Customer Reviews

Green Remodeling : Changing the World One Room at a Time

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I didn't read it cover to cover but it was not the type of book to be read like that. All in all I'd say it does a good job covering what is a pretty broad topic; there are so many "green" strategies out there and it is hard to discuss them all. I thought it did a good job on the three or so different main categories and it connected them back to the common denominator. Save, protect, and preserve natural resources. It covers site and land usage, energy and water conservation, and interior and exterior material usage. The author took the difficult path of trying to sell `green' building as potentially cost effective, whereas in reality I think it is important to realize that capital costs will definitely be higher and it is hard to predict/confirm short term viable pay-backs. Once you put a value on your conscience and the long term big picture it makes obvious sense, reasonable pay-backs are definitely attainable but they come from diligent work and coordinated evaluation and integration.



The author's section describing his own `Green Remodeling' projects was a great introduction in general to the integrated design/build process especially for people who are not accustomed to the ebb and flow of a construction project. His `green' strategies won't necessarily work for all of us, but I think he makes that clear too, the more significant thing to take from this section is the mentality of patience and acceptance that it will take to stay focused on and achieve your goals as an owner.



He did a good job describing and detailing a huge portion of all the `green' building approaches, including all kinds of energy efficient systems, ways to address occupant comfort and health, and how to ponder and address social and environmental responsibility in every design decision. He developed sections on all the various rooms in a house so that the reader could evaluate what they really want from their construction project and then how to address each and achieve success within the specific project's constraints (time, budget, and goals). He gave good ideas: like to lay extra conduit in trenches so that at a later date you have an efficient way of expanding capacity without having to waste resources to repeat a job.



I would be confidant in recommending this book to anyone focused on having a positive influence on environmental responsibility. I didn't think it was the most grammatically well written book I've read but it doesn't need to be. In real life it should be used as a reference and ultimately be covered with coffee stains, grease, and saw dust. As one evaluates green design strategies it is important to recognize that there is some disparity between approaches, some things you can do don't even cost a penny, whereas others require a substantial capital investment, neither one is necessarily more `green' then the other but it is the cognizant evaluation of each and focused approach that will ultimately promote a healthier environment in your own backyard and around the world. Take `em or leave `em, but consider and evaluate them all as integrated parts of the systems of your project, the systems of your own life style, the systems of your local community, and the systems of the world.

This book has been my constant companion during my remodel. I have even passed it on to several architects who have used it on recent projects. It is clearly written, and has been a terrific aid through a rather complicated remodeling process.

I'm a building contractor, therefore I appreciate that this book covers every aspect of Green Building in a way that I can look up easily. The lay out is simple and readable, yet it dosen't "Dumb Down" the important building concepts. I've yet to find a Green Building book this in-depth in my 25 years in the industry!

Winston Cook
Fresno, Ca

I have been trying to remodeling my house for several years and have been using many different resources learning how to "green" my home. "Green Remodeling" has the most practical and useful information of any book I have come across on the subject. This book has been incredibly helpful to me and I recommend it to anyone who needs information on how to best use environmental products and methods.

this book was well written and fairly clear, even to me as a building novice. i was fairly disappointed, though, at how many of the green approaches seemed to focus on expensive, high-tech commercial green materials. i was hoping for a lot more on how to integrate traditional and very basic do-it-yourself techniques such as recycling used materials, mud plastering, simple greywater systems, and so on into existing buildings. in the end, i could hardly use any of the information in this book because i couldn't afford the materials. if you have the money, though, and are hoping for a very polished and professional look, you will probably enjoy this book.

This book really shaped how I went about renovating my house. Although I wasn't able to incorporate as much as I had hope, due to budget constraints, this book opened my eyes to considerations I didn't know existed. It's easy to look at solar or wind power, bamboo flooring and recycled tiles to go green; this book goes through a house piecemeal to explain concerns on every level for a much more thorough discussion of renovating green. Extremely helpful.

I am an architect who in the last five years has been becoming more involved with sustainable architecture. I found "Green Building" to be a great resource in my office. After reading "Green Remodeling," I feel I have a better understanding of the newer methods of sustainable design/building that are imperitive to architecture in the future. Great job!

I read the book from start to finish but found myself skipping over many passages of repeated information. Although the information provided was useful, the same exact info. is rehashed many times in the same chapter and throughout the book. The book format may have something to do with that with it's many recaps and review.

Good basic introduction to the green industry with much information.

Green Remodeling is practical, engaging and easy-to-read. It is filled with helpful remodeling tips and expert advice that I have not found anywhere else. I especially enjoyed the "Changing the World" chapter--this extremely well researched background on environmental and health concerns related to green building lays a "foundation" (pun intended) for the more practical information that follows. This book is a must-have for all homeowners!

As a recent Interior Design graduate I was looking for books to remodel the interiors of homes in a "green", sustainable way. I ordered this book but upon inspection found it to be more suited for an owner/builder. I ordered "Good Green Homes", by Jennifer Roberts as well and found it to be similar in that it would appeal more to owner/builders/architects.