To ensure that your home renovation is as green as possible, consider hiring a LEED home consultant to handle the calculations, material selection and specifications that are best left to a professional. However, since most green home renovations—except for those that are truly extensive—aren't eligible for LEED certification, you may be wondering if it's worth it to hire a consultant. It is! Even if filling LEED paperwork isn't part of the scope, he or she can steer your towards the most effective green renovation solutions for the least cost.
When choosing a LEED home consultant, you have several options:
LEED Accredited Architects and Interior Designers
Whether you are attempting a simple room addition or a floor to ceiling renovation of your home, consider hiring an architect who is LEED accredited. Review the architect's or firm's portfolio for examples of green home renovation projects that are in line with your home's aesthetic. Schedule a meeting with the designer to discuss your goals, lifestyle and budget, and then she will generate several design ideas for your review. While you may pay more upfront for the architect's fee, the design will ultimately save more energy—and money—than if you attempted it yourself. Also, your LEED Accredited architect or interior designer will have established relationships with green contractors, builders and material manufacturers. A successful green home renovation requires an integrated team, and it's essential that all parties maintain open communication.
Independent LEED Home Consultants
Some LEED accredited or green consultants work independently of architects or contractors. Rather, they serve as a liaison or coordinator for your renovation project to ensure that the architect and contractor are on the same page in order to accomplish your green remodeling goals. You may hire an independent consultant for a few hourly meetings at the beginning of your project to help direct your green strategies, or bring them on board for the extent of the renovation. This is a good option if you can't afford the services of an architect or prefer to work with one who isn't affiliated with LEED or experienced with green home renovations.
Choosing a Green Contractor
Even if you don't hire an architect or independent LEED home consultant, consider working with a green contractor. It's not very common for contractors to be LEED accedited, but a growing number of them are experienced with green building practices. Ask your architect or LEED home consultant for recommendations, or check with your local Home Builders' Association for contractors who specialize in green home renovations. When hiring any contractor, you should always ask for at least three references and be sure to follow up with them. Ask these homeowners if the contractor adhered to their budget and schedule and if the resulting energy savings are similar to those that the contractor originally indicated.
Where to Find LEED and Green Home Consultants
Now that you see the benefits of bringing aboard an expert to make your green renovation plans a reality, here's where to find them:
USGBC's GreenHomeGuide.com - Find a pro
This search tool allows you to find green remodeling pros in your area. Search by geographic location as well as by categories, which include architects, interior designers, builders, contractors, and subcontractors, such as those who install flooring or specialize in kitchen renovations.
LEED for Homes Providers
If your renovation is extensive enough to qualify and you would like to certify your home with LEED, visit USGBC's website to find LEED for Home Providers in your state.
LEED Alternative: Build It Green's GreenPoint Rated Existing Home
Non-profit organization Built It Green aims to promote green home building and renovation practices in California, but you can purchase their guidelines and manuals for a small fee to help guide your own project. If you live in the Golden State, peruse their directory of GreenPoint Advisors or Raters.