Many home buyers now require more environmentally-friendly products in the construction of their homes. However, while some products are obviously green, others make great contributions to a home’s efficiency without being noticed. Here are some products that can contribute to a more earth-friendly and sustainable home.

Wood Look. FSC-certified bamboo plywood and flooring have the look of wood, are urea formaldehyde-free and carry Indoor Advantage Gold and FloorScore certifications.

Water Savers. Showerheads with flow rates of 1.5 or 1.75 gpm but feature an oversized 4.4-inch diameter spray head and a pressure-compensating device ensure optimal performance regardless of water pressure.

Power Flush. The dual-flush toilets offer users the option of a 0.9-gallon flush for liquid waste or a traditional 1.6 gallons for solid waste.

Get Plugged. In. The new electronic thermostats feature multi-room monitoring, as well as customizable levels of programming.

Ventilation Matters. Energy Star–rated ventilation fans are designed for 4- or 6-inch ducts. New technology can detect and compensate for additional interior pressure by increasing airflow to achieve the specified output.

“Green” comes in many forms, so it helps to look beyond the obvious and investigate other little-known benefits.

Read about more products like these at Builder Magazine.

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Trying to build, or remodel, a home is costly enough. Trying to do one or the other while also trying to finish it with a stylish look without breaking the bank can be more challenging.

Here are 5 money-saving tips and tricks picked from Builder magazine’s 10 Ways to Save on Your Interior and Exterior Finishes.

• Salvage Yards. Reuse centers and salvage yards might not be ideal for high-volume builders, but they are great for small builders and remodelers looking for character-filled architectural elements such as flooring, bath vanities, urns, fireplace mantels, and doors.
• DIY Frosted Glass. Regular flat glass is boring, but some architects have solved this problem by sandblasting or frosting their own and popping them into cabinet fronts and doors. Frosted glass spray creates a semi-transparent effect, and can be handled in three hours.
• Hip Faucets. You could stick with the traditional faucet brands if you have money, but if the budget is tight you might want to investigate other brands and other sources. Besides, Consumer Reports says that better valves and tougher finishes are now common on all but the cheapest faucets so you don’t have to worry.
• Happening Hardware. You could change the look of a kitchen just by using cool hardware that stand out. Again look to non-traditional sources for inexpensive options.
• Creative Countertops. Most buyers want granite (or some other solid surface), even when they can’t afford it. Solid wood is a happy medium. Butcher block reminds buyers of grandma’s house and adds a warm look to a kitchen.

Read about and view the rest of 10 Ways to Save on Your Interior and Exterior Finishes, including a photo of beautiful polished plywood flooring. Yes, plywood.

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Universal design features for homes have been discussed by builders at length this year as something that must be addressed as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Physically challenged and older individuals navigate the home differently. But universal design products aren’t just better for older people, they can be better for all members of a household, young or old.

Here are 6 product types to consider for a new home or even kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects.

• Safety Tub: Easy to get in and out of, walk-in safety tubs have a door that opens and closes so a person using it doesn’t have to step over the rim.
• Lever Handle Door Knobs: Lever handle door knobs are so much easier to operate than a round door knob that they can be opened with a wrist, elbow or even hip.
• Freezer Drawers: Refrigerators with accessible freezer drawers that are at the bottom of the unit instead of the top make it easy to for individuals in wheelchairs to reach frozen items.
• Flat Switches: Flat rocker light switches require less pressure and are easier to operate than standard toggle switches.
• Zero-Clearance Drain: Line drains allow home owners to eliminate the barriers and thresholds of a shower entirely. They make showers much more accessible for people in wheelchairs.
• Accessible Range: An ADA-compliant stove makes cooking safer and more comfortable. The handles, buttons, and graphics are located on the front, positioned closer to the user.

Read 13 Universal Design Products Builders Should Be Using Now at Builder Magazine.

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Single-family construction in the Twin Cities area is steady, according to a report from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC).

In June, more permits were issued than in any other month in the last year, and planned units were up 13 percent from June 2010. There were 260 permits for a total of 385 units during four weeks in the month of June. Year-to-date through June, there were 1,325 permits issued for a total of 1,925 units.

Blaine was the leader, with 139 permits, followed by Maple Grove with 106, Woodbury with 94, Plymouth with 79 and Shakopee with 58.

“This year has been challenging for the local community,” said BATC President Rich Riemersma. “Bad weather, including the devastating tornadoes in North Minneapolis, uncertain economic news, and distressed property sales dragging local sales prices down have all contributed to lackluster home sales. New construction is still down about 23% from last year, and just as we’re beginning to catch up.

“The government shut down is something we just don’t need.”

While most construction work can continue, electrical inspections for new or remodeled homes will be put on hold throughout the state government shutdown.

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For people planning to build their dream home, one of the most important steps is to find the most reliable general contractors in the Twin Cities. A new home is an investment that should be enjoyed for years, even decades. Choosing a high-quality, qualified new home builder is vital to a well-built house that stands the test of time.

We offer the following tips and advice to help in that decision-making process.

1. Make a list of qualities you want in a general contractor. Then pick someone with those qualities. Some examples to consider include honesty, dependability, knowledgeable, trust-worthy, skilled, helpful and good at communicating. This will be someone literally building the foundation for your future. It will also be someone with whom you will be working for a while, so it makes sense to find a contractor with a compatible attitude.
2. Get references. Do not just choose the first new home construction company that pops up in an internet search. Though a company’s website is a good place to compare and assess their experience and expertise, browsing the internet won’t give a complete idea of the kind of service they provide. Ask some friends and acquaintances if they personally know of any designers or contractors in the area, especially if any of them have already had to opportunity to build a new home or are familiar with other individuals who have.
3. Do the research. Look for reviews of past customers. If possible, try to arrange to meet with some of their customers, maybe even in the homes the contractor built. A first-hand account like this give deep insight as to whether the new home construction company you are considering is worthy of being hired.
4. Approve their floor plans. Many existing homes have useless rooms or square footage. Modern building techniques and uses of space are one of the appeals of new home construction. Ensure the contractor’s floor plans are geared toward maximizing usable space, minimizing energy costs and simplifying maintenance needs.
5. Check their work. A common complaint from people who have had new homes built has been careless workmanship. Confirm with your references that the contractor’s work was superior. During the construction phase, visit the work-site often to ensure that your wishes are being carried out. With electricians, plumbers, laborers and others, building your dream home is a huge task. Good communication can go far in preventing expensive mistakes.
6. Consider their schedule. Don’t choose a contractor embarking on too many projects at the same time you approach them with your building needs. Because this is your dream home, you want a crew that has can focus its attention on prioritizing the details of your home. A good approach is to choose a Twin Cities area general contractor instead of a larger, regional residential builder. A smaller, local construction company will likely have fewer projects than the larger ones, meaning they can devote more attention to yours.
7. Estimate their costs. Ask for price quotes from a few of the most reliable residential construction companies in the Twin Cities. Compare the estimates and the services that they provide. If their offer is greater than your budget, ask if there are ways they can cut down on costs without sacrificing your dream – or the quality of the materials used during construction. A well-established new home construction company should have a network of suppliers that can provide alternative materials that are less costly.
8. Get it in writing. Getting an agreement in writing is essential for the well-being of both the contractor and the home buyer. A homeowner should hire the services of an attorney to review any contractual agreements before they sign anything. Any reputable builder will expect you to do this.

Building a home is one of the most significant events to occur in many people’s lives. By following these steps toward finding the right contractor to build your dream home, you can increase the likelihood of a happily ever after when the keys are handed over.

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