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Work with your builder to build green without breaking the budget.

Going green doesn't have to use every last one of your greenbacks. While building a fully green home typically costs 20 to 30 percent more than a traditional build, you can still get results by spending less, often as little as 2 to 4 percent over standard construction. Here are some tips to make your new or existing home more eco-friendly without breaking the bank.

1. Think "refresh," not "remodel"

You don't need to go throw out what you've already got to go green.

If you buy a home with hardwood floors, for instance, it would be better to leave the original surface than to replace it with eco-friendly flooring. Since old-growth trees have already been cut down to make the floor, it would be wasteful to throw it out and use additional resources.

The most eco-friendly approach is to try to work with what you already have. You'll create less waste with your construction project and save money on new materials. Using existing elements will also make the project move faster, which translates into lower labor costs.

2. Use salvaged materials

Using recycled supplies can often reduce your building costs and environmental impact. Look for secondhand lumber, plumbing fixtures or hardware. Depending on the age of the materials, make sure they're tested for asbestos, lead paint and contaminants. Once supplies are cleared, they'll add low-cost character to your home.

3. Build a smaller home

McMansions, be gone! Smaller, more space-efficient buildings use fewer resources during construction, and they are cheaper to heat and cool. Plus, smaller homes are less disruptive to their home site and leave more of your property open for plant and animal life.

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