Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay|Jul 16, 2012 09:19am|#1

   迈克尔，
   Q. "Who provides plans/specs/design help to owner?"

   A.建筑师，设计师或设计/建立承包商。

   Q. "I'm especially concerned with solar PV/minisplit locations, or solar thermal vs heat pump water heater questions."

   A.可以在GBA站点找到一些问题的答案。您还可以咨询机械工程师，HVAC承包商或光伏承包商。

   Q. "How do I find a designer?"

   A. The same way you find any professional: ask around. Ask your friends, building materials suppliers, home performance contractors and energy raters, and your local green building association. If you find someone you are interested in, ask for references and talk to former customers. Good luck.

2. 
   Acobo|Jul 16, 2012 09:39am|#2

   选择设计师，建筑师或您家的构建器应该是您所做的最重要的决定之一。我会确保您选择的人在高性能的房屋中知识渊博和经验。从字面上，你必须在你的余生中决定。
   1. Ask for credentials, education and certifications on green building and high performing homes, at least which tells you if that person has some knowledge of high performing homes, new ideas and new methods of construction.
   2.询问他们的经验以及他们已通过真正的绿色建筑计划认证的家庭。“说”他们知道如何为那些通过独立的第三方计划通过验证和认证过程的人设计或建立高性能的房屋，“说”的巨大差异。经验越多，越好。
   3. Ask for references, check them out and go see those referenced homes if possible.
   4. Compare their design work, quality of drawings and specifications to other professionals. You don’t have to be an expert to tell the difference.
   5. Most future homeowners and builders hire the cheapest designer they can. Folks start by cutting corners from the get go and yet they pay more throughout the project because their designer’s mistakes, wrong specifications, lack of knowledge on drawings and process, with incomplete drawings or not detailed. To “green” a set of plans that has not been thought-out completely from the beginning maybe to expensive or impossible to do.
   6. Good chemistry is important as well. Is the Designer or Builder listening to you? Will they be able to stay within your home size, budget and timetable? Are they enthusiastic about your project or are you just another paycheck? Be able to communicate and work properly with whom you select will make the process a lot easier, satisfying, positive and fun.
   Most of the important systems on a new house are “stuff” you can’t see, behind walls or under ground, so making sure you make a high priority and attention to that part. Always remember, you can always upgrade cosmetic stuff later on, but when it comes to all the major components, like foundation, framing, insulation, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality, moisture management, etc., you and your designer and builder should not be cutting corners.