Finding a Green Contractor

The Contractor Story: 

First I went on trusty Angies List and got some names. After much google research for eco- knowledgeable contractors came up with 1 name in San Diego. Now I grant you this was last year, before Green was the New Black! But still, it’s not a new concept! Why is it so difficult? 

Contractor #1: (Angies List) on time, informed him I wanted to do the ‘Green thing’ let him know, that sustainability was foremost. He then proceeded to try to talk me out of the countertops I wanted, told me to use granite after I informed him (3x) no. Took no measurements, focused on selling me about his services. (OK, can understand that) But isn’t sales about finding the need and filling it? Does not recycle old materialsDid follow up, follow up, and follow up.  

Contractor #2: was 20 minutes late, (Angies List) talked my ear off, informed me that a tankless water heater was not good, I would probably not be happy with it.  (don’t these people read?) Also informed me that the whole mold thing was kinda a bunk, I could have just cleaned everything with Clorax. Well I guess I would have at least had white walls! Took 2 months to send me a proposal. Told me to go to Home Depot and pick out what I wanted. He worked closely with a person in San Marcos.  (what is with these people and Home Depot?) Does recycle old materials to a church in Solana Beach. References are good on Angies List. Spent more time designing a new Bathroom Vanity and how good he was at that. Also wanted me to put in Granite. 

Contractor #3: (From a ‘green website’) Showed up on time, I informed him of various recycled counter-tops, flooring and more. Was professional, measured and I never heard from him again. 

Handyman #1 (referral) not interested in green. Only wants to send people to his contact at Home Depot and he will take it from there. Basically the plan is go to Home Depot, work with his person, whether you like it or not, have it delivered and he will install. OK, that’s easy, but I received no estimate for installation. 

Handyman #2: (referral) too busy, couldn’t fit me in for 3 months.  

Handyman #3: (referral) wouldn’t come up to Encinitas 

Contractor #4; Were great, (Evans Construction) Showed up on time, sent bid in timely manner. Is learning about green, didn’t try to talk me out of anything. Took measurements. They will also recycle old materials. 

Didn’t get upset about what I wanted, followed up. Great Guys. 

Contractor #5 (referral) Haven’t received bid yet. 

Cabinetmaker #1( referral) Might have to go with him, small, single person, but have to look at quality.  

Bids are coming in for kitchen and bath, over $50,000 plus all appliances. This is not the budget I would like to spend. So in the nature of Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, I will find my materials in the salvage yards, craigslist and all these great places. My house will look as good as all those magazine pictures. I picture myself finding that rare treasure and making it look like a Neiman Marcus custom piece. I am excited! I can do this!

Reality Check if you think that is going to happen in San Diego. Try finding Savage Yards, Recycle Materials places in San Diego. If you were in LA, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose Area, there are tons of places to go. Not in San Diego, but I am going to visit them in San Diego before I make any decision. Craigslist is great as well, but you almost have to be on it every minute to get the best deals, or know exactly what you want and need to take advantage of free stuff and materials.  

I also know I am going to the Green Expo in LA, will check out Savage Yards in LA. Maybe will be able that hidden treasure up in LA. 

More to come.