Prefabulous + Sustainable

Prefabulous + Sustainable is meant to inspire homeowners to consider more environmentally friendly options for their homes. Whether they are building a new home or renovating an existing one, Prefabulous + Sustainable defines many of the aspects of green construction and offers some inexpensive alternatives to creating a healthier, more energy efficient house that is gentler to the environment. Readers are often disappointed when they pick up a book and find they don't include enough information to actually build their own home. Although this book is not meant to be a manual for green construction, practical information concerning systems design, finishes and construction methods is provided throughout. The 25 houses profiled in this book are true inspirations because they were built with great forethought, sensitivity and practicality. All of the homeowners, builders and architects not only considered environmental issues in building these houses, but also budgetary issues - in all cases attempting to build the houses for the least amount of money with the least amount of waste and the most efficiency. The houses are varied in size, location and design - but all were well planned, well designed and each with their own charm. Many of these houses were built in less than prime locations - in areas sometimes considered "the wrong side of the tracks." Many on infill lots and purchased at an excellent price. Because builders/homeowners were able to purchase these lots at reasonable prices, they were afforded opportunities to build houses, in several cases, close to work and recreation facilities. In several cases these homes stimulated urban renewal of areas in decline. We hope you will be inspired by Prefabulous + Sustainable to build or remodel your own sustainable home.