The built-in costs of going green

RE “Green Checklist” [June 30], I would like to point out that the statement that “None of the basics [for an environmentally friendly home] need add any cost to the construction ... “ is misleading.

I am a licensed general contractor with numerous clients requesting a “green” approach, and for the most part products and materials are significantly more money.

Granted, building smaller is not adding cost, but for the novice reader this “checklist” implies that cost is not the biggest issue.

In my experience, cost is one of the most significant factors in why more homeowners aren’t going green.

Laura Newman

Los Angeles