All articles from Alexandra Marks

Eco-renovation Low-flow toilets have improved

Low-flow toilets save water, but they haven't always worked as well as homeowners would like.

Eco-renovation The delicate toilet question

For a home renovation, what are the best water-saving options among new toilets?

Eco-renovation What to do when the new shake roof buckles?

In a home renovation, the owners decided to install a cedar shake roof, but it buckled in the first serious rain.

Eco-renovation The new generation of green builders

Joe Rios typifies a new generation of environmentally conscious workers who are thinking green.

Eco-renovation Tankless water heaters: pros and cons

After debating the pros and cons of on-demand or tankless water heaters, a couple concludes that the environment is the deciding factor.

Eco-renovation Are tankless water heaters worth the extra cost?

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters have advantages, but cost isn't one of them.

Eco-renovation Water conservation – the why and how for homeowners

In renovating a home, why should homeowners conserve water and how do they go about it?

Eco-renovation Water conservation: Is it necessary in the Northeast?

Do homeowners in the Northeast – an area of plentiful water – need to conserve water?

Eco-renovation Reclaimed wood flooring wins out in home renovation

In renovating an old house, the flooring decision comes down to new flooring (relatively inexpensive) vs. old wood planks (more expensive but charming and recycled).

Eco-renovation Green renovation conundrum: old flooring vs. new

When renovating an old home in Connecticut, owners find that the debate centers on 'green' vs. budget – do they try to reuse the old flooring, buy recycled old floorboards, or go with new?

Eco-renovation House renovation: How to cope with cold weather

When snow blows and temperatures fall, tips for coping with the cold and continuing a house renovation over winter.

Eco-renovation The unexpected joys (and expenses) of renovating an old house

When renovating a historic house, a homeowner learns to expect the unexpected. There will be a few trials and tribulations as well as joys.

Eco-renovation The Rumford fireplace - energy-efficiency rediscovered

In the 1800s, a Rumford fireplace was the latest word in energy efficiency. They're still being built.

Eco-renovation Looking for energy-efficient alternatives to fireplaces

Fireplaces have great appeal in a house, but aren't energy-efficient. What are the alternatives?

Eco-renovation Advantages and disadvantages of a cedar shake roof

A look at the environmental advantages as well as disadvantages of using cedar shakes for roofing.

Green building comes of age

Competition, oil prices, and concerns about global warming have caused the '70s fad to go mainstream. Is green building finally coming of age?

Eco-renovation More roofing options for an old-house renovation

When renovating an old house in an environmentally friendly way, what are the roofing options?

Eco-renovation Trying to decide on an energy-efficient roof

The new roof of a remodeled house needs to be energy-efficient as well as budget-friendly. What's the best choice?

Eco-renovation Choosing an energy-efficient front door

Eco-renovation Is spray foam insulation the best choice for an old house?

In renovating an old house, is spray foam insulation the way to go? And which type of spray foam insulation - open cell or closed cell?