To help the job search in the new age, we have gathered the top 30 job sites for commercial construction. They include everything from sites just for construction applicants to mega sites and even a few places to put in your very own construction bid.

Top Job Sites for Commercial Construction

1. Construction Work
   Get an all in one construction job site here. There are options for owners, workers, suppliers, and contractors all on the home page. They have a career center and forums with more in addition to the option to build your own homepage on the site.
2. Construction Jobs
   Jobs are updated here on a regular basis. Other options here include a resume writing service and a “front of the line” plan. You can also check out their career center or FAQ with more.
3. Top Building Jobs
   Simply type in what and where on this job site to begin looking for building jobs. There is no registration required and builders can post jobs here for only $99.
4. S.R. Clarke
   If you need some help in your construction job search, why not stop here? They are a job placement firm that helps match candidates and clients in commercial construction and related areas. You can even see which jobs they are currently staffing by scrolling down.
5. Commercial Construction Jobs
   Stop here for a simple job search engine. You can use it to search job sites, company career pages, and associations for openings in commercial construction. Current popular searches include framing, project management, and administrative.
6. Construction Jobs Net
   Clicking here allows you to search for construction jobs across the country. Simply choose your state to begin. You can also make your own page or learn more about job fairs.
7. Construction Job Force
   Search thousands of construction jobs on this site. They focus on matching construction candidates with employers. Currently there are over 6,000 openings, and there are other job tools on the site.
8. iHireConstruction
   This site is part of the iHire Network. With a special tab for construction, you can upload your resume, search loads of jobs, and connect with hiring managers. Click on “how it works” to learn more.
9. Only Construction Jobs
   There are currently over 63,000 job openings here. A quick registration allows you to view them, get job alerts, and post your resume. Each job is vetted and approved before listed.
10. Job Piggy
    If you’re feeling lucky, stop here. Just type in what and where to begin searching construction jobs.
    An email address is also required.

Top Bid Job Sites for Commercial Construction

11. Construction Wire
    The homepage of this site tells you current projects that are bidding as well as recent updates to other projects. You can select your state and project type such as casinos or hotels to begin. You can even submit your own project for the bidding.
12. Building Opportunities
    This site stands out because it gives you free access to over 180,000 commercial construction project reports. It includes public project data, pre-construction phases, and even where your competitors are working. Just fill in the form to begin.
13. iSqFt
    This paid service gives you access to countless new leads for commercial public jobs posted in your area. It also gives you the information on other general contractors in your area. They even offer a free trial.
14. Get Project Leads
    Get just what the title promises in this site from Reed Construction Data. There are special projects featured only on this site. Simply fill out the form to learn more.
15. Hardhat Connect
    Contractors and other construction professionals can find a sort of Facebook style site just for them. Build your own page, check out the forums, and much more. There are also blogs for the reading and writing.
16. Bid Clerk
    Type in what you are looking for on this job search site. You can even select project type such as private, public, or single family. You can also search for commercial and residential contractors.
17. eBid Board
    Paper bids are so 1.0. Stop here to get and submit electronic bids on all sorts of construction projects. They even have a What’s Bidding section where you can see who is doing business with who.
18. National Contractors
    Check out bids from and by this contracting group here. They specialize in matching quality contractors with upcoming construction projects. There are also forums with more.
19. Construction Bid Source LLC
    If looking for commercial construction or other work in California or the Western United States, stop here. They have a Twitterfeed with updates and even funding opportunities for those looking to finance a project. You can also check out federal resources as well.
20. Bid Tool
    If you need some help getting a bid together, stop here. The site offers loads of tools such as electronic plans and specs. They also offer a free trial of their services.

Top Main Job Sites for Commercial Construction

21. Commercial Construction
    Get loads of commercial construction jobs from the experts at Bloomberg here. It includes everything you want to know about the industry including civil engineering, infrastructure, and more. You can also get news and blogs.
22. Construction Jobs
    See why millions go to Career Builder on a regular basis with a visit. You can find thousands of jobs just in construction, or narrow by specialty such as management, engineering, and others. You can also search by company.
23. Commercial Construction Superintendents Forum
    Go beyond the usual post and search options with a visit to Indeed.com. They have a special forum where actual professionals and candidates can post about their commercial construction job search experience. You can also do a traditional job search.
24. Construction Job Search
    This special search is hosted by the folks at Monster. Options include searching jobs by location, date listed, keywords, and more. Be sure not to miss the Career Tools with much more.
25. Employment Crossing
    There are dozens of different construction jobs categories to choose from here, including commercial. Other choices offered are advisor, associate, inspector, and many others. You can also get the latest news by scrolling down.
26. Commercial Construction
    Simply Hired is another mega job site. Current offerings include superintendent, project manager, and even traveling positions. You can also see job trends and salaries on the site.
27. McCarthy
    This is one of the leading commercial construction firms in the country. Check out their career page to see who and where they are hiring. You can also create a profile.
28. Flipdog
    Simply choose your state to begin here. There is also a special section for construction jobs. They even have career resources such as sample resumes and cover letters.
29. Commercial Construction Salary
    Know what the job pays before you apply. Payscale is a leading salary information site, and they have information just for the commercial construction industry. You can look up average salary for many kinds of jobs or search for openings.
30. Construction Job
    This job search is powered by AOL. Stop by to get the latest jobs outlook or salary survey. Scrolling down also shows you the newest listings in construction.

Be sure to check back with your favorite of the above top 30 job sites for commercial construction often, as postings change from day to day, as well as job trends and salary information.

To help you get a better grasp, we have gathered 30 incredible iPhone and iPad apps for contractors and home renovators. They can do everything from replace some of your worn out tools to functioning as a virtual assistant during many aspects of the project and are listed mostly by price.

Incredible Design iPhone and iPad Apps for Contractors and Home Renovators

Use these apps to plan a project before you begin it.

1. ColorSnap
   Ever see a color you just have to use in your next project but can’t take the whole wall, comforter, swatch, etc. with you? Then use this app from Sherwyn Williams to use your iPhone as a portable color swatch. The photo is instantly linked to a paint of the same color. The app is free and allows for adjustments, saving, browsing, and more.
2. Decomash
   If you love the building part of contracting and home renovating more than design, check out this app. For no charge, it allows you to take photos of your space and the app will automatically find artwork to match it. You can also utilize the albums they offer on the app.
3. iBlueprint
   If working with blueprints, save yourself some green with this free app. It allows users to create and export a custom floor plan of any structure. Features include zoom, multiple prints, export, and the option to create their own blueprints.
4. GE Mood Cam
   Can a light bulb be the most important item in the room? If you choose incorrectly, it can. Use this free app to take a picture of a room, view it in several different lightings, and choose which is the best.
5. gUnit
   Also the name of a rap group, this is actually an iPhone app for those who need to do unit conversions quickly and without any memorizing of what equals what. For $0.99, users get an easy to use interface that can convert just about any unit into any other with the tap of a few keys.
6. Mark on Call
   Can’t afford a real designer? Then spend $2.99 on this app and the next best thing. Mark Lewison shares his knowledge of design such as sofas that don’t fit and patterns that work in the app. It allows users to plan, preview, and carry out their design visions while staying organized and within budget.
7. Remodelista
   Get a virtual design magazine on your iPad with this app. It allows you to see the latest and greatest in design on a regular basis and even links to actual items you can use in your own project. It sells for $2.99, and was recently highlighted by the blogger at Vancouver 4 Life.
8. Finger CAD
   With this app, you can draw houses, bridges, apartments, mechanical components, and other items a home renovator or contractor may need to draw. Users can select, copy, move, and share designs with ease. It sells for $5.99 and this blog even shows images that were drawn using it.
9. cad Touch
   Use this app to do serious design. It can help you draw floor plans, land surfaces, diagrams, and more. Currently selling for $14.99, it features support for various measurement units, multiple drawings, snap, and others.
10. LEED AP Building Design and Construction
    If looking to design buildings that are certified green, check out this app. It specifically helps those studying for the LEED Building Design and Construction exam. It sells for $19.99 and offers hundreds of flash cards and practice questions.

Incredible Construction iPhone and iPad Apps for Contractors and Home Renovators

Stop designing and start doing with these iPhone and iPad apps.

11. Carpenter’s Helper
    Use your iPad or iPhone instead of the clipboard one usually sees contractors with in this app. It runs many of the common calculation tasks a carpenter comes across such as unit calculations, measurements, circles, and conversions. There are three different apps to choose from.
12. Stanley Level
    Got one of these levels in your bag? With this app and no money, you can also have one on your iPhone and iPad. There are four different levels available, and they were even positively reviewed by Gizmodo.
13. Home Depot App
    Because the Home Depot is a common stop for home projects, check out their very own app. Research over 100,000 products on your device without ever having to visit their store. The free app also has an interactive toolbox, measurement converter, and nut and bolt finder.
14. KAD Software
    Because contracting and renovating is all about estimates, check out this series of apps. They can help you decide everything from how much lumber or cans of paint you will need for a job. Selling for $0.99 each, they are available in a variety of areas such as tile and wallpaper.
15. Dimensions
    Get 13 tools in one on this app. A constant best-seller, it offers a tape measure, caliper, podometer, and many others. For only $1.99, it probably costs less than any single tool it can replace.
16. iHandy Carpenter
    Make your tool bag a little lighter with the help of this app. It also contains many common tools in one, such as plumb bob, surface level, protractor, ruler, and inclinometer/clinometer. Only $1.99 will get you the full version.
17. Real Tools
    For the same price as the above, you can get 18 tool applications on this app. A few include scale, thermometer, magnometer, level, and more.
18. Handyman DIY
    Get another calculator for home projects here. For $1.99, the app allows you to enter data on your project to immediately get estimates. It includes over 500 frequently used items to choose from.
19. Handyman Sidekick
    Similar to previous apps, this one can tell you how much of an item to buy for a particular project. Unlike others, this app was rated third in utility apps by Top Ten Reviews. Learn more with a read or spend the $1.99 to see for yourself.
20. iQuick Tools
    Whether you need an estimating or contract making app, they have them. The estimator can help bid for six different types of trade construction including drywall, painting, concrete, and others. The contract maker does just what it promises in creating a legal contract in a few easy steps.

Other Incredible iPhone and iPad Apps for Contractors and Home Renovators

These apps can also come in handy for the contractor and home renovator.

21. Task This
    Although there are many tasking and scheduling apps out there, this one can be easily used by contractors and home renovators. It has a calendar, project lists, shopping lists, events, reminders, and more. Over 83,000 have already downloaded this free app.
22. Smart Bid Net
    Need bids for a project fast? Then check out this iPhone app which makes use of your contacts and invites them to bid on a project. The app requires a subscription to the main site and $0.99.
23. Concretulator
    Use this app to determine how much concrete you need for a job. It calculates your project down to the cubic yard and the number of 40#, 60#, and 80# bags you will need. The app sells for $0.99.
24. Drywall Calculator
    Similar to the above, this is another calculator to guess how much of a product you will need for your next job. However, this one focuses on drywall and related items such as carpet, paint, and floor tiles. It costs $0.99 and works in feet and inches.
25. Carpet Estimator
    Get just what the title promises. For $1.99, the app helps you estimate how much it will cost to law down carpet. The same site also offers a wood flooring estimator and construction job board.
26. I.D. Wood
    How can you combine woodworking with an iPhone? With $2.99 and this app. A top review by Toolmonger, it helps you identify over 50 types of wood as well as their properties and uses.
27. Gardening Toolkit
    Don’t just stop at the interior, use this app to make any landscape a triumph. It can help you grow items by hardiness zone, keep track of what’s in your garden, and creates a to-do list. For $2.99, it works in many different countries.
28. goBIM
    This app was designed by Ian Keough, a Senior Technical Designer with Buro Happold Consulting Engineers. For $5.99, it navigates 3D BIM models and their associated data and works on the go. The blogger at Design Reform has more on what it can do and how to use it.
29. [steel]
    If you work in steel and have an iPhone or iPad, this is the app for you. It contains both the current and historic AISC Structural Steel Database in a fast, easy to navigate interface. The standard sells for $5.99, and the makers have other similar apps to choose from.
30. Roofing Calculator
    This can be one of the most costly expenses in home renovation and construction. Use the $19.99 app to calculate the cost of a roof in many different materials. The price comes with free lifetime updates and is available for free in the demo version.

Whether just looking to do a project yourself or are taking on a tremendous endeavor, there is loads of help on the above 30 incredible iPhone and iPad apps for contractors and home renovators. Be sure and call a licensed contractor for any job that is over your head or that can be dangerous.

Infographics can be a great way to depict information through easy-to-follow images. You can learn everything from home improvement to the ins and outs of the space station. This list of the top 20 construction information graphics are the best images to learn how to build all the above, or at least learn why that construction succeeds or fails.

Home Construction

1. 100% Carbon-Neutral Home: With the assistance of new technologies and a demand for energy savings, green building advocates believe it may be possible to build a carbon neutral home. This home would make no net release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
2. Earthquake Safety: This infographic is about seismic retrofitting, or ways to make your home more earthquake resistant. According to their calculations, the average cost to retrofit a wood frame home of about 2,300 square feet in size built after 1969 is $16,677.
3. Green Roof Infographic: This data visualization, created by Robert Thiele Architects, helps explain the benefits and differing types of green roofs.
4. Home Improvement Costs InfoGraphic, Room by Room: Despite the title, this graphic illustrates the home improvement industry ‘at a glance.’ It provides annual averages in costs, the total expenditure by project type and total expenditures in millions of dollars (scroll down the page to see the image).
5. Home Improvement Trends 2011: According to this informative graphic, luxury renovations will take a backseat in 2011 as homeowners pursue projects that provide the biggest bang for the buck in terms of increasing their home’s value.
6. Sustainable Home Construction: This graphic puts an emphasis on local construction materials such as straw bale construction. But, it also shows other areas in a home that can be constructed from sustainable materials such as recycled/reconstituted doors.
7. The Crash of Housing Construction: This U.S. map provides both a map view and graphic view that illustrates, state by state, the number of new houses constructed in 2009.
8. The U.S. Housing Crisis — How the Housing Bubble Burst: This extensive graphic provides a timeline from 1968 that shows how the housing bubble was created, how it burst, and how it affects American citizens.
9. Understanding Insulation: Insulation plays an essential role in both home comfort and in energy savings. This infographic provides information about how home insulation works, and how it can make a big difference in both comfort and energy savings.

Other Construction

10. Construction in the City: This visual shows how construction projects in the UK have declined since August of 2009 to August of 2010. The lowest point was in December 2009.
11. Forced-labor construction projects in Stalin’s Gulag system: From the 1930s to the 1950s, many of the Soviet Union’s largest industrial and transport facilities were built by prisoners at the cost of millions of lives. The Moscow News provides this information graphic.
12. Famous Monuments: These massive, majestic, and sometimes mysterious monuments are reminders of what happens when humans put their minds to the task of great construction. Objects include the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China.
13. From Steam Engines to the Mobile Universe: In the late 19th century, the railroads began connecting cities and towns throughout the world. Today, the global digital network gives news definitions to space and time. This graphic shows the timeline for interconnectivity.
14. Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: Look inside the reactors to learn how they are constructed and why the plant suffered massive failure after the Japanese tsunami.
15. History of Golden Gate Bridge: Built to connect San Francisco to Marin County, the Golden Gate Bridge was first proposed in 1916. However, construction was not begun on the bridge until 1933, and the bridge was officially completed in 1937 after four years of construction. It was the longest bridge of its type worldwide.
16. Inside and Out: The International Space Station: This information graphic is extensive, and shows the history, construction and application of the International Space Station. This object is the most complex space project every undertaken and, at $100 billion, it is the most expensive object ever built.
17. Mapping an Entire Airport: Funnel Incorporated carries a variety of construction infographics and also remarks on how they constructed each one. This particular graphic focuses on the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, with the noted that their first task was to create 39 separate maps for travelers using the airport’s Web site.
18. Skyscraper Infographics: Skyscrapers make great subjects for charts, because they are long and skinny like the columns in a bar graph. This site has gathered a number of skyscraper-style size comparisons, including comparisons of the Empire State Building to the Titanic, a deep salt mine, space rockets and a neutrino telescope under the antarctic ice.
19. University of Oregon’s Interactive Campus Map: This information graphic illustrates key campus features, buildings and resources. By using the themes on this map (such as bus stops), you can overlay several other resources onto this layout.
20. Which American Cities are Most Vulnerable to Natural Disasters? This information is valuable to any person who is interested in construction. No matter if the construction involves homes, cityscapes, roads, bridges or tunnels, a knowledge about the natural disasters that occur in a given area can help make construction and the finished product safer for consumers.

The economy has caused the construction industry to come to a dramatic halt. Building isn’t what it used to be, but slowly businesses are putting up new properties across the country. These construction management sites will help contractors and those in upper level construction positions take on new jobs in their area. Remember not all regions are experiencing job growth quite yet, so it’s important to keep that resume polished and interview and networking skills on at all times.

Construction Management Job Sites

1. Construction Management Job Search Site This site is loaded with jobs for various positions in construction management. Whether you’re working your way up the ranks and starting as an assistant to the project manager or accustomed to taking on a large commercial job, this site has a little something for everyone.
2. Simply Hired – Construction Management Simply Hired is a great site because it allows you to conduct a detailed search of the position you’re after. It brings up positions in your area and surrounding cities or towns. Since those in construction management often travel for work, this is a fantastic site to browse jobs.
3. Indeed – Construction Management Jobs Indeed works as a spider, pulling jobs in your area of expertise from all over the web. Instead of visiting tons of job sites to run across the same open positions, Indeed essentially does the leg work for you.
4. Construction Knowledge – Jobsite Management If you’ve been out of work for a couple of months (or years), you want to make sure you know everything you need to before hitting that construction site again. This site gives you a refresher on how to plan, keep up with a client’s expectations and how to implement the critical plan method to ensure quality work that’s completed on time.
5. Construction Crossing No matter what area of construction you work in, you’re sure to find job listings at this site. You can peruse jobs by location or position, which means if you’ve been out of work for some time, it could be time to move to a new place.
6. Construction Jobs We love this site because in addition to browsing construction management jobs, you can also post your resume. This is helpful for firms large and small that are looking for a construction manager with a certain area of expertise. This site has been around for 10 years, so you know the employers who contact you regarding work are legit.
7. Construction Executive If you’re out of work from the construction business, this site is a must-read for its sage resume advice. If you’ve been in the biz for a number of years, you probably have plenty of experience, but that doesn’t mean potential employers want to dig through it all. Learn how to polish that resume and make yourself noticed when applying for jobs online.
8. Project Manager Blog This site is full of information for project managers of every type and much of the information applies to those working construction management. It talks about resumes, how to condense your work experience and how to show off the work you’ve done most similar to the job in question in order to land the position.
9. Construction Article This is the ultimate online resource for working in construction. Check out the side menu for fantastic tips on how to ace an interview, what areas to explore in green building and how to maintain quality control when managing a large project.

Construction Management Blogs, Messageboards and Forums

10. Construction Management Forums This is an excellent site for those looking to learn about technology’s role in modern construction management. It also talks about 1099s and other tax issues some self-employed construction managers may do.
11. Contractor Talk This site is a mix of blog posts and a messageboard. You’ll find nearly all of the information you need to know on keeping your projects going in a timely fashion and how to prevent from falling behind on a big job. Fellow contractors also share their projects and progress.
12. Construction Resource This is a fantastic blog for contractors and project managers to learn about the latest tools and technology in construction. The forums are fairly busy and the articles help with subjects like creating a budget for a project and how to handle estimates with a client.
13. Construction Management Resource This site is packed with audio conferences for construction managers looking to learn about the latest innovations in building. Right now the site is focused on green building, an area that is rapidly growing as commercial businesses look to cut down costs and energy consumption.
14. Contractor City – Construction Contract Forums This is an interesting forum that deals with everything from specific trades and building styles to women’s role in construction. The crowd here is always up for helping a newcomer and talk HR and legal issues in construction too.
15. National Contractors This site talks about projects big and small. There’s nothing that this site won’t cover when it comes to contractors and construction management. There’s a forum for sounding off at bad contracting jobs, so you know what to avoid when working for a residential or commercial client.
16. Contractor Forum This contractor site is aimed at managers in the UK, but it’s worth reading no matter where you are in the world because it talks about technology’s role in construction. There are forums for project managers, legal things to watch out for and how to go about becoming insured for a project.
17. Construction Marketing Machine Need to know how to make your business grow? This site is packed with information on how to interview for a position, what to put on your online resume and how to get your name out there when attracting new clients. It’s a networking game and this blog shows you how to take your construction management to a new level.
18. MBA Contractors Forum If you’re just starting out in this field or just have a couple of big jobs under your belt, this site is a great resource for learning about on-site safety, how to manage young construction workers and how to gauge wages in your area.
19. Screwfix – Builder’s Talk Construction workers talks about basic projects and how to be disciplined enough to go out and work for yourself at this messageboard. It’s a mix of professionals and DIY home addicts.
20. My Contractor List This site has a forum just for professionals. Construction managers share their projects, what new ideas are floating around for building and how to manage networking, licensing and insurance when you’re self-employed.

A career in construction management can be lucrative when the market is ripe. For every big job, you may have a handful of less challenging projects, but that changes with the economy’s ups and downs. There’s a lot to study in terms of management skills and you can learn a lot from project management blogs, as well as construction management-specific websites.

Because green materials are made of renewable and sustainable products, they can cost far less. Other practices see green building as using materials that last the longest and have to be replaced less frequently. No matter what your feelings on the greening of everything, practices that use less energy, aka less money, and pollute less are a good idea. To help in this quest for knowledge, we have gathered the below top 50 forums and blogs about green construction.

Top Blogs About Green Architecture

1. Inhabitat
   With a tagline of “design will save the world,” Inhabitat strives to do just that. They have the latest updates on green building, along with many must see images. You can also find items on green interiors, products, tech, and more.
2. Green Home Design Architect
   Because it all starts in the home, there is this blog. Jeremy Bonin is a partner and lead architect at Bonin Architects & Associates, which is licensed in many states in the Northeast. Everything from home design to renewable energy is shared on the blog.
3. Live Green Blog
   Far more than a blog on recycling, the blog showcases the best in sustainable production and completed products. Sections include design, sustainable architecture, materials, and more. You can also go beyond the blog to get other informative resources.
4. Tiny House Design
   Proving that good things do come in small packages is this blog. It is based on the premise that smaller is greener, and thusly, better for the environment. One of the latest entries was on a $300 Earthbag house.
5. Green Home Building and Sustainable Architecture

   Kelly Hart has been involved with green building concepts for much of his life and runs a website on green home building. Recent posts are on Adobe homes and an affordable eco-homes report. His main site also has more on green design.

6. LPA Blog
   For more than 45 year, they have been advocating the message that sustainable design can be achieved on any project, budget, building type, and location. They show just how on their blog. Popular posts are on REVIT and the LPA Eichler homes of Southern California.
7. Earth Architecture
   Did you know that one half of the world’s population lives or works in buildings constructed of Earth? Keeping that premise in mind, this blog shows how to use and design buildings using the Earth itself as a building source. Blog posts usually document such buildings, which recently included a library in Capetown.
8. Jetson Green
   They offer many guides on green building such as green jobs, finding a solar pro, and how to’s. Popular projects include low impact island dwelling and straw bales used as pop-up structures. You can also use the blog to learn more about green home design.
9. Design Ecology
   Josiah Raison Cain is a self-styled landscape architect who has been pushing the boundaries of sustainable ecological design for his entire 17 year career. He is a partner at Design Ecology and teaches at several colleges. Check out his blog for his latest thoughts, and be sure not to miss the main site with more.
10. Locus Architecture Blog
    Their tagline is “building the art of sustainability.” They have links for everything from products to green designers. You can also check out their thoughts on green architecture via blog entries.

Top Blogs About Green Construction by an Individual

11. Green Goddess
    Who says green construction is a man’s game? In this blog, Tanya Stock, Principal of Vida Verde, helps others focus on finding the right shade of green. One of the most recent was on an airtight building in New York.
12. The Green Building Inspector
    A sort of referee for homes, everyone fears the building inspector to some degree or other. Get entries on everything from crawl spaces to tax incentives with a visit on this inspector’s blog. There are also loads of videos on related topics.
13. DJC Green Building
    The Daily Journal of Commerce focuses on green building issues in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and other locations. Katie Zemtseff is an environmental reporter who covers many issues in green construction. Just a few include architecture, engineering, research, and urban planning.
14. Rob Watson
    He is the executive editor of GreenerBuildings.com and the chairman, CEO, and chief scientist of the EcoTech International Group. Get the expert views on many green construction items with a read of his blog. The latest include confidence and smart green choices.
15. Green Building Law Update
    With a lawyer for just about everything, green construction is no exception. Headed up by attorney Christopher W. Cheatham, his goal is to inform the construction and design industries about green building risks and legal developments. Law updates are often the topic of posts.
16. Green Building Update
    Allen Matkins’ blog is designed for those who are trying to stay abreast of green building issues but do not have the time to sort through the numerous articles published each week on the topic. With a weekly online publication, you get the most recent and best of green construction articles. You can also check out past entries with a click.
17. The Sustainable Line
    This is the blog of a sustainable living/adaptive building consultant. Living off the grid since 1995, they are the chair of the Northern Colorado Renewable Energy Society and a regular contributor to eVolo Magazine and Inhabitat. One of the latest posts was on a renewable energy conference.
18. Green Building Blog

    Scott Gibson blogs for Green Building Advisor. They are a source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. They also offer other blogs such as Design Matters and Energy Solutions.

19. Green Construction UK’s Blog
    Check out how green construction is done overseas here. Random items of interest are often featured. The latest include plastic bottle homes and a bamboo bike trailer.
20. Real Life LEED
    What do you need to get an LEED certification? This blogger knows and shares via writings. However, newer blog entries have been sparse.

Top Blogs About Green Construction by a Group

21. Green Source
    The magazine of sustainable design is featured here. You can get many news items, projects, and more with a simple visit. Be sure not to miss the Green Source Blog with more.
22. gbNYC
    Why go green on one home when a whole city is there? That is the purpose of this group and blog chronicling efforts to make New York more green. Authored by a real estate brokerage and consulting firm of the same name, they specialize in properties that are green. You can get the latest news, or search by your favorite borough.
23. Seattle Scape
    With a similar purpose in mind, this blog focuses on the greening of Seattle. Several bloggers combine to discuss design and urban development in the Emerald City. Recent posts are on a design competition and addressing sustainability through building codes.
24. Green Building Insider
    They deliver industry news on the rapidly expanding green building marketplace, including information on energy efficiency, certifications, technologies, and international happenings. The GBI also specializes in strategies to manage risk now and build for the future. Get the latest news with a read of the blog.
25. Greener Buildings
    The latest news in green construction is featured here. Browse through design, energy, operations, or sustainability. You can also check out Marc Gunther’s blog on green business.
26. Green Home Guide
    Get a specific question on green construction? Then why not send it in to the pro’s on this site? You can browse through their many answers or just get some professional know how.
27. Green Bean Chicago
    Get information on built, in-progress, and planned green building projects in the Chicago area with a stop here. Everything from residential to government projects is discussed. You can even send in your own local project for their review.
28. Green Konnect
    This group of bloggers is also dedicated to the green construction process at many levels. Topics include green building, news, projects, and even future features. A recent entry was a video on what’s good and next.
29. LEED Daily
    Get just what the blog title promises here: a daily update on thoughts and news from those who are LEED certified. They strive to cover the latest stories from around the globe to give green building professionals a one stop place to find information.
30. Green LaBron
    Get the inside story on an actual green home build on this blog. The couple shares their true life experiences through the blog. Although blog entries are sparse, the older ones are still worth a look.

Top Other Blogs About Green Construction

31. Serious Materials
    Because no project could be green without the right materials, there is this blog. It is all about getting serious about buildings, saving energy, and creating green jobs. The latest in green products are usually analyzed and reviewed on the blog.
32. Green Building Blog
    This blog is on how to create more opportunities to create low cost eco-homes. The blog usually features a different eco-home. Most read entries here are on Casa Tierra in San Francisco and Monte de Oro in Argentina.
33. Build Blog
    Kevin Ecker is the founder of Build LLC and emphasizes the implementation of cost effective building solutions. He is also LEED certified and discusses many inside practices. Popular posts are on a construction cost cheat sheet and the process of architecture.
34. Remodelista
    Can’t afford to build a green home? Then why not check out this blog to get tips on how to remodel with a green frame of mind. You can check out the latest blog post or search by room.
35. USGBC Blog
    Get information on green construction from the officials at the United States Green Building Council here. Many top officials regularly stop by to blog on news. You can also learn much more on the main site.
36. Green Building Elements
    Learn about which materials meet green construction standards here. A group of bloggers discuss everything from architecture to urbanism. Popular posts are on a $5,000 shelter and “Natural Building 101.”
37. Green Depot
    They specialize in selling and featuring green products for the home. Choose from every category from air quality to water conservation here. One of the latest entries was on the benefits of bamboo floors.
38. Our Green Journey
    Who says big business isn’t interested in going green? This blog chronicles the journey of Galley Eco Capital into green real estate finance and management. One of the latest entries was on how the right way to grow energy efficiency finance.
39. Green Real Estate Law Journal
    You don’t have to be in real estate to appreciate this blog, but it doesn’t hurt. Published by Stephen Del Percio at Arent Fox, LLP, you can get updates on litigation, contracts, and more. Popular choices include LEED Gold 7 WTC and a motion to dismiss regarding the USGBC.
40. Green Building Law
    Stop here for another blog that combines legal practices with green construction. It is authored by Shari Shapiro, a LEED Accredited Professional who focuses her practice on renewable energy, green building law, and related topics. A recent entry was on how energy efficiency is like dry cleaning.

Top Forums About Green Construction

41. Green Building Talk
    This is one of the largest, most active forums on green building. Forums are organized by technologies, residential, commercial, and many other topics. The site can also be used to get free quotes on green construction and information on various products.
42. McGraw-Hill Construction Community
    Their discussion forums are open to all members and visitors. They include such topics as green building projects, virtual design, practice matters, and even a forum for younger architects. Current discussions are on the architect title and a criticism of LEED.
43. Green Building Forum
    Join this forum to benefit from discussions with thousands of other green building fans and even learn about discounts on green building. Although a UK based site, anyone can read and appreciate the discussions here. Categories include essential for newbies, standards and regulations, a Green Building Bible, and much more.
44. ARE Forum
    Check out loads of LEED topics with a visit here. Several a day are on getting an LEED certifications, local updates, and much more. Be sure not to miss the main forums with other related topics.
45. LEED User
    Whether you are interested in learning more about the certification or already have one, this forum is loaded with LEED topics. Subjects include credits, tip sheets, and general discussions. Hot topics include eight steps to success and the cost of LEED certification.
46. US Message Board
    More of a political board, there is a special section titled Truly Green, Energy Efficient Construction. The policy side of green construction is passionately discussed, which occasionally leads to adult language.
47. Green Building Inspections
    This forum is part of InterNACHI, who specializes in building inspections. Check out what it takes to pass a green construction inspection from them with a read of their forum. They also have more information on their standards, education, and much more.
48. Environmental Pages
    Visit here for a forum designed for environmental discussions. However, they do have a special forum for green construction. There are also other categories of interest.
49. 4 Specs
    This forum takes on many construction aspects and topics. Visit the Sustainable Design Topics section to get some green specific forums and questions. They also offer California specifics, construction technology, and many other topics.
50. USGBC
    Finally, joining the U.S. Green Building Council has many benefits. One is being able to join in and view their community lounge. Visit to learn more on membership requirements.

Whether interested in planning a home remodel, studying for a construction degree, or even a seasoned professional, there is loads to be learned in the above top 50 forums and blogs about green construction. They can help you study building codes, earn a certification, or even stay on top of legal and policy matters surrounding green construction.

To help keep the time spent Googling as low as carbon emissions, we have collected the top 50 green construction blogs. Written by everyone from government officials to individuals building their own dream green home, they have loads to offer on tips, planning, what to expect, LEED certification, and much more.

Top Green Architecture Blogs

1. Inhabitat
   This blog’s tagline is “green design will save the world.” A group of bloggers discuss everything on green design from architecture to landscaping and even fashion. Visit to read the latest, watch a video, or get tips for your own green design.
2. Architecture for Humanity
   Visit here to get a sort of Architects Without Borders organization. Both completed and planned projects are featured, along with how you can get involved. A recent post was on efforts in Haiti.
3. BLDG Blog
   Geoff Manaugh is from Los Angeles and writes about architectural conjecture, urban speculation, and landscape features. With a book of the same name, he often ponders the current and future course of architecture. A recent entry was on the future of food.
4. Archinect
   This blog has been making architecture more connected since 1997. Sections include news, jobs, an image gallery, and even a school blog project. There are also fresh discussions on many things green and architect related.
5. Green Home Design Architect
   All things green related to sustainable architecture are discussed here. This includes design, sustainability, materials, and much more. Jeremy Bonin is a principal architect at a firm with licenses in many states and often discusses his work.
6. Earth Architecture
   According to this blog’s estimates, an estimated half of the world’s population lives or works in buildings constructed of earth. Ronald Rael provides a history of that building as well as its real world applications. New homes, education, and training in the field are often the topic of posts.
7. SAB Magazine
   Click here for the official blog of “Sustainable Architecture and Building” magazine. Sections include articles, news, events, and even a green community. A recent entry was on how improved performance equals reduced costs.
8. Locus Architecture Blog
   The art of sustainability is the focus of this blog. A standout feature is the calculators that tally all sorts of environmental and architectural equations. The design of everything from communities to furniture is often a topic of posts.

Top Green Home Construction Blogs

9. Tiny House Design
   Because “less is more sustainable” check out this blog. Must reads include free plans, how to build, locating land, and much more. You can also find many other related resources such as projects and kits/prefab.
10. Green Home Building and Sustainable Architecture
    Kelly Hart has been involved with green building concepts for much of his life. In his blog, he discusses sustainable architecture and revives traditional methods of home building. Solar electricity, greenhouses, and geothermal heat are the topics of recent posts.
11. Green Labron
    Visit this blog to get the real life experiences of building a green home. Green living for both outside and inside the home is often the topic of posts. Updates on the home are a must read.
12. The Home Building Blog
    Ever since 2005, this blog has written about building, renovation, recycling, and green living. They also feature home building activities and interior design ideas with a green frame of mind.
13. Jetson Green
    Visit here for a daily updated site devoted to green innovation primarily in the residential context. They publish case studies, product profiles, book reviews, news updates, and opinion articles. They even have blog posts by type from condominiums to town houses.
14. Casa Verde Bela Vista
    Like others on this list, this family is designing a green home. Located near Austin, they stand out for keeping a budget in mind, as well as other green priorities. They recently reached a net zero month and discuss further.
15. Pruned
    Because the outside of a home can also be green, visit this blog. A popular landscaper discusses how to green the outside of a home or any building. Items of interest are also blogged on.

Top Local Green Construction Blogs

16. Re:Vision – Dallas
    This blog’s tagline is “the future of cities starts now… one block at a time.” See how this is being done from Dallas, Texas in this blog. A recent entry was on Forwarding Dallas.
17. DJC Green Building Blog
    Katie Zemtseff is the blogger at the Daily Journal of Commerce Green Building Blog. Her focus is on green building issues in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. Related subjects such as cars, engineering, washing, and more are featured.
18. gbNYC
    Green building and real estate in New York are what this blog centers around. Hosted by a real estate brokerage and consulting firm, they often feature the latest in urban green living. Popular entries on the blog include preservation efforts and green retail development.
19. Pacha Mama House
    Visit here for the true life story of a couple building their dream green home in Florida. Loads of images of the home and local wildlife are often featured. A recent post was on how they were making their décor more green.
20. Metal Roofing
    You don’t have to live in New England to get the benefits of metal roofing, but it doesn’t hurt. This construction company designs and installs metal roofing, as well as keeps a blog on why and how to do it. They can also connect you to a free estimate, prices, and other roofing contractors.
21. Green Team Houston
    Click here to get a blog that focuses on research and design benefitting the Texas Gulf Coast. It also has a host of resources for locals who want to go green. A recent post was on an oil cleaning robot army.
22. Building Seattle Green
    This is part of the blogging community at Seattle PI. A collective of professionals writes about green building and related technologies. You can also find loads of other blogs for locals.
23. Green Bean Chicago
    Visit here to get information on built, in-progress, and planned green building projects in the Chicago area. Reviews for current projects are often the topic of posts. You can also search for entries on categories such as government, industrial, office, and residential.
24. Green Building Law Update
    See how green building is done in the law making capital of the nation: Washington D.C. Codes and regulations, legal developments, and trends are all topics of choice. One of the latest posts was on government refusing to pay for LEED.

Top Green Construction Blogs by an Individual

25. Get Serious
    Valerie Jenkins is serious about policy change, saving energy and money, and creating green jobs. Serious Materials also helps green builders get connected to the items they need for construction. You can also find entries on windows, glass, energy policy, and more.
26. Build Baby Build
    Ken Smith is the publisher and blogger of this blog. It is an interesting read for learning about how to minimize the use of energy no matter what industry you are in. Categories include community resources, just the facts, and renewable energy in the news.
27. Fairsnape
    Stop here for built environment news, views, and comments. Martin Brown is an advocate for built environment through improvement, resilience, and sustainability. A recent post took on the topic of carbon reduction.
28. The Sustainable Line
    Andrew Michler is a sustainable and adaptive building consultant. In addition to green construction, he also is an expert on off-the-grid living. Visit to see how and get tips.
29. Auggie V’s Green Blog
    Although primarily with green construction for Connecticut in mind, the blogger features many useful reads. The green business is often concentrated on with everything from programs to attitudes being shared. Recent posts are on a Supreme Court decision and electric vehicles.
30. Clean Air Through Green Roofs
    Visit to get a blog dedicated to the green roof, better air quality, and air pollution prevention. They believe that green roofs appear to be the most cost-effective solution to control urban air pollution and help manage storm water run-off. Green roofs in the news are usually the topic of posts.
31. Green Goddess
    Tanya Stock is Principal of Vida Verde. She works towards educating, informing, and learning more about ways to build green and share with others. She also knows LEED certification and what it is like to be a woman in the green construction industry.
32. Real Life LEED
    Stop here to get another blog by someone who knows all about LEED certification. The blogger used this as a way to fill the void of knowledge about all the things that can make the LEED process frustrating. Many inside tips and expert opinions are featured.
33. Stuff From Denman Island
    Dave took his quest for green construction to brand new levels. From Canada, he embarked on a quest to build a green home while living in harmony with nature. Visit for images, updates, and more.

Top Green Construction Blogs by a Group

34. Greener Buildings
    Part of Green Biz, they focus on the construction and building side. The latest news and research are often written about. You can also get blogs for green computing, design, intelligence, and climate change.
35. Green Building Insider
    Click here for highly specialized industry news on the rapidly expanding green building marketplace. This includes information on energy efficiency, certifications, case studies, technologies, reports, legislation, international happenings, and even competitions. They recently wrote about the expected rise in green construction.
36. Building Green
    This website is a useful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about green construction. They have items for learning, CSI divisions, LEED credits, and even green products. The blogs here often include expert opinions on the industry.
37. Green Building Talk
    Visit here for one of the largest and most active forums on green building. A community of bloggers write on everything from residential to building construction with a green frame of mind. Green construction professionals can also find other tools for them.
38. Greenfab
    Seattle-based Greenfab has been sharing stories on a broad range of topics related to sustainability since 2008. Dedicated to inspiring people about what it means to live a more sustainable lifestyle, they offer an online community and forum for anyone interested in learning about things that can make our planet healthier. Choose from a section especially for building and design or one of the many other green topics.
39. Greenversations
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keeps a detailed blog about all things green. In addition to employees, the occasional expert guest blogger stops by to post. There is even a section for frequently asked questions.
40. Campus Green Builder
    Get green construction information for the academic and educational sectors here. News, events, campus projects, and more are all discussed. There is even an online community with more.
41. iGreenBuild Blog
    An author and professional engineer collaborate on this green building blog. Topics discussed include green building, sustainable design, innovative materials, and environmental issues. A recent entry shared Colin Powell’s thoughts on the industry.
42. Treehugger
    This is a popular blog for all things green. With a special section for design and architecture, you can get just the construction related stories here. There are also options for cars, science, culture, and much more.
43. LPA Blog
    With over 45 years of experience in the green construction industry, this blog is worth a look. They advocate the message that sustainable design can be achieved on any project, budget, building type, and location. Visit to get the latest news and information.
44. Environmental Building Strategies
    The tagline for this group of bloggers is “optimizing the value of sustainability.” Sections include commissioning, energy, LEED, and renewable energy, as well as green building. Green construction in the news is often the topic of posts.

Top Specialty Green Construction Blogs

45. Re-nest
    Now that you have a green home, learn how to decorate and design the inside with the help of this blog. They feature actual house tours and even show the top ones on the homepage. Popular posts are on a bamboo chop block and 15 before and after projects.
46. Shed Working
    Learn how a shed in your yard can serve all sorts of green purposes in this blog. It is especially useful for those who use sheds as garden offices or workspaces. They also have many useful and related links.
47. Greenroofs
    Stop here for a virtual resource portal to green roofing. In addition to a project of the week, there are also related videos to watch. There are also options for students and job seekers.
48. The Green Workplace
    Leigh Stringer keeps a blog on the white collar aspects of going green. Tips, facts, and more are regularly are discussed. A recent entry was on Ecolabels and certifications.
49. Our Green Journey
    Get the story about the green behind green construction. Galley Eco helps governments, real estate investors and lenders create maximum value with finance programs for sustainable development. The blog is where they share the story on how.
50. Green Real Estate Law
    As with everything else, there are a ton of laws involving the green construction field. Stephen Del Percio is part of a law firm that discusses this law in detail. Check it out to get items such as green building litigation and construction contracts.

If the above top 50 green construction blogs have inspired you to stop reading and start building, start the journey with a visit to the U.S. Green Building Council. They offer everything you need to know about building and certifying a green project. Choose from LEED, education, resources, or even find a chapter in your area on the site.

Before You Choose a Contractor

Rushing into a new project will likely not get you the results you want. Consider these hints that your contractor does not plan to follow building codes. If you sense any of these occurring, it is time to find a new contractor before the project begins.

1. You are using a contractor who is unlicensed : Though there may be some good contractors who lack a license, they are still not usually familiar with building codes. Those who do have a license have to know the codes, pull permits, and obtain inspections, so you can be more confident that your project will adhere to the right codes.
2. Your contractor refuses to give you insurance policy or license numbers to verify : Perhaps you have asked the contractor whether they are licensed and covered by an insurance policy, and they have said yes. There is nothing wrong with requesting proof in the form of the actual license and policy, or at least some numbers that you can verify. Most licensed contractors who are required to know the building codes are happy to offer customers proof of their professionalism, so be suspicious if this does not occur.
3. Your contractor does not provide a detailed quote : Some contractors want to avoid making it obvious that they are not pulling permits or complying with building codes, so they refuse to supply you with a detailed quote. On the other hand, they might offer you a written quote that does not include a space for the permit fees. Pulling permits typically costs money, and most projects require this move, so a contractor who does not charge you for it should look suspicious.
4. Your contractor offers a quote that is much lower than most others : There is nothing wrong with comparison shopping and going with the lowest price, but if a quote seems suspiciously low, there may be a problem. Your contractor might be planning to save money by bypassing typical requirements that take time or money, such as pulling permits and checking the applicable building codes. Be wary of prices that seem much too low for the job at hand.
5. Your contractor’s past customers have complaints : If you want to make sure you will not be stuck with a project that needs to be torn down due to noncompliance with building codes, you should find out from past customers whether this has ever happened to them. Clearly, if a few of them have had to make changes to their home projects, the contractor did not do his job by checking on codes. Avoid wasting your time and money on this type of contractor.
6. Reviews on the contractor are not favorable : You can look online for reviews regarding your contractor if you are not able to contact their prior customers. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to find out if any major complaints have been made. Customers who have had problems with the contractor not complying with building codes are likely to leave negative feedback and even take legal action when possible.
7. The contractor you are considering does not have a business address : You need to be able to get in touch with your contractor should an issue occur during or after the project. Someone without an actual address may be prone to disappear, leaving you to deal with problems like questioning from the city about permits and building codes.
8. You find out that your contractor is behind on payments for materials : If you opt to do a detailed background check on your potential contractor, you might find out that he has not paid the companies from which he has gotten materials. You can also find out if he is behind on payments to any lenders, such as banks that provided him with a loan. Such a contractor probably will not want to spend money on the necessary permits.
9. He calls himself a handyman rather than a contractor : There is no way for a handyman to be licensed at the governmental level like a contractor is. Therefore, a handyman would have less access to updated building codes and permits, and could be more likely than most contractors to skip such necessities.

Once the Project Starts

Sometimes you cannot tell much about a contractor until a contract is signed and the project begins. Be wary if the person in charge of the project begins to display the following signs that he is not playing by the rules. Depending on the language in the contact, it might be considered void, allowing you to get any money back and find a new contractor. If not, you will glad that you at least did not pay for the entire project upfront.

10. Your contractor tells you it’s your job to get permits : If you find out that your contractor does not plan to pull permits or adhere to building codes, and he then insists that you should do it, you should be wary. Typically, this is a job that is best left to the contractor, not the homeowner. Contractors with experience in this arena are likely to get the best prices and take the least amount of time with this process.
11. The contractor you chose admits to not knowing your city’s code : Knowledge of the building codes is one of the most important details of a project. If they are not followed, you will likely have to get rid of the aspects that do not meet the standard for your city, if not the whole project altogether. Make sure your contractor is committed to learning your city’s codes if he does not know them already.
12. No plans or drawings are submitted : The typical application for a building permit requires detailed plans or sketches to qualify for one. If your contractor never mentions them or does not show them to you, they might not have any because they are not getting the proper permits. This likely means that they are ignoring other city rules, as well, such as most building codes.
13. Your contractor does not appear to be updated in this field : If the contractor you chose does not know much about newer methods of construction or updated regulations in general, it is unlikely that he has paid attention to building codes. These get updated often, and you need someone who knows the latest changes in order to avoid having to start the project over.
14. You have to pay for the bulk of the project upfront : It is abnormal for you to have to pay more than a quarter of the cost upfront. In fact, many contractors charge just ten percent at the beginning of the project, and request the rest as they get it done. If your contractor thinks you might not be satisfied with the job, especially when they do not comply with codes, they might simply take off with your money without completing the project.
15. Your contractor does not ask for the details about what you want done before starting : Obtaining permits requires detailed plans to be submitted before starting work, and building codes are typically quite specific. If you just glossed over a general idea of what you want and your contractor has already begun work, he might not plan on contacting the city at all to learn the requirements of the projects.
16. Payment terms are uncertain : If you are left without knowing how much the project is likely to cost, and it has already begun, you should be wary. Contractors who are pulling permits and following city code should make sure that you know the cost of each step, including labor, materials, and permits. They also want to make sure you can pay since they will be spending money on the project right away, so a contractor who takes the deposit and never offers a breakdown of the costs and payment options for the remainder might be planning to take off.

After the Job is Done

You might not notice much out of the ordinary during the project, but once it is complete, you may start seeing issues. Most contractors who are professional will either offer to fix the problems or give you at least some money back, but unfortunately you can’t count on this. Consider some of the ways to tell afterward if the results are not up to par.

17. You find that the new addition to your home does not have the quality of the rest of the house : Most building codes exist to ensure that contractors do not cut corners and skimp on quality. If you feel that the construction or materials of the project are cheaper than the rest of your house, your contactor might have ignored the building codes.
18. You notice higher energy costs : If you built a section onto your house, such as an extra room, the energy bills for that area should not be higher than the other rooms in the home. If they are, it could be that your contractor ignored insulation ratings that are required in your city, as well as other rules that would affect how energy-efficient your home is.
19. He refuses to provide a warranty : The best kind of insurance against a substandard job is a warranty. This way, if something goes wrong with the project, perhaps because the contractor did not follow code restrictions or even the simple standards, he will have to fix it. This might prevent most contractors from ignoring the rules of this industry.
20. He does not offer you a copy of the lien waiver : At the end of the job, before you pay the final amount, request a written lien waiver from your contractor. This ensures that you are not held responsible for the cost of materials from stores that the contractor has not paid. Most reputable contractors offer this type of waiver to you without you having to ask. One that does not offer it, or does not agree to one, might have cut other corners, as well.