How to start Green Building

The only good news that’s left in the industry of building is green building. If you are part of today’s building market and your struggling, you don’t need to be. No matter where they live, the ones that are clearly identified in the green building market aren’t just staying busy, they are growing in leaps and bounds through these hard economic times.

The first thing you should know is what exactly is selling in the green market. This recession is extremely diverse in how it’s effecting different places. In the southwest, the market is completely dead for new homes. In the Midwest the remodeling market is very strong in some places. Where you are located and how you go about marketing your company will be the key to your success.

Now, find out just what your inevitability’s are to your market. What’s the most pressing? In climates that are cold it’s energy costs during the winter. In the region of the Rocky Mountains it will be the availability of water. In New England it’s going to be fuel oil to heat with. In the crowded cities of the East Coast, recycling is important because of landfills closing down. All of these issues are going to drive the consumer purchase decisions. You’ll need to know the sweet spot that is in your area.

You need to learn to listen very carefully to the customer’s needs. You will find that the green consumer isn’t easily categorized. They are going to have a large variety of requirements in their homes. New moms will be very concerned with the indoor air quality. Almost everyone will be concerned about the energy prices. Knowing how to go about doing energy retrofits will be key. Others are extremely committed to recycling. They’ll want to know that you’re going to recycling all the waste on your job-site. The key here is to find the customer’s “hot buttons” and speak to these issues when you’re designing and selling the job.

Your previous customers is a great place for you to begin. Ask them about their priorities, what would they ask of you now? Get feedback from them and see how they think and how they may have done the project differently. Usually since time has past, they’ll be a bit more objective and give very constructive feedback.