Now, it must be said—if you find yourself in the position of choosing a home builder, particularly one who professes to build “green” custom homes, I commend you. You are either a person of singular foresight or of extraordinary good fortune. Either way, the task at hand is no small matter, and it deserves some sober reflection, for selecting the wrong builder is liable to give you more headaches than a corn cob mattress.
The builder of your future home is more than a mere craftsman. No, he or she is the architect of your dreams—or perhaps nightmares—depending on the quality of their work. And, when it comes to a “green” custom home, where good intentions and ill-fated decisions are equally abundant, you must be cautious, discerning, and above all, skeptical—yes, skeptical, for there is no greater folly than to believe every word a builder tells you.
The Perils of Relying on Experts
There are more “experts” in the field of green building than there are mosquitoes on a summer night in Mississippi. The problem is, like those mosquitoes, many of them are mostly hot air and bloodsuckers. Some will tell you that they can build you a house that is greener than the grass in spring, while they quietly pocket enough of your money to build a mansion of their own.
A “green” home, as you will soon learn, is an elusive thing. One fellow might say it means energy-efficient windows, while another insists it’s all about solar panels and rainwater tanks. By the time you’ve spoken to your third builder, you’ll be so turned around that you won’t know whether your house should face the rising sun or be buried underground.
So how do you navigate this treacherous terrain? Simple: Trust your common sense, which, I assure you, is more valuable than a dozen experts with certificates and shiny brochures. Your builder must understand not just the science of green building, but the principles of honesty and sound craftsmanship. If he doesn’t, no amount of technology will make your home green, and no amount of “energy-efficient design” will protect you from his incompetence.
Beware the Man of Many Words
Now, when you first sit down with your prospective builder, pay close attention to how much he talks. If he prattles on like a steamboat whistle, it is best to end the meeting early and make your exit. You see, the man of many words often knows little of substance. He will charm you with phrases like “LEED-certified,” “net-zero energy,” and “geothermal heating,” but he’ll never quite explain how these things work or what they will cost you.
Instead, look for the quiet builder, the one who listens more than he speaks. The fellow who lets you finish your sentence before interrupting. If he is a man of few words, but when he does speak, he tells you plainly how he plans to build your home, what materials he will use, and why he believes in sustainability—this is the builder you want. A man who talks less and works more is worth his weight in gold, and if his price is higher than his jabbering counterpart, I suggest you pay it and count yourself lucky.
The Virtue of Good Character
Of all the traits a green builder should possess, none is more important than character. Any fool can memorize a few words about renewable energy, but only a man of integrity can build a home that stands the test of time. If you hire a builder of poor character, I don’t care how many energy-efficient gizmos he installs—your house will be as leaky as an old barn and as drafty as the prairie in winter.
To test his character, ask for references—lots of them. And don’t just glance at the glossy photos of homes he’s built. No, call the people who live in those homes and ask them pointed questions: Did he finish on time? Did he stay on budget? Did he keep his promises? If you hear hesitation or long pauses before answers, you might as well move on to the next candidate, for that is a red flag as big as a Missouri sunset.
A builder of good character will have nothing to hide. He’ll give you a list of happy homeowners who will sing his praises without so much as a bribe. He’ll show you homes he’s built and explain the choices he made. Above all, he’ll be open about what he knows—and what he doesn’t. A man who admits ignorance is far more trustworthy than one who pretends to know everything.
Green by Design, Not by Compromise
Finally, remember that a green home is only as good as the materials and methods used to build it. A true green builder will not cut corners to save a dollar or two, and he won’t fill your house with gadgets that sound impressive but accomplish little. No, he’ll focus on the fundamentals—insulation, ventilation, natural light, and efficient heating and cooling. These are the backbone of any good home, green or otherwise.
Your builder should know where to source sustainable materials—preferably locally, so as to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. He should understand that a green home doesn’t just perform well; it fits the land, respects its environment, and serves its occupants for generations to come. If your builder can’t explain how he plans to achieve that, well, it might be time to saddle up and ride out in search of a better one.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, when choosing a green custom home builder, don’t let yourself be dazzled by technical jargon or empty promises. Look for a builder with common sense, character, and a proven track record. Beware the man who talks too much and delivers too little. And, above all, trust your instincts—for in matters of homebuilding, your good sense is more reliable than any certification or sales pitch.
After all, if you’re going to build a home, especially one as forward-thinking as a green custom home, you might as well do it right the first time. Otherwise, you’ll spend your days chasing leaks, paying for repairs, and lamenting your decision to trust the wrong man. And that, my dear reader, is a fate worse than living in a tent by the river.
Yours truly,
A Humble Student of Building