not only more expensive to build, but much more expensive to maintain and operate. Families are seeing that they don’t need nearly as much space as before and can make do with more appropriately sized homes. You may be familiar with the book series, Not So Big House, blogs like the Tiny House Blog, the Small Living Journal and more that have helped popularize the movement and encouraged people to look for and build smaller homes.

6. Growth of Eco-Districts

Cities around the world are beginning to think and built holistic communities with green buildings, gardens, pedestrian orientated streets, public transit, bike lanes and open space. These eco-districts are not only about environmentally friendly buildings running off renewable energy, they are geared towards creating a community of people who have similar environmental ideals. Examples of this abound, like Masdar City in Dubai, net-zero neighborhoods like this one in Boulder, Dockside Green in British Columbia and many, many more.

7. Increased Water Conservation

Even more important than energy conservation will be water conservation. Already millions all over the world do not have access to clean drinking water, and even here in the US, states in the Southwest are experience droughts and water shortages. Water conservation will be paramount and organizations like the EPA’s WaterSense program are working to bring water conservation technologies to the masses. The WaterSense program, works very similarly to the ENERGY STAR program and lets consumers know which fixitures, like shower heads, water faucets, toilets and landscape irrigation use less water.

8. Carbon Footprints for Buildings and Processes

With buildings contributing roughly half of the carbon emissions, everyone is looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions either through better management of building processes, energy efficiency and construction practices. But first we must be able to reasonably calculate and monitor emissions from the building industry. Carbon emissions and building experts are quickly working to create accurate carbon calculators for the building industry, which will become even more important if a cap and trade program is implemented. Check out Build Carbon Neutral and Rocky Mountain Institute’s Green Footstep.

9. More Net Zero Energy Buildings

Net zero energy buildings are a very popular trend, because they generate more energy than they use over the course of a year. The buildings are not only built to be very efficient and tight, but they also generate their own power through renewable energy like solar or wind. One increasingly popular standard is the Passive House standard, which was originally started in Germany. These houses are so efficient, that often they don’t even need a heating system and rely on the excess heat from appliances to keep the home warm. Net-zero homes are becoming more cost effective as the cost of renewable energy technologies are coming down. The US DOE sponsored Solar Decathlon this last fall as well as this LEED Platinum net zero home in Chicago are both excellent examples of net zero homes.

10. Green Building Education & Training

With the slower economy, people are taking advantage of the down time to learn new skills, trades and become certified as experts in the green building industry. Training for renewable energy systems like solar panels is incredibly popular as is becoming a LEED Accredited Professional, who is trained to help consult on and certify green buildings. There are many other ways to become in the growing green building movement, like learning more about becoming an organic gardener, landscape designer, green interior designer, an ecobroker and more.

Share your thoughts.

Every year home owners find themselves needing to complete home improvements, whether it is something as small as installing a new faucet or undergoing roof repair. It may be for boosting a home’s resale value or for quality of living. Below is a quick reference list and cost guide to the most common home improvement classifications. The cost is average prices per hour and notates any considerations taken for flat rate charging methods. There are three different methods to estimating costs: time plus materials, flat rate for the project, and per square foot. This is intended as a guide only; actual costs may vary in regions and by contractors. A PDF version is also available for download at the bottom of this post.

For your convenience we have linked each contractor type to our directory. If you are looking for a particular job related to any of the ones mentioned below, simply click on the title to see if there are any available in your area. You can then submit a request to get estimates from contractors in your area.

A

Arborist : Arborists primarily work with trees. They may certify and identify species, health, and assist home owners with tree permits. $58.00/hr

Architect : Architects may design residential and commercial structures without the need of structural engineers. $150.00 - $200.00/hr

Asbestos Removers : Certified removers of asbestos (hazardous material). $150.00/hr

B

Boiler Hot Water Heating & Steam Fitting Contractor : Installs, repairs, maintains boiler, hot-water heating systems and steam fitting. Includes radiators, convectors, and fuel oil tanks. Typically charges flat rate. Expect around 50.00 - 80.00/hr

Building Moving/ Demolition Contractor : Removes structures either by demolition or by deconstruction. Also relocates structures including foundations. Charges flat rate by the project or sq. ft. $6.00 - $12.00/sq.ft.

C

Ceramic & Mosaic Tile Contractor : Installs tiles, glass mosaic, ceramic, natural or synthetic stone. $75.00/hr or based on sq.ft.

Concrete Contractor : Concrete pouring and form work for flat areas such as patios and sidewalks. $65.00 - $80.00/hr or based on sq.ft.

D

Dry Wall Contractor : Installs and repairs dry wall. Also does taping and creates the textures. Charges by the sheet or sq. ft. $30.00 - $60.00/sheet

E

Earthwork and Paving Contractor : Excavation or earth, grading, trenching, cuts, and fills usually accompanying paving or surfacing services. Cost per project or by the ton.

Electrician : Certified professional that installs or repairs electrical systems and components. Includes appliances, fixtures and wiring. $75.00/hr

F

Fencing Contractor : Installs and repairs all kinds of fences including commercial and residential. $45.00/hr

Finish Carpentry : Design and installs cabinetry, trims, baseboards, doors, and any non-load bearing partitions. $60.00/hr

Flooring Contractor : Installs and repairs carpets, tile, and wood flooring. In some states ceramic tile is excluded from this classification. Cost by the sq. ft or project. $3.00 - $5.00/sq. ft.

Foundation Engineer : Analyzes the integrity of the foundation, works closely with soils engineer to determine changing soil conditions. Makes recommendations on foundation repairs. $80.00 - $125.00/hr

Framing Contractor : Construction of sub-floors, siding, exterior staircases, railings, overhead doors, truss members, sheathing. May also repair individual components of framing systems. Priced by the project.

G

Gardner : Maintains landscape and simple irrigation repairs. $25.00 - 40.00/hr

General Contractor : General Contractor may perform all services listed with the exception of Architect and Structural Engineering. In some states they may not perform asbestos removal. They may provide these services through subcontracting. General Contractors often assist the home owner with obtaining permits. Alternative pricing method is done by the job, not necessarily by the hour. $90.00/hr

Glazier : Installs, sets, repairs all kinds of glass. This can be windows, sashes, doors, or mirrors. $55.00 - $65.00/hr

H

HVAC : Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning. Maintains, installs and repairs air conditioning, heat pumps, warm air appliances and ventilating systems. $50.00/hr

I

Insulation and Acoustical Contractor : Installs insulation for not only temperature control but for audio as well. Understands the special needs of structures with acoustic problems. Priced by the sq. ft. or project. Expect $60.00 - $75.00/hr

Interior / Exterior Painting Contractor : Performs painting services. Includes preparing surfaces. Priced by the project. Expect $30.00 - 60.00/hr

Interior Designer : Most states restrict this to designing interior traffic patterns and selecting finishes. May not work with load bearing walls. 50.00 - 75.00/hr

L

Landscape Architect : Designs and gives specifications for hardscape and landscape areas. $50 - $150.00/hr

Landscaper : Designs, plants and installs irrigation and drainage. Thorough understanding of horticulture. Expect $50.00 per hour for special work. Price by the project.

Lathing & Plastering Contractor : Specializes in plaster surfaces. Typically understands the special needs of historic homes. Typically priced by the project or sq. ft. Expect 40.00 - 60.00/hr for custom work.

Locksmith : Installs and repairs door assemblies, gates, safes and vaults. Interior or exterior locking devices. $60.00 - 100.00/hr. Extra site visit fees may apply.

Low Voltage Systems Contractor : Limited to working with 91 volt systems. Includes audio, video, cable television, satellite dish, landscape lighting and alarm systems. Priced by the project. $65.00 - $90.00/hr

M

Masonry Contractor : Installs concrete, brick, and other manufactured stone. This does include load bearing walls. $65.00 - $75.00/hr

O

Ornamental Metal Contractor : Performs wrought iron, brass, bronze, copper, cast iron and steel work. Decorative object d’art for either interior or exterior. Also performs landscape work. Typically priced by the project. Expect $65.00/hr for specialty tasks.

P

Plumbing : Installs and repairs gas, water, and some heating systems. $96.00/hr

R

Reinforcing Steel Contractor : Specializes in reinforcing concrete structures. This may include retaining walls, and historic brick buildings. Priced by the project.

Residential Designer : Designs residences either single story or partial two story; often assists in obtaining permits. Less expensive than an Architect. $80.00 - $100.00/hr

Roofing Contractor : Installs roofing products and repairs roof surfaces. $65.00/hr

S

Sanitation System Contractor : Fabricates, installs and repairs septic tanks, storm drains, and all other sewage disposal systems. $96.00/hr

Sheet Metal Contractor : Fabricates and installs sheet metal components such as roofing, duct work, chimneys and gutters. Priced by the project.

Soils Engineer : Analyzes soil types, zones and load bearing strengths and weaknesses of the land or lot. $150.00/hr

Solar Contractor : Installs, designs, maintains, repairs solar energy systems. Includes solar hot water heating, radiant systems, collectors, and rock bed cooling systems. $90.00/hr

Structural Engineering : Performs analysis and calculations on structural loads for commercial and residential buildings. This includes exterior retaining walls. Authorities having jurisdiction usually require plans to be wet stamped by this professional. $100.00/hr

Structural Steel Contractor : Installs, fabricates structural steel plates. Includes riveting, welding, rigging and metal roofing systems. Priced by the project.

Surveyor : Performs analysis on property lines, layout of the land, contours, and elevations. $100.00/hr

Swimming Pool Contractor : Constructs swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and installs heating equipment. This may also include solar. Priced by the project.

W

Water Conditioning Contractor : Installs water conditioning equipment. Priced by the project.

Water Well Contractor : Installs and repairs water wells and pumps. They may excavate, drill, and bore. Also performs cleaning services to the well. Priced by the project.

These classifications will cover just about any type of home improvement or even home reconstruction. Many of these classifications will vary from state to state as will their certifications.

Here is the link to the PDF version for download : Home Owner’s Guide To Contractor Pricing

Tell us a little about yourself.

Raised in Tucson, AZ but spent a few years in NYC as the producer of ThisOldHouse.com and the websites of ElleDECOR and Metropolitan Home magazines. I’m now based in Los Angeles and when I’m not blogging you’ll find me outside in the surf, slopes or mountains. I love it all.

Why did you start the blog?

In 2005 most major media companies including the one I was working for were not into connecting with a community or listening to their audience who had so much great content to share. I wanted Charles & Hudson to be a place where homeowners and house bloggers could share their projects, tips and techniques with the rest of us. I also wanted to create a platform to highlight the home improvement products and services I felt flew below the radar of mainstream media.

Tell us about the name: Charles & Hudson.

It’s simply the cross streets we lived at in the West Village in NYC. I thought they sounded great together and although this blog isn’t NYC-centric, New York will always define it’s birth.

There’s a lot of home improvement blogs out there… what’s unique about Charles & Hudson?

We like to say we’re healthily obsessed about homes which resonates with our audience who feel the same way. We’re always looking to improve our content and because of this we will be launching 5 more sites before the end of the month that are focused on our most popular content.

What is your favorite home improvement project?

Honestly I find satisfaction in any project that starts with a demo. I love pulling old baseboards, door trim or carpet and starting fresh with new materials. There’s no greater feeling than getting your hands dirty for the sake of improving your living space.

Any home improvement tips you’ve learned from the community?

There are so many but it seems every project hinges on having the right tool for the job. Invest in a core group of quality tools and they won’t let you down and they’ll last forever.

There’s an increasing interest about green remodeling. What are your thoughts about Green Home Improvement? Is it “DIYable?”

Green building isn’t just for the big builders. You can make a difference in your own projects starting by reusing what material you can and recycling what you can’t.

Click to follow Charles & Hudson on Twitter.

In the world of construction and architecture, it’s no longer a question of form versus function. The expense of building and design and the demands of fire and safety codes have welcomed new members to the head of the table: sustainability and energy efficiency. “Green” structures aren’t restricted to concept renderings, they’re becoming the norm. And 2009 was an unprecedented year for Green constructions that are equal parts practical and phenomenal–some are even revolutionary. So here are pictures of the top 10 Green Structures of 2009, including a few that are still in the works.

1. Vulcano Buono (Italy)

It’s Italian for “the good volcano,” but this stunning work of architecture is a great accomplishment. It is built to mimic the nearby Mount Vesuvius, and it erupts with genius. It’s essentially a shopping center and hotel, but its trademark sustainable feature is how the sloping ground surrounding its facade rises to meet the top of the structure providing natural insulation.

2. High Line 23 (New York)

In the Chelsea art gallery district of West Manhattan, this green apartment building expands from its modest base in a geometrically daring tower. The structure wastes little energy—with natural ventilation and reflective surfaces that make heating and cooling efficient—and little material as well, recycling over 75% of the construction waste from the project.

3. Fusionopolis (Singapore)

This research and development complex features several buildings, laboratories, and offices for organizations both public and private as well as a commuter station to be completed in 2010. The vast complex continues to be completed in stages of sustainable building, but the 13 sky gardens are a testament to architecture married with nature.

4. Green Lighthouse (Copenhagen)

When the UN Climate Conference (COP15) was held in Denmark last December, Green Lighthouse was the showcase work of architecture. Its crowning glory is its carbon-neutral design. It maximizes the use of sunlight and natural ventilation and manufactures additional lighting via solar-fueled LED lights. One of its coolest features is the way it stays warm: a geothermal heat pump.

5. Bank of America Tower

The fourth tallest building in the United States and the second tallest in New York is also one of the most energy efficient buildings of its kind. The $1 billion project boasts a 255.5-foot spire that reaches 1,200 feet high, but its greywater system and insulating glass keep energy costs and waste extremely low. It was the first skyscraper expected to reach Platinum LEED status.

6. Aqua Tower (Chicago)

Rising 82 stories above Chicago’s magnificent riverfront, Aqua Tower welcomed occupants beginning in the spring of 2009, although work continues to be done. Among its many sustainable features are a rainwater collection system, solar shades, and the largest green roof in Chicago (on the tower’s base).

7. COR Tower (Miami)

Originally slated for completion in 2009, Miami’s greenest condominium complex towers 400 feet above the Magic City. What looks like a panorama of clocks out of a Salvador Dali painting is actually a collection of wind turbines built into the walls of the structure. The ecologically minded design works seamlessly into the function of the building bringing comfort to the residents and sustainability for the environment.

8. Greenway Self Park (Chicago)

Designers in Chicago set out to prove that you don’t have to pave paradise to put up a parking lot. It features six wind turbines that generate the electricity for all its exterior lighting, requiring winds as mild as one to two miles per hour—not bad for the Windy City. The garage also promises to curb the urban heat and rainwater runoff problems with its green roof system.

9. La Tour Vivante

This up-and-coming concept is a way to bring agrarian sensibility to the concrete jungle. It is a vertical highrise of greenhouses food production that can turn a paved lot into a multi-acre farming system. The intricate design manages to redirect sunlight throughout the building, minimizing energy costs and maximizing the potential for growth. Look for it in a city near you in the not-too-distant future.

10. Pearl River Tower (China)

Expected to be completed in 2010, the Pearl River Tower is the future of sustainable skyscrapers. The greenest features are inescapable—wind turbines built into the body of the building, and solar collectors and photo-voltaic cells that cover the surface of the 1,000+ foot building. It is also temperature-controlled with radiant cooling. It is slated to become the most energy-efficient skyscraper in the world. If you would like to share any, feel free to do so in the comment section. Also, if you had to choose the best of the best, which “green structure” would you choose from the above top ten list? Share with us.

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