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Today,
building
an
eco-friendly
home
requires
much
more
than
just
installing
extra
insulation
in
the
attic.
There
are
literally
thousands
of
eco-friendly
products
and
building
options
out
there
to
choose
from
and
while
daunting,
all
will
deliver
improved
home
efficiency
and
a
unique
home
that
could
appreciate
beyond
standard
properties.
In
general
terms,
the
best
place
to
begin
is
to
hire
an
architect.
They
should
be
able
to
articulate
the
features
you’d
like
integrated
into
your
property,
in
addition
to
providing
a
clear
direction
for
prime
and
sub-contractors
to
follow
as
the
home
addition
is
built.
Once
permits
are
secured,
source
a
builder
that
knows
local
building
codes,
but
is
also
a
specialist
in
building
eco
designs.
While
in
high
demand,
eco
homes
are
still
in
their
infancy,
so
be
wary
of
builders
who
claim
to
be
an
expert
in
everything.
Additional
considerations:
- Choose a site that maximizes sunlight. This will help heat your home during the winter and provide an excellent charge for solar paneling. Also, if possible, position your home near deciduous trees whose bloom will shade the house in summer.
- Choose building materials such as bricks or siding for their insulation as well as durability.
- Select energy-efficient lighting options including “day-lighting” such as skylights to minimize energy use. Also consider building in timing, dimming and motion detectors that will turn lights on and off when areas in your home are not in use.
- Consider having “structured wiring” installed for Smart Home options that enable one-touch (‘smart climate’) light and heat control.
- A southern facing roof topped with solar panels can heat water, generate electricity and, in some locations, direct surplus electricity back to the electric grid which could earn you credits or additional income.
- Ensure your insulation will be at R-2000 standards, including R-50 attics, R-25 walls and R-20 basements.
- Consider the new, micro “combined-heat-and-power" (CHP) unit furnaces that not only heat your home but can also generate up to $800 worth of electricity per year. These can run $13,000 to $20,000, yet you should be fully reimbursed in about three to seven years depending on the cost of electricity.
- If the CHP furnace is too expensive, consider a heat pump that can deliver energy-efficient air conditioning and heating capabilities.
- As well, choose energy efficient appliances that have the ENERGY STAR™ endorsement;
- Insist on low-flow shower heads and faucets, as well as water-efficient reservoirs in your bathrooms;
- Green Landscaping shouldn’t be forgotten since it can be sculpted to provide natural drainage into flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, or onto lawns where you need water;
- Finally, check out local and national government “green” programs that may assist you in the purchase of your eco-friendly products through rebates or discount programs.
Undoubtedly,
there
will
be
choices
galore
while
building
your
new
home.
However,
be
sure
the
ones
you
select
are
ones
you
need
and
they
will
deliver
tangible
benefits
to
you,
the
environment
and
eventually,
potential
buyers.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
