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NAHB Brochure Offers Green Building Liability Advice
A new brochure from the NAHB Building Products Issues Committee provides legal advice for home builders and remodelers who are turning their attention to green building.
“Before You Build Green: A Primer on Avoiding Liability Pitfalls” offers pointers on marketing, contracts, warranties, training and compliance issues — all with an eye toward promoting successful green building projects and limiting exposure to liability.
Some highlights of the publication:
- Builders and remodelers can prevent misunderstandings with customers by better defining "green" terminology in their contracts. If green certification is contemplated, specify the rating system that is being used, such as the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines.
- Make sure that "green" components and technology comply with local building codes. Watch out for private restrictions, such as a home owners association architectural review board, that may restrict your "green" design.
- Do not make marketing promises that may not be realized, such as saying that the home will achieve a certain level of energy efficiency. Whether energy savings will actually be attained will depend on occupancy habits and effective maintenance.
- Make sure that trade contractors are adequately trained to properly install green products or components that may be unfamiliar. Assign someone on staff the responsibility for evaluating green materials, systems and technologies, and their installation and use.
The brochure includes resources for builders for additional technical and educational assistance.
Download the brochure, or to order a print version, call 800-368-5242 x8291.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 ‘Profit from Green Building’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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