After meeting with a handful of contractors I chose Buckminster Green for a home improvement project. Buckminster Green didn't have the lowest bid on the job that included the installation of a venting skylight, a new 10x10 roof and a 14x10 deck, however I was very impressed with Kenny's professionalism.

Kenny and his workers are good communicators and craftsmen. Kenny and his crew are reliable and punctual and are willing to put things in writing. This is HUGE. Working with other contractors in the past I ALWAYS found it difficult to get them to put anything in writing. I didn't even have to ask Kenny to do so. He quickly drew up a thorough contract outlining when the job would be started, when payments would be made, what materials would be used, etc.

During the project when unforeseen obstacles popped up Kenny went above and beyond the call of duty... even coming over one evening in the rain to re-route a gutter downspout.

- John Myers

 

Buckminster Green did a remarkable job of renovating my kitchen on Long Beach Island last summer. Kenny Grono advised me well about how to complete the job in a cost efficient and an environmentally friendly way. He and Bronwyn helped with the selection of materials and were fully open to my ideas, guiding me well. They completed the job perfectly on schedule, and could be depended upon to clean up after each work day. The entire project was a good experience for me and my entire family. I could not recommend Buckminster Green more highly.

- Jane B. Miluski

 

Kenny had done a house addition for a friend of mine and I was impressed with the craftsmanship and the materials he used, like cedar and copper. I talked to him about building a custom garden shed at my house. The shed turned out great and exceeded my expectations. Just as impressive as the work was Kenny's communication during the project. He was easy to reach by phone or e-mail and he was quick to tell me if there was a problem. Since I was happy with the work I also contracted Kenny to remodel 2 bedrooms, with hardwood flooring, new doors, and trim and I was very satisfied with the results. I like the fact that Kenny will not just do any work and will not take on something he is not comfortable with. He also takes pride in using environmentally friendly products.

- Drew Arnold

BGProject

A green building:

There are certain green practices that we consider standard. We use only Energy Star rated high-efficiency windows and doors. We install only no-formaldehyde insulation for better indoor air quality. We design each project for limited waste and recycle wood, drywall, cardboard and metal onsite. We use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. We use caulks, adhesives, paints and primers that do not off-gas harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for years after we leave.

Renovating city homes presents unique challenges and exciting opportunities for incorporating green principles. Below are a few examples of ways to "green" a city home:

Gravity-Fed Cistern: In many parts of Philadelphia, combined sewers mean rainwater is mixed with wastewater. This rainwater can be put to good use by collecting it in a rain barrel, or cistern. Since space is often limited in city yards, Buckminster Green can mount your cistern above ground and out of the way. This has the added benefit of allowing gravity to produce a flow rate from a hose strong enough to water the garden without filling a watering can.

Whole-House Fan: Homes often heat up during the day and remain hot even as temperatures outside drop to comfortable levels. Rather than use an air-conditioner, a whole-house fan can flush out the hot air inside and bring cooler air in through open windows, an effect opening the windows alone cannot easily accomplish. The savings in electricity are substantial, as the AC is often the greatest consumer of electricity in the spring and summer.

Reclaimed Wood: Demolition of old houses often produces old-growth timbers used in framing. This wood can be reused for counters, trim and shelving instead of going to a landfill. If it can't be reused, unpainted wood and drywall can be recycled along with metal and cardboard, reducing the waste on site.

Low-VOC Alternatives: Many products used in home renovation and elsewhere include volatile organic compounds that continue to release gases into the atmosphere long after the products have been installed. There are low or no-VOC alternatives available for most of these products. Examples include no-formaldehyde insulation and low or no-VOC paints, finishes and sealers.

Recycled Products: Construction and renovation accounts for a large percentage of the waste produced in this country. By using recycled-content products you take useful materials out of the waste stream. Keep in mind when choosing any product for your home, flooring, doors, etc, that the longer a product's useful life, the longer it will stay out of a landfill. Try to use products that can be re-used or recycled at the end of their useful life. Some examples of recycled content products we have used on recent jobs are: denim batt insulation and imitation slate roof tiles.