Planning your Dream Green Home:
The Funnel Approach
By now you may see some compelling reasons
for building your own dream green home.
But how do you keep from being overwhelmed
by the sheer number of choices you have to make?I have found an approach that works well - It's called
The "Funnel Approach"
First, jot down your priorities as a homeowner: what is most important
to you?Next, you need to get an idea of what options are available. Do you wonder where to start with
so much information
out there? Relax.
Planning your dream green home is meant to be fun, and you deserve to enjoy yourself while you are dreaming! The dreaming can be the best part - after all, you can imagine anything in the world you would like to build, and then construct it all in your mind or on paper - for FREE!
Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it.
-Goethe
Look at your research as the pieces of information that you will pour down your funnel. This will take an investment of your time. The good news is, it may not cost you much BUT your time. First, explore this website. Take advantage of the loads of free info designed to help you in your decision making. You can also go to your favorite library, or local bookstore. Kick back, relax, grab yourself a cup of tea, and get an overview of what all is out there.
Are you interested in geothermal heating and cooling?
ICF
or
SIPS?
Solar air or water heating?
Stick built
or
Steel?
Strawbale or rammed earth?
What a cornucopia of choices are available
to dream about! When you've absorbed enough info to know what appeals to you, narrow your focus. ZOOM your lens in on that particular style or method of building. Find out what is available
in your locale.
This funnel approach (wide at the brim, narrow at the bottom) will allow you to quickly see your overall options. Then you can narrow
down your choices to the ideas you find the most
appealing. Before you know it, your funnel will
have filtered out the most promising
ideas for your further
consideration
and research.
To Keep in Mind
* Hiring a builder is actually one of the LAST steps in your building project (I know that sounds backwards, but consider the following): * YOU are ultimately the designer of your home. Sure, you may hire an architect or a draftsman. You may choose a home plan and modify it (or pay to have it modified to your specifications). You may even want to build your dream green home on your own. But the
designing
and decision-making is ultimately in your court. * It is wise to have a solid idea of what you want before you embark on the future step of interviewing builders. When you take your time to do this in the proper order, you may also find that you are able to save a significant sum of money.
It is always to your advantage to know what you want and then
develop the contract around that. The alternative is signing
your builder's standard contract and then paying through the nose
for all of the changes you wish to make.
* Also, be sure you investigate neutral parties' information and opinions on the pros and cons of new green building options.
I created this website to give you exactly this non-biased type of information. Make yourself at home as you explore the vast amount of info here at
building-your-green-home.com.
* Company websites offer some great information about their products. But keep in mind that you are likely to read primarily the positive aspects of those particular green building materials on a company website. * You will want a balanced perspective - of pros and cons -
in order to make your best choices.
So, start on your journey planning your dream green home - all you'll need in your knapsack is green building options, a funnel,
your dreams and some time. Have a beautiful trip!
Return from Dream Green Home to Building Your Green Home
Go to Energy Efficient Home Design
The time is NOW. The future is HERE. The color is GREEN.
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