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Prime Buyers Guide Green Builders

How to Find the Best Contra Costa County Green Builder

Are you ready to go green? Contra Costa County green builders specialize in updating existing construction to make it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. If you're interested in exchanging the various power drains of your home for cleaner, more sustainable building materials, the following articles can help you find one of the high-quality green builders in Contra Costa County and sustainable building contractors throughout the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond area who can get the job done right, including LEED Certified contractors in Contra Costa County.

Updated February 2, 2010

Top 10 Green Builders in Contra Costa County

Kenneth R. Turnage II General Contractor, Inc.
Send an email to this Company
(925) 754-5232, Fax: (925) 754-5020
309 East 18th St.
Antioch, CA 94509
State License #787499
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry)

Areas Served: Contra Costa County incl Walnut Creek CA, San Ramon, Danville CA, Blackhawk, Diablo ...
Services: green contractors for green building, green construction, eco-friendly building

Joseph Ward General Contractor
Send an email to this Company
(925) 356-8810
1646 Placer Drive
Concord, CA 94521
Contractor's Lic# 671256
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified Build It Green USGBC Member (U.S. Green Building Council)

Areas Served: Contra Costa County incl. Walnut Creek CA, Danville CA, Diablo CA, Concord CA, Alamo ...
Services: green contractors for green construction & energy efficient building

Conscious Construction
(415) 686-4164
5122 Columbia Avenue
Richmond, CA 94804

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Moraga, Orinda, Alamo CA, Pleasant Hill CA

Meadows Green Building & Design
(510) 527-5572
738 Elm St
El Cerrito, CA 94530

Areas Served: Contra Costa, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Danville

Green Fusion Design Center
(415) 454-0174
14 Greenfield Ave
San Anselmo, CA 94960

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Moraga, Blackhawk, Richmond CA, San Ramon, Orinda, Danville CA

Davis Home Pros
(925) 932-9332
1942-A Tice Valley Blvd
Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill, Antioch

Residential Design Works
(510) 237-6126
473 Mount Street
Richmond, CA 94805

Areas Served: Walnut Creek, Moraga, Concord CA, Orinda, Richmond CA, Pittsburg, Blackhawk

Finesse Builders
(925) 930-7003
1084 Mountain View
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Areas Served: Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill CA, Danville CA

MMS Design Associates
(925) 988-9188
1600 South Main St., Ste. 332
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Areas Served: San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Richmond CA, Blackhawk, Danville CA, Concord CA

Updated November 19, 2009

How to Find the Best Contra Costa County Green Builder 

Green building is the process of erecting or remodeling a structure in a way that will be more energy efficient and sustainable for future generations. Green building contractors accomplish this by implementing building strategies that reduce water consumption and indoor air pollution or by replacing traditional building materials with renewable, lower toxicity materials. Green materials are becoming more readily available as the alternative energy market booms and new methods of re-using materials surface. And while it was once an exclusive and expensive building technique, green building is now available to the average Contra Costa County homeowners.

If you're interested in making your home more environmentally—and human—friendly, consider a green builder or sustainable building contractor in the Walnut Creek area of Contra Costa County. To get you started, The Prime Buyer's Report has assembled the following articles to help you research the Contra Costa County green building business climate and find a suitable sustainable building contractor to perform your work.

Contra Costa County Green Builders Perform Numerous Services
To successfully complete a green transformation, you could rebuild, replace appliances, or replace structural materials that will naturally enhance the sustainability of your home. Green builders can assess the situation and, based on the services they offer, help you decide which modifications are warranted. In order to make this assessment, green builders might perform energy analysis, Title 24 documentation, heat recovery and analysis, water pumping, and indoor air quality testing.

When you're ready to build, green builders can install various renewable resources or energy sources to reduce your carbon footprint, like natural insulation, or low energy heating and cooling devices. It might also be advisable to renovate with micro-hydro technology, wind-based energy sources, or natural renewable energy sources. LEED certified contractors in Contra Costa County are green builders that will adhere to local building codes and comply with the LEED point system. As proficient specialists, green building contractors can also educate you about energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The Green Builders in Contra Costa County Install Different Parts and Materials
Especially if you have an older home or business building, the materials and methods with which it was constructed are usually outdated and inefficient. This is where the best green builders in Contra Costa County can help. Quality green building contractors can apply a variety of specialized techniques to bring you into the era of environmental awareness.

Instead of plastics and other synthetics, they can install leather tiles, acacia, bamboo, or cork. Green building products don't have to look any different from the materials you would otherwise choose. Contractors can supply recycled granite, crumb rubber modified asphalt, glass chips, recycled marble or reclaimed concrete to match the look of new material. They can install more efficient technology as well, including well pumps, efficient lighting systems, composting toilets, and radiant floor systems. But even more than appliances, the initial energy source plays a critical role in your controlled consumption. So green builders in Contra Costa County might suggest outfitting your home with off-the-grid alternative power systems such as wind generators, photovoltaic cells, batteries, chargers, inter-tie systems for PG&E, inverters, and battery back up systems.

There are Many Local Green Builders Available in the Walnut Creek Area of Contra Costa County
To reduce the complexity of your search, The Prime Buyer's Report has ranked the upper echelon of local green building contractors. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these green builders in Contra Costa County: Kenneth R. Turnage II General Contractor, Inc., Joseph Ward General Contractor, Finesse Builders, Meadows Green Building & Design, Green Fusion Design Center, MMS Design Associates, Davis Home Pros, Residential Design Works, Conscious Construction. Other green contractors that might still serve the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond CA areas include: .

Check the Industry Standing of the Best Green Building Contractors in Contra Costa County
Make sure the green builders and sustainable building contractors in Contra Costa County are properly qualified before you trust their consultation. Related associations can provide this information, as well as some highlights on general green building industry practices. And it can be a great help to educate yourself about green building standards and sustainable construction techniques. A better understanding of the field will help you make an informed choice. Web sites and print media tend to be the best means of laymen education, so The Prime Buyer's Report has done some research to identify the more valuable choices. To see what we've gathered, take a look at The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources for Green Building in Contra Costa County."

Updated February 2, 2010
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How to Hire the Right Contra Costa County Green Builder 

Step 1: Describe the Job to Green Building Companies in Contra Costa County
Perhaps green building is a new idea to you and you've made the decision to convert to sustainable building practices based solely on moral obligation. If this is the case and you aren't sure of the changes your home will require in order to meet green building standards, do some research on green modifications and green construction practices in the Contra Costa County. You'll have to propose something to a sustainable building contractor, though many will work with you to develop a plan for green building. Whatever specifics you arrive at, the green construction plans should be written down so they can be consistently reported to each sustainable building contractor you interview in the Contra Costa County area.

Step 2: Hold Several Interviews with Sustainable Building Contractors in the Contra Costa County
Armed with your brief description, you should consult several green building contractors about their ability to complete the sustainable building project you have in mind. Ask some questions about the green contractors' experience and technical qualifications. Use the list below to gather this information, and supplement it with any inquiries you personally have. Be sure to take notes on each green building contractors' responses.

• How long have the green builders in Contra Costa County been in the green building industry?

• What modifications do the green building contractors in Walnut Creek CA suggest to optimize the sustainability of your home?

• Can the green building contractors in Contra Costa County complete the contracting work you've described?

• Can the green builders provide relevant references in the Walnut Creek area?

• How long should it take the green building companies to complete the sustainable construction work?

• Do the green building contractors in Contra Costa County carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?

• Will the green builders provide a written estimate for all sustainable construction work?

• Do the green building contractors provide a warranty for their work?

• Will permits be needed for the green construction work? If so, who will be responsible for getting the building permits in Contra Costa County?

• Do the green building contractors do the work themselves (including employees) or do they hire subcontractors to complete the green construction?

• How and when do the green building companies in Walnut Creek clean up the construction site?

• Will the green builders provide a written contract for all green construction work in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond?

• How do the sustainable builders in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond price green construction work?

• Will the green builders in Contra Costa County process your building permits and rebates?

• Are the sustainable builders NABCEP certified, or if applicable, Certified Water Specialists?

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision on a Certified Green Contractor in Contra Costa County

After you've interviewed a few green builders and sustainable building firms in the Contra Costa County area, narrow your list of candidates. Use your notes to recall the responses and determine the most favorable candidate.

Step 4: Final Research on Sustainable Building Contractors in the Walnut Creek CA Area
After you've identified the strongest green builder in the Contra Costa County, conduct some final research. Make sure proper green building and sustainable construction credentials are in place. Verify the green building company has the right insurance and certifications such as Diamond Certification, Better Business Bureau membership, North American Board of Energy Practitioners certification, and contractor licensing.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision on a Good Green Builder in Contra Costa County
Now it's time to make the final decision about the best green builder in Contra Costa County. Call and ask any remaining questions and ask for your sustainable building representative to provide a signed and written pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement before your green construction project begins.
Updated March 23, 2009
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Tips About Great Green Builders in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond 

Don't Rush Into Your Choice of Contra Costa County Sustainable Building Contractors.
You want your green building work done right, and this means finding just the right contractor to do it. Don't hire the first green builder that answers the phone. If you take a little time before jumping into a green building project to properly outline the job and hire the most qualified contractor, you're more likely to get the best work for your money.

Write A Description of the Sustainable Construction Job for the Best Green Builders in Contra Costa County.
Write down what you can about the details of your green building project and explain your thinking behind it. You'll need to outline your preferences to each sustainable building contractor you interview, so be as concise as possible. The accuracy of a green building contractor's consultation and estimate depends on this information. The right sustainable builder will be able to help you fill in any gaps in your green building plan.

Get Several Estimates from Different Contra Costa County Green Building Contractors.
Don't hold yourself down to the first quote you see. Get a few separate estimates from good green builders in the Contra Costa County area to get a price range and a few project variations to choose from.

Get Details About Your Green Construction Project in Writing.
As is true with any contract work, agreements and terms with green builders and sustainable building companies in the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond area of Contra Costa County should be put in writing.

Check the Contra Costa County Green Builders' Credentials.
If you're seriously considering a particular sustainable building contractor in the greater Walnut Creek CA area, verify green contractor licensing, sustainable building industry certifications, workers' compensation and liability insurances before you sign a contract.

Choose Certified Green Building Companies.
Some green builders in the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond areas of Contra Costa County have already been recognized for their high standard of customer relations along with their sustainable building skills. In Contra Costa County, green building contractors that are LEED Certified Contractors may be more familiar building according to the green point system.

Maintain Great Communication with Your Green Builders During the Work.
Always keep the lines of communication open with your sustainable building contractor in Contra Costa County. The status of your green construction project shouldn't be a mystery, and this might be avoided by staying abreast of the contractor's progress, being available when he has questions for you and asking any questions about the green building process that you may have.

Agree in Advance to Check Your Green Building Contractor's Work.
After the sustainable construction job is completed, pull out the detailed agreement you signed with your green builder before the job began. Evaluate the work with the most senior green contractor available and compare it to the agreement. Bring up any work that deviates from the original plan or doesn't meet your standards.

Know Your Rights When Working with Sustainable Builders in Contra Costa County.
Contra Costa County consumers are entitled to legal protection when working with sustainable builders and green building contractors in the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond areas. Since you're working with green building contractors in Contra Costa County, you can check out the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site for details about sustainable construction consumer rights.
Updated February 2, 2010
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Key Resources for Green Building Construction in Contra Costa County 

Associations & Licensing for Green Building Contractors in Contra Costa County
ASE Alliance to Save Energy (http://www.ase.org/)
AWEA American Wind Energy Association (http://www.awea.org/)
BAGBP Bay Area Green Business Program (http://www.greenbiz.ca.gov/)
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
Build It Green (www.builditgreen.org/)
BMRA Building Materials Reuse Association (http://www.buildreuse.org/)
CGF Community Greenhouse Foundation (http://www.communitygreenhouse.org/)
CMRA Construction Materials Recycling Association (http://www.cdrecycling.org/)
CSLB Contractors State Licensing Board (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
DTSC California Department of Toxic Substances Control (http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/)
GBA The Green Building Alliance (http://www.gballiance.com/)
GG Global Green USA (http://www.globalgreen.org/)
IAQC American Indoor Air Quality Council (http://www.iaqcouncil.org/)
NABCEP North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (http://www.nabcep.org/)
NARI National Association of the Remodeling Industry (http://www.nari.org/)
NASEO National Association of State Energy Officials (http://www.naseo.org/)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (http://www.ncbeonline.com/)
NFPA National Fluid Power Association (http://www.nfpa.com/)
NPPR National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (http://www.p2.org/)
NSUS The Natural Step (http://www.naturalstep.org/)
PPRC Pollution Prevention Resource Center (http://www.pprc.org/)
SBIC Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (http://www.sbicouncil.org/)
SEC Sustainable Energy Coalition (http://www.sustainableenergycoalition.org/)
SWCS Soil Water Conservation Society (http://www.swcs.org/)
USGBC United States Green Building Council (http://www.usgbc.org/)

Media & Web Resources About Sustainable Construction in Contra Costa County
CONTRACTOR Magazine
Eco-Structure Magazine
Environmental Building News
Environmental Design and Construction
Green Builder Magazine
The Green Builder News
Greensource: The Magazine of Sustainable Design
Home Energy Magazine
Sustainable Industries Journal

http://www.betterbricks.com/
http://www.builditgreen.org/
http://www.ecoact.org/
http://www.greenclips.com/
http://www.greenerbuilding.org/
http://www.ieconnections.com/
http://www.pprc.org/
http://www.stopwaste.org/

If you're interested in the services of local green builders in the Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond areas to install a sun-powered heating and cooling system for your attic or are looking to make your home energy efficient or maybe install natural heating to heat your pool, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 green builders in Contra Costa County within the following zip codes:

94506, 94507, 94509, 94511, 94513, 94514, 94516, 94517, 94518, 94519, 94520, 94521, 94522, 94523, 94524, 94525, 94526, 94527, 94528, 94530, 94531, 94547, 94548, 94549, 94553, 94556, 94561, 94563, 94564, 94565, 94569, 94570, 94572, 94575, 94582, 94583, 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598, 94801, 94802, 94803, 94804, 94805, 94806, 94807, 94808, 94820 and 94850


The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 green builders and sustainable construction firms in Contra Costa County within the following cities:

Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Byron, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Cowell, Crockett, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Kensington, Knightsen, Lafayette, Los Medanos, Maltby, Martinez, Moraga, N Richmond, North Richmond, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Point Richmond, Port Chicago, Port Costa, Rheem Valley, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tara Hills, Vine Hill, Walnut Creek, Walnut Heights and West Pittsburg

Updated February 2, 2010
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Green Construction Companies in Contra Costa County Use Top Green Materials 

Safecrete, Amcork, ECO-TERR, Ecodomo, IceStone, Energy Star, Chromagen, Certainteed, Stuc-o-flex, Senergy, Sonowall, Benjamin Moore, Innovative Formulations, Ultratouch, Environmental Building Supplies, Kill-A-Watt, Durabright, and Greenlite.

Updated September 23, 2008
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Diamond Certified