Green Building builders and Leed Certified builders have to go through a certification process. There is a lot more invovled in the process than just using high energy efficient products. There are some real environmental issues they try to address in the design. There are degrees or shades of green to consider as well. To go really green is very costly. They tell you that it ranges about 5% more (at least in MD they do), but it is really more like 15% more expensive. The concept is great, the reality is costly so beware. There is a lot to it for you to understand.
As more construction companies and subcontractors and suppliers gain more access and become more familiar with the process the prices will continue to get better. But, don't be fooled there are a lot of costs involved, and a lot involved in the design. Do your research. That said it is where a lot of attention is directed these days. The cost recovery is a benefit, but hard to get the true picture. If someone gives you a figure - it is ball park, and takes a lot of studies to get a real figure. If they through something out - guess what - it is not going to be correct.
I am sure you will end up with the best of all worlds if you do your research - it seems you are taking the right steps. Good Luck! The people on this board like to help. I am a multi-family builder in MD, that is 3 rungs lower than a used car salesman by the way. Just in case you have your chart handy
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Environmental Friendly Builders?
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