Some helpful sites for information and ideas.
Links to construction-related information sources, manufacturer’s sites, and industry associations.
| GREEN RESOURCES | |
| LEED | LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a third-party certification program that ensures a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to work. |
| Build It Green | Build It Green is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in California. They offer trusted green building training, tools, technical expertise, and partnership opportunities for professionals and homeowners. |
| EPA Green Building Site | The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) is a great resource for more information on green building. |
| StopWaste | An organization to reduce waste in Alameda County. Information about recycling, green building, and eco-friendly landscaping. |
| Sustainable Forestry Initiative | SFI Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. |
| COMMUNITY RESOURCES | |
| Berkeley Parents Network | Thousands of pages of recommendations and advice contributed by members of the Berkeley Parents Network, a parent-to-parent email network for the community. Many busy parents take the time to give their suggestions, wisdom, and experience, archived for all who need it. Please help yourself and use it in the spirit of sharing! |
| Cal Alumni Partners | A directory of local businesses preferred by the Cal Alumni Association. |
| Home Improvement Forum | Home Improvement Forum is a networking group started by a Berkeley homeowner created to give locals a place to ask and share advice about home improvement projects. Topics include discussion of local resources, recommendations for contractors, building permits, and anything else you can imagine having to do with home improvement. |
| Monument Impact | Located in Concord, Monument Impact serves one of the most densely populated communities in the Bay Area, and actively engage with the Monument Community to provide training and tools in order for people to become economically self-sufficient, healthy and safe, civic engaged, connected to each other, and committed to lifelong learning. |
| CONSTRUCTION-RELATED INFORMATION | |
| Asbestos Abatement | Hiring an asbestos abatement company, and not doing it yourself, is the wisest and safest decision when it comes to removing asbestos from any residential, commercial or public building. Asbestos abatement companies will properly test for the toxic mineral, follow strict regulations and processes, and carry the right abatement removal equipment to keep them, others and you safe from exposure. |
| California Contractors State License Board | The California Contractors State License Board has a comprehensive web site that covers topics from hiring a contractor to legal ramifications. This is worth a visit before you begin a project. |
| Builder Online | The Information Source for the Home Building Industry. Whether you’re a home builder looking for news or business advice, or an architect researching house design ideas, Builder Online has what you need. |
| Building Online |
The only true search engine exclusively devoted to the building and home improvement industry. Access to over 200,000 building industry websites. Supporting building industry professionals with Industry News, New and Interesting Sites, Product News, Trade Shows, and Podcasts. |
| eplans | Online source for home plans on the web. Constantly updated with new plans and resources to help you achieve your dreams, this site is the most comprehensive, easy-to-use source for home plans on the Web. |
| Design Basics | Design Basics Inc. designs and markets plans for single-family homes. The nation’s largest home plan design service to the building industry, offering a variety of home plans as well as associated products and services. |
| Mold Resources | Provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. |
| Nova Hardwood Exterior Decking | Important checklist for installation of Ipe and Batu hardwood decking. |
| Seismic Design Review | This link will take you to Simplified Engineering I and II which contain load tables, information for understanding truss layout, design, and configuration, seismic training, and more. |
| Tools of the Trade | Find generator, power tool, hand tool, safety equipment reviews, and more. Dozens of tools tested and rated. New tool recommendations. |
| Journal of Light Construction |
Practical construction information for home builders and remodelers about building materials, products, and business management. |
| My Home My Style | Whether you’ve lived in your house for a few months or a few decades, My Home My Style will help you make it feel more like home. Our pages are packed with inspiring ideas, practical projects, and makeovers made easy — plus the instructions and information you need to DIY |
| INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS | |
| American Wood Council | America’s web site dedicated to bringing you credible up to date information on engineered and traditional wood products. Includes span charts, technical info, construction publications with CAD designs, and more. |
| American Wood Protection Association | The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is a non-profit organization which is responsible for promulgating voluntary wood preservation standards. |
| APA – The Engineered Wood Association | APA – The Engineered Wood Association, a non-profit trade association with 70 years of experience, is the authoritative source for information on engineered wood products and their related construction applications. |
| International Wood Products Association | The International Wood Products Association is the only association in the United States committed to the promotion and enhancement of trade in the imported hardwood and softwood products industry. IWPA provides valuable policy guidance on legislation, regulations, and issues to enhance the sustainability and commercial value of international trade in wood products. |
| National Association of Home Builders | This site is designed for those interested in home building and the industry – it contains resources for both members and consumers. |
| National Association of the Remodeling Industry | The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or NARI, connects homeowners with its professional members and provides tips and tricks so that the consumer has a positive remodeling experience. |
| National Hardwood Lumber Association | NHLA is a trade association of companies that produce, sell and use North American hardwood lumber, or provide equipment, supplies or services to the hardwood industry. |
| Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) | Established in 1983, the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) has become the only international trade association representing manufacturers of structural building components. |
