Easy Gardening

The word  GreenWashing   is  a  term used in the Green Building business. Although there is no true definition to the word, I can outline the spirit of it quite simply. GreenWashing can be in many forms. A contractor who substitutes green materials with non-green or substandard sustainable products without your knowlege-this would be considered Greenwashing. A contractor who states to be a green builder and misrepresents his abilities to perform a green renovation, when in fact has never completed a green job would be considered GreenWashing. Get the picture……..Before you hire any contractor, please do a complete check of their background. Use the internet and search engines to help you find the information you will need to make a desion on who you choose to hire. Look for past business ventures and see if the contractor has ever filed bankruptcy. The contractor should have insurance and be bonded. This is to protect you the consumer. If you hire a contractor and are not satisfied with the work because of sub-standard workmanship, it would be very difficult for you to recover any money that you paid out. A contractor can file bankrutcy and there is nothing you can do legally to get reimbursed. I have become an expert on GreenWashing and have discovered the tricks of the trade. Get a list of the collaborative of contractors he intends to bring into your home. Check their experience and get references. These are all safeguards to protect you and your assests. It might seem like a big undertaking but it will save you peace and mind in the long run. If there are any blemishes on a contractors record, I would run away, and run fast. Do not be fooled by big words and fancy talk, some of these people are very creative and can lean on your emoitional side. What I have also found is that a contractor will place letters behind their name. Not a PHD but letters indicating what classes they have completed. This might sway you to believe that the contractor is qualified. My next project will be to empower the consumer to know what these letters really mean and how easy it is to get them. Taking a course on-line and paying a small fee to get certified? This does not qulify someone? Does it?. Good luck in your search and please beware of GreenWashing.  

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