Bob Alf's 20+ years in construction has utilized strengths in managing people and projects, and has been fueled by a passion for sustainability. His projects are completed in ways that are healthier for the occupants, healthier for the planet, and lower in total costs. Bob's eight year financial career in the 1980's provided valuable skills for being a construction professional. Experience as a CPA and a financial operations manager developed deep skills in project management and for being a financial advocate for his clients.
Bob Alf is a member of the US Green Building Council Bob Alf is an EPA Lead Certified Renovator

HISTORY

Contractor/Construction Coach, Bob Alf Construction (2005 - Current)

In 2005 the residential construction industry was frothing with expansions on already huge houses. Newly green-contractors were only happy to focus on these high-income projects. Bob saw he could have a bigger sustainability impact on middle income and lower-middle income projects. These were some of the most patient and persistent green-oriented homeowners...yet they were being ignored. A new synergy was born!

As Bob focused on these moderate sized projects, his newly conceived Green Planning Process quickly connected with homeowners. Many were accountants, engineers, university professors and the like who understood the need to assess a situation and then come up with a plan....a plan that would logically sequence improvements.

These clients could see that careful sequencing reduced costs and this created a green approach with a financially sustainable foundation. For those green clients with even more scarce resources, Bob developed a Construction Coaching option that allowed significant hands-on homeowner work within their project. Some of the most common services BAC has provided:

• Assessment & Long Term Implementation of Improvements
• Construction Coaching
• Assessment for Purchase
• Education to the Community on Green Approaches (gratis)
• Education to Contractors, Architects, Engineers on Green Approaches

Construction Manager, Locus Architecture (2002-2005)

Locus is an award winning architecture firm in Minneapolis that combines green architecture with modern design. As construction manager, Bob brought significant skills in sustainable construction, project management, and financial advocacy to clients. Just a few of Bob’s accomplishments include:

• Designing and implementing “Advanced exterior wall insulation systems”. These systems were being tested by Canadian builders in the 1990’s and Bob adapted them to work on Locus projects. Systems like these are now recognized nationally in the US as advanced building-science proven methods for reducing moisture issues in wall systems and maximizing energy savings.
• Financial Advocacy for Clients — custom designed and built projects are notorious for exploding beyond budgets set by the homeowner. Bob implemented a process to set reasonable financial expectations at the start and then to monitor and communicate the financial status as a project was implemented. This allowed the client to have significant input in directing the project toward meeting initial budget goals. Locus clients extolled the effectiveness of this financial advocacy that is rarely found in the construction industry.
• Help identify and assess sustainable materials/systems options — This included use of roof decking from the demolition phase that was planed/milled/installed as a gorgeous wood ceiling. Another example was the creation of a custom window that could be opened to take advantage of passive solar heat created behind the unique polycarbonate siding system.
• Full completion of Projects — each client received full attention until their project was complete to their satisfaction.

DeConstruction Services Program Director, Green Institute (1997-2001)

• Bob was hired to develop a new business that deconstructs buildings as an alternative to demolishing/landfilling them. Through the assessment/dismantling of hundreds of structures, Bob gained an extraordinary knowledge of residential homes. As a recognized expert on deconstruction and material reuse, Bob provided dozens of media interviews to NPR, commercial radio, local network news, and neighborhood newspapers.

Independent Remodeler, Robert Alf Renovations (1990-1997)

• Bob conducted residential remodeling and additions as both project manager and primary craftsperson.
  
  
• Bob always had "Green Construction" values but they came clearly into focus on a residential/commercial project in 1997. He was hired to create structural plans and implement changes for a 3-story, 16,000 square foot historically significant building in downtown Minneapolis. The deconstruction of the interior walls salvaged approximately 2,000 board feet of old growth lumber which was subsequently reused in the project. This saved hundreds of dollars in dumpster fees and thousands of dollars in reduced costs in new lumber. The project attracted the study of a University of Minnesota graduate student due to it's success in terms of incorporating used building materials, saving tens of thousands of dollars in costs and bringing a final appearance that respected the building's historic nature.

MEDIA

2007-2008 Blue-Green Directory article for residential homeowners
“Lean and Green Remodeling” by Bob Alf and Erin Barnes-Driscoll (MPCA);

Midwest Home Magazine, May 2007
"Green Means Go, Go, Go! Remodelers enter the final frontier of green building"
One of three experts interviewed, Bob was featured as a green remodeling "scientist."

Minnesota Builder publication, Spring 2007
"Green Building...What's That?" Bob was interviewed as a green building expert.

MPCA Green Remodeling Learning & Networking Forum (download pdf), January 25, 2007.
As a leading Twin Cities green remodeler, Bob was asked to submit a project to be featured in the forum.

Lavender Magazine, Issue 294, September 1-14, 2006, p.24 "It's not Cheesy Being Green": Request a copy of this article by emailing us.