We're looking to do some home improvements...

[Debbi801]

We need to replace all the windows in our house--the house is 30 yrs old and has aluminum single paned windows. We're tired of having ice on the insides each winter. :-)

Also, we want to finally get rid of the original shag carpeting. We're thinking bamboo because it is ecologically friendly.

We're in the Baltimore area. Can anyone recommend any specific companies that are Blue or at least lean towards the Blue side?

Thanks,
Debbi

[madmom]

1. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT...

have family or friends do any of the work. We did this 3 years ago and we're still not on speaking terms.

[Debbi801]

4. Thanks for that warning....

That's specifically why I don't want my husband doing them himself. :-)

[eaprez]

2. moisture on the inside is due to HUMIDITY.....

[Debbi801]

3. I know, but it is helped by the obvious draft coming in...

through the windows. These thngs are really bad. Several of them don't even open any longer.

[shireen]

5. find a green building contractor

I don't know of anyone specific, but you may be able to find someone by talking to builders of green buildings. There's a local sustainable building website at http://www.buildnaturally.com/ -- they may be able to do it, or recommend someone to help you with your home improvements.

Also have a look at the DNR site:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/ed/index.html

Someday, if I can ever get enough money together to move out of my apartment, I'd love to build a straw bale passive solar house. It's a dream.... :-)

Let us know how your project turns out.

cheers,
shireen
Baltimore, MD

[Stinky The Clown]

6. I can't speak to any green contractors cuz I don't know any or how to even

find one.

For flooring, consider cork in addition to bamboo. Both are fully renewable and fully green products. Another fully green product is Linoleum (not sheet vinyl). Linoleum is made from sawdust, linseed oil, canvas, and a few other materials ... all green ingredients. Linoleum, however, may not be suitable for the room(s)you're doing.

One place that sells all three is Abbey Carpet. I don't know if they're a blue business, but at least they're a smaller company ... just a few outlets. We bought from them in their Ellciott City store on Rt 40, in Normandy Shopping Center.

Can't help with windows at all.

[Debbi801]

7. Thanks for your input...

My husband doesn't care for the look of cork, because it comes in tiles and not slats to look similar to hard wood. He might change his mind if he sees samples in person. Linoleum doesn't appeal to us due to the fact that we're installing this in bedrooms. I just think that would look goofy. :-)

We'll check out Abbey Carpet.

Thanks again,
Debbi