By Kelly Jad'on

Your Eco-Friendly Home is a book for use both inside and
outside of the home. Sid Davis, the author, is the owner of a real
estate firm. He has also written The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide and
several other books related to homes and real estate. This taken, Sid
Davis knows what makes a quality home that's also environmentally
friendly and sustainable.

The first portion of Your Eco-Friendly Home delves into the
nuts and bolts of mortgage, the credit score, and avoiding unnecessary
fees. Here the author discusses the Home Energy Ratings Systems Report.
He also recommends that you search for a real estate agent who shares
your eco-friendly philosophy. Direction is given in what to look for in
a green home--and how it's all warranteed.

If you'd rather build your own green home, specialized builders are
available. Davis breaks down the building standards and lays out the
costs. He answers questions about how much more you may need to shell
out.

The planning will need to include thoughts on direction of the house
toward the sun, energy efficiency--air, windows, heating, cooling,
insulation. Will you use solar or wind power to generate electricity?
Key Here: "Avoiding the Seven Biggest Mistakes That Many New Green
Homeowners Make." (The number one mistake is not enough research before
building.)

Later chapters focus on xeriscaping for the yard, composting,
designing the landscape, and irrigation. Especially interesting:
"Capturing Water for Garden Use" and "Recycling Water for Landscaping."

Final chapters are for those wishing to remodel the interior and exterior of their homes.

After several problems arising from unfriendly carpeting (chemicals
in the new flooring--dust in the old,) my own home has been completely
tiled throughout. I myself appreciate the section on the new
eco-friendly carpets.

From paints to roofs and decking, bathroom lighting to green
appliances--Sid Davis has covered many questions that the typical
consumer can't easily find answers to.

Your Eco-Friendly Home also includes resources for finding
new environmentally products and services; the book is an asset to
anyone ready to buy, build, or remodel.

5 Stars

Your Eco-Friendly Home: Buying, Building, or Remodeling GREEN (AMACOM/ Nov 2008) by Sid Davis