The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program focuses primarily on commercial building, although it has launched a LEED for Homes program to focus on residential building projects.

When it comes time to select an architect or a builder for your home, it’s important to question companies on their understanding and familiarity with these programs. As the popularity of going green has grown in the last few years, many companies are jumping on the green bandwagon and claiming they are green builders, sustainable companies or implementing environmentally friendly practices, when in reality, they may just be recycling office paper and little else.

Don’t be fooled by this practice of “greenwashing” and know what questions to ask your architect or builder to determine their level of skill and expertise in the areas of green design and building.

• Ask how many staff members have been trained in green design or building. Are any of them accredited through LEED or do they have other accreditations or training from reputable sources?
• Ask for examples of other green building projects they have done. Organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council maintain a list of buildings that have been certified through LEED, so do some homework online.
• Ask for references. Talk to other clients who have built sustainable homes to find out how satisfied they were with the process.
• Do your own research. There is a wealth of information for people interested in sustainable home design. Have an idea of the products and materials you want to use, such as bamboo flooring, energy-efficient HVAC units or low-VOC paint. Know what materials are available and their costs. Solar panels might sound like a great idea, but can you afford them at this point?

Learn more: Here’s a good article from EcoHome magazine on the green impact EarthCraft House has had on Atlanta.

In recent weeks we’ve been hearing from clients who want to make the move to a better property and build, but are hesitant to take the next step. Because our company does mostly high-end, custom projects, our clients can afford to build, but they feel guilty about spending any money when so many people are struggling.

But now is the best time to build. Lot values have hit levels we haven’t seen since 2003. Building costs – both labor and materials – are the lowest they’ve been in a decade. Costs are down about 30 percent, letting you take advantage of significant savings.

With less work on the horizon, materials and subcontractor labor costs are dropping as they compete for what work is out there. In fact, prices are becoming as competitive as they should have been in recent years.

Homeowners are at a distinct advantage. You can build the home you’ve always wanted for less money, which means you can add that swimming pool, sunroom or spa-like bathroom because you’re spending less money on the entire project.

We also stress to clients who can afford to build that they are in fact stimulating the economy. Don’t feel guilty about building a new house; instead, see it as an opportunity to employ your neighbors. Hire an architect, a contractor, painters, interior designers and cabinet makers. They’ll be grateful and happy to have the business.

People may be tempted to put their lives on hold because of an uncertain economy, but there’s never been a better time to build. And, predictions are the economy will improve next year, so if you don’t start the design and building process now, you’ll miss out on the lower costs.

Consider building your new home today – there’s no time like the present.

It’s not every day you read a blog about an office building restroom, but…. 

A few months ago we asked ourselves ‘How could we make the experience of coming into our office even more enjoyable for our clients?’  Our office looks out onto the Intercoastal Waterway and we have design sessions in comfortable conference rooms that gaze onto this incredible landscape.  But when our clients ventured down the hall to the restrooms, they were treated to linoleum floors painted white sheetrock, and cheap plumbing and electrical fixtures. What a difference the transformation of this space into a beautiful room has been.  Employees love it, clients rave over it – we can’t get people out of there! 

Many thanks go out to Theresa and Sarah of Herlong & Associates, who selected the materials, finishes and fixtures, and coordinated the overall effort.  They always know how the individual parts will come together in the end and it turned out beautifully.

We also had many friends and vendors contribute materials and craftmanship to this effort including the following: 

Kellie Hall & Nancy Griffin from Artisan Clay Interiors & Painting added a beautiful blue clay to the walls above the wainscot and onto the ceiling. Chip Dukes & Will Albrecht from Southern Lumber were instrumental in the new wainscot on our walls. Ashley Hyer from Design on Tap deserves thanks for the elegant faucet, glass vessel sink and low flow toilet.  Tom Werner & Pat Devaney of Charleston One Source helped with the bleached oak floor.  Fisher Recycling owners Elizabeth & Chris Fisher created a beautiful recycled glass countertop with beautiful blues.  Butch, Phil & Sarah of William C. Pritchard Cabinetry made the painted sink base cabinet and helped with the hardware.  Christine Reilly owner of Foxworth Decorative Hardware contributed the doorknob & hardware.  Ali Sherrill and Bonnie from Charleston Lighting selected the sconce above the mirror.  Thomas Mallaga for the flat panel solid wood door (painted a brilliant blue!). 

And finally to Phillip Smith and Tony Reilly of Phillip W. Smith General Contractors, who coordinated the demolition and construction of the bathroom in a professional and methodical manner.   It was through Phillip’s office that – Michael Ruffano (trim), Ralph Bell (painting), Bill Sparks & Ralph Bennett (electrical and plumbing) – this amazing feat was accomplished.  They took steps to minimize the noise and disruption to our office, and went out of their way to make even this small bathroom transformation a place everyone could be proud of. 

Below is an image of the transformed space.  We don’t have a ‘before’ image, but just think linoleum floor, white walls and ceiling, melamine cabinets, etc. and you get the picture. 

Nice Work Everyone!!

The New Bathroom at Herlong & Associates

Doghouse designed by Herlong & Associates

For the past three years Daniel Island Park Day has been a tradition in Charleston, SC raising money for local non-profit organizations throughout the area. With entertainment, events, food and live music, it is a wonderful event for the entire family. This year Herlong & Associates is participating in the Doghouse & Playhouse Raffle with Structures Building Company. Our design was created by Layne Nelson of Herlong & Associates and with the help of a wonderful team at Structures Building Company Snoopy’s Shack is coming to life. Come out to the event October 11, 2008, buy a raffle ticket and maybe you will walk away with a fantastic doghouse built for a king or a queen, maybe your husband?