It's been a while since I posted due to me constantly having to attend to my bids on the house. We have been getting some extreme prices on certain subcontractors, so it's a matter of checking 2, 3 or sometimes more bids to see that you get a reasonable price! It's an art in itself.... but anyway, I wanted to post about windows and doors, since I learned more about them. I didn't realize the complexity, but they are a crucial part of the house and affect your energy efficiency, structural integrity, not to mention your personal style.
There are a number of different frame and door materials, and costs vary greatly. Our architect wanted us to get fiberglass windows (vs. wood, aluminum or vinyl) and I wanted to know why and what the differences were. Here's what I have found out.... MORE HERE.
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homes on the show
The homes you showcase are too BIG! No one person needs more than 850 square feet of living space, REALLY.
Also, what's with a swimming pool in a dry area like Santa Barbara. There is no way they can make use of that water on their property. The fish in the streams need it more.
I'm very disappointed.
living space....
Hmmm, I am not sure if you are directly commenting on our house, which I think is a modest size (2419 sf) compared to the McMansions around us. If you calculate according to your living space, this house is perfect for a 4 person family. Besides being green doesn't only mean minimizing living space, but the other factors (energy efficiency, sustainability, healthy/chem free) are just as important.
Secondly, we don't live in Santa Barbara, but in the Austin, Texas area and we are doing rainwater collection, so in the scheme of things, the swimming pool is not taking away from too much around us. We also have a pond on our lot as well, which we'll have fish. In addtion, we are xeriscaping (using native plants with no lawn) around us so as to minimally damage the land. I think we're doing much better than most about protecting the environment and conserving energy.
Myleen
http://sjodindreamhome.blogspot.com
The Side That's Always Greener....
misdirected comment
Hey Myleen, I think the comment was actually directed at Kevin and was referring to his house-- the poster probably just posted in the first place they could find.
It is an interesting point and Kevin has addressed it here (see link below). Generally, there are a lot of reasons why it is as big as it is, some good ones, some not so good ones. I have heard Kevin say that he would do it smaller next time. I am actually glad that it's as big as it is because it is the beauty and elegance of a "green" house that will get most people to watch a TV show about it in the first place-- it's how we'll be invited into the living room of mainstream America. From there, we can begin the discussion about size as people get addicted to the concepts. People that already know the principles and concepts of green building are not our target-- it's the people who are just hearing and learning about it for the first time that we're trying to get to.
http://www.buildinggreentv.com/node/167
- maxmsf