One of the most cost effective ways to begin a design project is to get a clear understanding off all the options, fees, and overall vision for the project. Obtain architectural drawings and detailed project specs. Try to get a firm grasp of your over all objective and budget before starting any work. Remember not to over complicate things and brain storm on inexpensive simple solutions that will not require allot of hardware devices. Take advantage of the unique features of the sites location that can assist your goals and keep the long term vision of project in mind at all times.

Below is a list of some poplar techniques which you can enquire about:
Timber/Wood Framing
Alternative organic wall systems
Solar powered water heating
Photovoltaic Systems
Natural landscape and design integration
Alternative heating and cooling
Passive solar systems
Fluorescent lighting
Insulated Concrete Forms (IFCs)
Advanced energy efficient windows
Organic surface finishes

As you flesh out the details of the project you will begin to establish more accurate quotes from prospective vendors. Look at your budget and decide if this something you want to do all at once or if the project is better suited to take place in stages. Once you’ve received quotes weigh your options and contact references to make sure you make a well informed decision.

The last step is finalize supply choices such as flooring, windows, insulation, plumbing, solar equipment, etc. Then obtain architectural prints and permits from your service provider when your ready to create a building agreement/contract. Remember that every project and location is unique, beware of “boxed” solutions that can often balloon in size.

With solar systems it is important to know exactly what you are purchasing and how this particular solution generates electrical power. The key component to these systems are the photovoltaic solar cells which are networked together to create individual electricity panels or modules.

The panels then pass the electricity produced through a power inverter which changes the voltage form AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current) which is usable by the utility grid and your household appliances. If the solar system is going to act as the chief power source the system may also include batteries to store back up power in case there is a power outage or abnormally long period of low sunshine.
A newer method of implementing solar systems utilities photovoltaic shingles which replace their normal asphalt counter parts. Advances in this technology have lead to a sharp cost reduction in recent years, you can even integrate the solar powered shingles for a unique and modular solution. If you live in a particularly sunny environment you should definitely consider photovoltaic shingles.

Research shows that the costs for solar panel systems under ten kilowatts created in 2006 and 2007 ranged from $7.50 per watt in areas such as Arizona, New Jersey, and California up to $10.50 in places like Maryland. Experts find that larger module deployments over a wide area provide the best investment to cost ratio.

Faulty plumbing is really annoying and costly. Keeping your plumbing in optimal shape will stop wasted water and your hard earned cash from going down the drain. An estimated 12.5 gallons of water used by households in the U.S. daily can be attributed to the homes leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets. A leaking toilet can actually use upwards of 74 gallons in a 24 hour period, twice that for a running toilet. A simple plumbing repair job now may save you hundreds over time.

Adding a water filtration system to your faucets can also help the environment immensely by reducing the waste produced by bottled water and is very cost effective. Throughout the world an estimated 37 billion plastic water bottles are disposed of annually. Using home filtered water can help combat dependency on the fossil fuels used to produce bottled water. There are over 16 million barrels of crude oil used every year for manufacturing bottled water plastics alone.

You may also want to consider your homes own personal water recycling plant known as a Grey-water system. These systems recycle excess water used by dishwashers, faucets, and washing machines for other purposes that do involve human consumption. This has the added benefit of easing the load on your local sewage system too.

When it comes to the foundation of your plumbing system, epoxy lining can provide a green alternative to traditional metal piping. Epoxy pipe lining systems are easier to maintain, take less piping to cover a similar area, and are on average less expensive. In the long run you will also enjoy the benefits of epoxy’s corrosion resistance, greatly reducing the need for pipe replacement.