Practical Green Remodeling: Down-to-Earth Solutions for Everyday Homes    by Barry Katz Order:  USA  Can Taunton Press, 2010 (2010) Softcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Bob Walch Offering 'down-to-earth solutions for everyday homes', Barry Katz suggests a step-by-step approach to transforming an existing home into one that incorporates the green lifestyle. Predicated on what the author calls 'the three fundamentals of green remodeling', energy efficiency, resource conservation, and creating a healthy living environment, the ideas Katz presents will help you intelligently plan a green makeover. The discussion begins with how to create a tight thermal envelope utilizing the correct insulation techniques, double pane windows, and radiant roof barriers. Next, you'll discover some of the latest technology in efficient water, cooling and heating systems. This chapter is followed by a look at ways to achieve greater savings in water and electricity/gas consumption. In the book's next section, called Sticks and Stones, you'll find a listing of various types of green building materials and how each one performs. This ranges from outside options for siding to indoor countertops, floors and walls. Along with a look at the choices available to impact a home's overall green quotient, the book also is filled with lots of pictures that show the products, plan designs and finished results of each green project. This is the ideal guide for someone who has been thinking about going green but isn't sure exactly where to begin. After reading Practical Green Remodeling you'll have a whole slate of ideas on where to start and how to approach each element of your home makeover. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews