Stay Tuned for Our Future Energy/Green Home Posts!
rss feed |
Use this 6-Step Home Remodeling "Quick Guide" to review the energy home build process. It assembles information you need and outlines it using a step-by-step view.
Before you start any energy home build or remodeling project, run some financial numbers to determine whether your project is a smart investment.
The numbers include the estimated costs, home value assessment, financing costs, and other related calculations.
Review cost-related issues to energy home build (remodeling) vs. buying a new home.
links to internal page content
![]() |
link to notes: analyze the numbers |
![]() |
estimate the cost of your project |
![]() |
get your home value |
Your 2nd step in energy/green home is deciding what you would like to do and collecting ideas.
This includes reviewing -
see right column -
Step 3 is sketching your ideas on paper (or digitally) and developing the spec plan.
The spec plan determines what type of materials and design considerations that will be needed. It will also contain the product specifications for each remodeling element such as solar panels, water monitoring, green build, other.
You will use the spec plan and architectural design to bid the project out to a contractor.
view below left column -
Step 4 is finding and negotiating the contract with a energy/green home contractor.
Give your remodeling ideas and specs to a contractor for review and bid analysis.
Use the local network (aligned with HomeAdvisor) to find the right contractor for your project.
Review guides for contractor selection and negotiation.
view below right column -
Step 5 is arranging financing once you select the contractor and finalize the contract for your project.
Using the equity value in your home is one of the best financing option for home renovation. Start with a home equity line of credit or a bank equity program.
Other options may include cash-out refinancing, personal savings, and/or financing from home improvement contractors.
view below left column -
Step 6 is where the project begins.
It starts with setting up the work area, removing everything that needs to be replaced, installing flooring and electrical if needed, putting in the final touches, etc.
It also means working with the contractor, managing the project, and getting the remodeling project inspected before releasing any funds.
links to internal page content
![]() |
working with the contractor |
![]() |
managing the home remodeling project |
![]() |
about a home project inspections |
![]() |
find home inspector |
view below right column -
The 2nd step in energy-green home design is deciding what you would like to do. This includes reviewing green home ideas, architectural styles, home pics and more.
Our collection of photo remodeling ideas for energy-green home.
links jump over to photo remodeling section
![]() |
green home |
![]() |
automation & security |
An excellent resource for remodeling trends is to view house plans from leading architects.
links to internal page content
![]() |
house plans |
![]() |
more house plans |
![]() |
architectural styles |
some google images
![]() |
green home design |
![]() |
energy saving ideas |
![]() |
home solar system |
![]() |
alternative energy ideas |
3rd party resources
![]() |
about solar power |
![]() |
about wind power |
![]() |
renewable energy |
![]() |
home energy guides |
![]() |
home energy savings |
View our selected gallery modules for energy-green home.
links to internal page content
![]() |
gallery: going green |
![]() |
gallery: types home lighting |
Shop energy saving ideas such as efficient lighting, insulation, power generators and more ...
links to home improvement shopping center
shop LIGHTING CFL |
shop LIGHTING LED |
shop ELECTRIC CAR CHARGERS |
shop GENERATORS |
shop HVAC CONTROLS |
shop INSULATION |
shop SOLAR PANELS |
shop WIND POWER |
links to amazon's bestsellers for home energy savings and green home solutions ...
bestsellers: LED Lighting |
bestsellers: CFL: Llighting |
bestsellers: Electric Car Chargers |
bestsellers: Generators |
bestsellers: Insulation and Weatherization |
bestsellers: Solar Power |
bestsellers: Wind Power |
Finally, view this indexed directory to product information from manufacturers and retail operations.
links to home improvement directory
search: insulation |
search: water heating |
Your energy-green home build (remodeling) plan will require specs for design, electrical, walls, doors, shelving and more ...
![]() |
about developing your remodeling plan |
![]() |
some design considerations |
![]() |
search architect - draftsperson |
![]() |
about spec planning |
![]() |
FREE: Spec Planning Sheet |
![]() |
FREE: Spec Budgeting Worksheet |
youtube: DYI 4 top rated wind turbines |
youtube: DYI solar panel systems for beginners |
youtube: DYI home energy audit |
youtube: DYI top 5 smart devices for home automation |
youtube: DYI residential water usage monitoring |
youtube: DYI rainwater collection system |
Need help in setting up your green, energy efficient home? Use our pre-screened home energy contractor search servicing your area.
Thermostat Contactors |
Insulation Installers |
Solar Panel Installation |
A/C & Cooling Contractors | Furnace & Heating Systems |
Fireplace & Heating Stoves | Energy Lighting Design |
Appliance Technicians | Fans |
Landscaping Design | Skylights |
View sample product pics that can be used to help save on energy costs. View the product pic gallery to formulate ideas.
Resource and manufacturer listing of home improvement products for energy savings.
What about financing? That is always the big question: how to pay for a energy efficient home without breaking the budget ...
step1: What Type of Financing |
step2: Running the Numbers |
step3: Getting Qualified |
step4: Becoming a Bank |
step5: Start Your Application for Financing |
FREE: Download Lender Shopping Sheet |
![]() |
about financing home remodeling |
![]() |
getting yourself qualified |
![]() |
check your credit |
![]() |
view the BANK EQUITY program |
FREE tools to help with home improvement decision and planning and arranging home improvement financing ...
Home Remodeling Tools |
Home Financing Tools |
Estimate Home Remodeling Costs |
Get Your Home Value |
Budget for Home Improvement |
Workbench Life |
That may take solar roof panels, wind turbines and other energy producing components. But you could start with more efficient lighting, shade landscaping, and up-to-date energy efficient appliances.
No matter how you begin, let's start with this step-by-step guide after you review the energy saving ideas and topics above. This step plan will help plan and manage your green home conversion.