Welcome to the Model Remodel and Northwest Harvest Home blog!
Interested in green building and remodeling practices? Want to add green elements to your next project? Don’t know how to get started? Then you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re considering a new kitchen, bathroom, whole-house remodel or new construction project and are curious about great design, responsible contracting, energy efficiency or where to find qualified subcontractors. We promise this insight and more when you check in with us monthly.
Right now we’re most excited about our first new construction, single-family home project. Currently under construction in Kirkland, WA, this deep-green home is targeting LEED for Homes Platinum and Built Green 5 stars. Over the next year, we’ll share our journey as advisers and students as we tackle each new project milestone.
Today’s lessons: clearly identify your project’s goals, matching them to your scope and budget; find an architect and contractor that are good communicators and trustworthy; and make sure that your team has a long history of supporting the green-building movement. We refer to this as the three-legged stool of success for delivering a sustainable project without a paying a cost premium.
Taking time for this upfront thinking, design and planning are all critical first steps often overlooked by those that sub premium services. Beware of “the man in the truck” who says he can deliver your champagne dreams with a beer budget.
Next post:
NWHH Project Overview: Harvesting the Power of the Sun, Soil and Rain
Bringing together a great building site, responsible clients, solar power, urban edible open spaces and rainwater harvesting.
