Dollars and Cents of Building Green...

There is a perception that building green or using more eco-friendly products is going to be costly or expensive...but not necessarily.

Here are some reasons that going green can actually SAVE you money:

1st) green building materials (especially paints, finishes and wool carpeting) are an investment in your health (saving money on doctors' bills can be factored into this equation),

2nd) most of the green building materials will actually outlast their toxic counterparts by as much as 2-3 times longer (ie: Marmoleum flooring is still down in homes that were built in the 1920's, whereas vinyl flooring in homes from the 1980's would need replacing - that's an extra 60 years longer that an 'eco' floor can last)

3rd) you can always recycled or reuse old materials out of an existing structure, which will cut your costs. Go to a Habitat for Humanity store or build with cob, where materials are virtually free.

But to be fair, building green can also be (like anything), as expensive and extravagant as you want it to be. For example, the carpet lines at Build It Naturally range from $1-$10 per sq. ft. and the reclaimed wood can cost you anywhere from $4.95-$13.95 per sq. ft. depending on the look, specifics, species, etc.

We can help make a space very upscale and eco-chic - and it can be done on a low, medium, high or off-the-charts budget. There is something for everyone - all price ranges and all project needs. So before you decide that 'green is expensive', look deeper into it and you may find that it is will end up saving you money in the long run.

Cork Flooring

CORK FLOORING:

When I started Build It Naturally in Asheville, NC in 2006, I did my research. After interviewing over 300 people, I discovered that the 2nd highest product of interest was CORK flooring! Who knew that it was so popular?

But it makes perfect sense that is would be so popular. Once you discover just how practical of a flooring material cork is, you'll want some in your house!

The main benefits of Build It Naturally cork flooring are:
* Cork is pre-finished with 3-5 layers of water-based finish.
* Cork is a CLICK system, which makes installation very simple and more affordable. With the CLICK, there is no glue, nails or underlayment.
* Cork naturally has antimicrobial properties. It is also fire-proof and termite-resistant.
* Once installed, cork will last 100+ years. There are 2 churches in the United State (one in Chicago and one in NYC) that both had cork floors installed in the late 1890's. The original floors are still in use today.
* Stain-proof (I did a test with red wine, beet juice and mustard...after 3 days, the stuff wiped right off and didn't leave a stain).
* Comfortable to stand on - can stand on it for HOURS without feeling any paint or stiff joints.
* Dozens of colors, styles and options to match any kitchen!
* Insulating and sound-proofing (has the ability to sound-proof as much as a carpet with an underpad!). Perfect in an apartment between floors or in an upstairs or basement.

We now carry in-stock cork for $3.49 per square foot (regular price is $4.25). This is an excellent choice for a bedroom, hallway, basement or any room in the house.