Picking the right remodeler is a good first step to a successful green remodeling job. Fortunately, there is help available for homeowners trying to judge a builder's credentials.
Some remodelers may tout that they are a Certified Green Professional, or CGP. This designation means the builder has completed a green education program developed by the NAHB.
Other remodelers may have LEED AP status. The acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. The LEED AP program is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C.
The remodeler may begin with a home energy rating analysis. This is essentially a review of how energy efficient your home is. It involves checking for problems like drafty doors and windows or leaks in your ventilation ducts. This will provide ideas on where you should concentrate your efforts.
A typical new home has a home energy rating of 100, and existing homes typically have a higher rating, which actually means they are less energy efficient. Lowering your home energy rating from 100 to 85 would represent a 15 percent improvement in energy efficiency, according to the government's Energy Star website, which targets energy efficiency in home appliances.