Frequently Asked Questions
What does Boston Green Building (BGB) do?
How is Boston Green Building “green”?
How big is BGB?
How much will my green project cost?
What is your process for managing a project?
How much of the work do you self-perform?
What is the average size of your projects?
What rebates, incentives or loans are available for my project?
What is a Deep Energy Retrofit?
What is a passive house?
How can I improve my energy efficiency?
What’s the stretch code and is my town adopting it?
How much additional cost will the stretch code add to my projects?
How can I determine the cost of a new green home or addition to my existing house?
Q: What does Boston Green Building (BGB) do?
A: Boston Green Building is a General Contractor : we do all types of construction projects. We can build you a custom zero-energy home, or simply replace a door. We also offer consulting services on all aspects of construction and general contracting. We can guide your project toward compliance with LEED certification or help your current contractor/architect attain the Energy Star Home certification.
Q: How is Boston Green Building “green”?
A: True to our company’s name, our projects are executed to maximize energy savings, occupant comfort and IAQ. We understand that residential energy efficiency is the key to more sustainable living and work to effectively insulate and air seal in all our projects. Our niche is Deep Energy Retrofits and we have completed 3 so far and are currently working on 4 more. We also have a potential passive house retrofit in the works.
We minimize the environmental impact of our construction process by recycling our construction waste, using environmentally responsible materials and locally sourcing as many products as possible.
Q : How big is BGB?
A: Boston Green Building was established as a corporation in 2007. Prior to this, Brian and John both owned and operated their own companies each for over 5 years. Brian specialized in renovations and green construction and John was involved in renovations and new construction. We currently have 9 employees, read about all our employees here.
Gross sales in 2010 was $2.1 mn and it is projected to be $3.3 mn in 2011.
Q: How much will my green project cost?
A: Probably not as much as you think. Homeowners and most contractors generally overestimate the costs of green construction. The additional costs in energy efficiency measures and environmentally friendly construction practices are offset by decreased costs of HVAC systems (a well-insulated building envelope needs a much smaller HVAC system), and decreased operational costs, so the systems will pay for themselves over time.We also take extra time and effort to research all the qualifying rebates and incentives that each project might qualify for.
While each project is unique, we follow a standardized estimating process to arrive at an accurate budget for each project.
Q: What is your process for managing a project?
A: BGB is structured to have a project manager overlooking every project. We usually assume three hours of management per day for each project. Depending on the client’s knowledge and project difficulty, schedule, etc. this value can fluctuate. Each PM will run only three projects at one time, we try to keep each PM in a short geographical range to minimize travel and stay on site longer. This time also changes within the project. At some points in the project, the PM will need to be there for only one house, and at some other, more critical points and transitions, he might need to be there longer, sometimes staying there for the entire day.
Our general process for managing any project is described below:
Pre-Construction:
The pre-construction phase is handled by John Hourihan. We work on all the aspects of the project (selections, details, technique) that makes the contract price fluctuate. John then meets with the client and architect / designer to review and present different options. There is then a discussion to value engineer the project, create project time-lines and coordinate vendors for walk-throughs to get the product selection process rolling.
Turn-Over:
Once the contract is finalized the project is turned over to the PM. This takes place over two or three meetings. After the contract is signed and the permitting process s underway; a project binder is transferred to the PM for a one week review prior to meeting 1. The first meeting involves John and the PM walking the site to discuss (download) all thoughts, strategies and issues. This is completed without the client. The next meeting usually two days later is with the client, the project manager and John. This is where more of the client’s issues, sticking points, weekly meeting times, hours of work and general scope is discussed. Depending on the scope this may take an additional meeting to accomplish. This whole turnover process usually takes 7-10 days during the period that the permit is being processed.
Construction:
Once permits are in hand, a weekly meeting, usually in the beginning of the week with the architect, client and PM is scheduled to discuss upcoming events, evaluate the progress and other details. At the end of the week a weekly update form is emailed to the client to review progress for the week, expectations for the coming week and other issues. During the week, John walks the project to check status and resolve issues. This acts as another set of eyes so the PM that is on site doesn’t proof read their own mistakes. We try to create mini check points and deadlines between weekly updates and meetings so that issues are resolved on a timely and regular basis.
Q: How much of the work do you self-perform?
A: All our PMs have a background in carpentry as lead carpenters and tend to pick up their hammers throughout the project. We usually stick to waterproofing details, dust protection, general protection. We do have a sister company; CleverGreen Cabinets, that constructs all our built-ins, kitchens and vanities: all our custom millwork. We install anything that is built in our shop.<
Q: What is the average size of your projects?
A: We have a small projects division, with projects ranging from $2500 – $25000, handled by Jack Dinning. Typical projects range from blown-in insulation to installing new mechanical systems. Brian and John handle projects from $30,000 and above. Brian and John handle projects above $30,000 ranging upto $500,000. Typical projects in this range are major renovations and DERs. New construction has been dry due to the economy.
Q: What rebates, incentives or loans are available for my project?
A: DsireUSA is a great Internet resource for learning about the available federal and state rebates and incentives. The MassSave HEAT loan is a great resource for homeowners looking for loans for energy efficiency upgrades. Enter your zip code and fuel source and this helpful site will show you many of the incentives available to you.
Q: What is a Deep Energy Retrofit?
A: A Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) is a complete renewal of your home – that is, a comprehensive whole systems approach to creating a more efficient and comfortable home. The objective is to enhance the building envelope and increase the home’s energy efficiency by superinsulating the walls, meticulous air sealing, installing high performing doors and windows, reducing thermal bridges and incorporating advanced ventilation technology. Often clients install a heat pump or solar panels as a part of a DER. Read more »
Q: What is a passive house?
A: The term “passive house” (Passivhaus in German) refers to the rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The result is an ultra–low-energy consumption building that requires little energy for space heating or cooling. Passive design is not the attachment or supplement of architectural design, but rather an integrated design process with architectural design. Although applied primarily to new buildings, passive design also has been used for refurbishments. A passive house is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely clean indoor air quality.
Q: How can I improve my energy efficiency?
A: Insulation, insulation, insulation!! Applying passive house concepts, air sealing, weatherization, mechanical system upgrades, installing renewable energy where practical. Call us for more information.
Q: What’s the stretch code and is my town adopting it?
A: The “stretch code” is an optional appendix to the Massachusetts Building Energy Code that allows cities and towns to choose a more energy-efficient option. This stretch code increases the energy efficiency code requirements in any municipality that adopts it, for all new residential and many new commercial buildings, as well as for those residential additions and renovations that would normally require building permits.
The stretch code rates efficiency using a standard called the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index. They establish a conventionally built home in 2007 as the benchmark and set it at 100. If a home or project is completed and earns a HERS score of 85, it means that home’s energy use is 85% compared to the benchmark 2007 home. The stretch code requires that any major renovation projects in existing homes must earn a HERS score of 80-85 or below (depending upon size) and new construction must earn a score of 65-70 or below (depending upon size). Most construction projects in towns that have adopted the stretch code will be required to hire a certified HERS rater for consultation and verification of energy efficiency improvements.
To date the municipalities that have adopted the stretch code include Acton, Andover, Arlington, Athol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Concord, Greenfield, Hanover, Holyoke, Kingston, Lancaster, Leverett, Lexington, Lincoln, Lowell, Mashpee, Montague, Natick, Newton, Northampton, Pittsfield, Springfield, Sudbury, Swampscott, and Tyngsboro. Over 100 Massachusetts cities and towns have committed to adopt the stretch code within a year.
Q: How much additional cost will the stretch code add to my projects?
A: As long as you hire a contractor who is familiar with the stretch code, has a HERS rater on staff, and has experience in the field of residential energy efficiency (like us!), the additional cost shouldn’t be a burden. Moreover, those costs will be recovered relatively quickly from savings on utility bills and through the increased value of your home. A number of banks already offer financing and energy efficiency mortgages for these types of improvements.
Q: How can I determine the cost of a new green home or addition to my existing house?
A: Please visit the BGB estimating description, and then call us to discuss your project. Though we cannot provide estimates over the phone, we can help you think through the realistic scope of your project relative to your available budget.