How can I build a Green Home as an owner builder?
You should take a look at http://www.GreenHomeCoach.com They will provide you with a Builder Coach who is a licensed contractor, and one that specializes in green home construction, and you can save at least 20% on the cost of the home because you do it yourself. You will also get access to online project management software similar to what builders use when they are building a house, so that helps to make the entire process really easy. If you want to build a green home , you should do some research on zero energy homes. With the money you save as an owner builder , you can upgrade to building systems required for a zero energy home, and in the end, you will pay roughtly the same cost for your zero energy home as a conventional home purchased from a builder.
Sounds like you have a great plan, but your best bet might be to contact a local builder who specializes in “Green” construction. Of course the initial monetary outlay for a green home will be quite a bit greater, but at least you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing (thinking) that you’ll be doing something for the planet. In the meantime you can go green without the new construction; get rid of your clothes dryer and use a good ole fashion clothes line, make sure your home is well insulated, replace toilet and fixtures with new energy conserving ones, turn off unnecessary lights and appliances- etc.,etc.
