Green homes are properties that incorporate environmentally conscious features into their construction and design. These features can significantly increase your home’s value, especially when you put it on the market.
You can choose to build a green home from the start or retrofit your current property with eco-friendly components and strategies. Here are a few benefits of living in a green home.
Reduced Energy Bills
Using energy-efficient materials, green homes are designed to reduce the need for heating and cooling. This means homeowners will save money on their monthly bills and will have a more comfortable living environment.
Some experts believe green buildings may be safer for their inhabitants because they are often built with materials that do not contain toxic chemicals or carcinogens. This allows people to live and work in the same building without breathing in harmful materials that could cause respiratory problems.
Green home technology is becoming more popular, but it is important to find a professional that is familiar with the design, construction and maintenance of eco-friendly houses. Up-front costs for green homes are typically higher, but the payback can be seen in lower utility bills.
The cost of green homes varies based on location and the homeowner’s specific needs. It is important to weigh up the upfront costs against the potential savings and improved resale value.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Green homes take environmental concerns into account right from the start. They use construction practices that minimize energy consumption, and they build with nontoxic materials and furnishings. They also use recycled and sustainable materials when possible.
Those eco-conscious choices add up to big savings for homebuyers, with lower operating and maintenance costs. Plus, green homes often have a higher resale value than traditional homes.
Using alternative sources of energy reduces the demand for fossil fuels, which contribute to smog, acid rain, and climate change. Moreover, a green building’s air quality is healthier for occupants. These buildings have efficient ventilation systems that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, limit the spread of pollutants and contaminants, and regulate moisture. You can even find a home that produces some of its own energy by using solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Reduced Waste
Using sustainable building materials and eco-friendly processes, green homes are designed to produce fewer emissions than nongreen buildings. They also minimize waste by incorporating systems that reuse water and energy, as well as recycled building materials.
The goal of most green homes is to create on-site renewable energy, such as solar, wind or geothermal, for heating and cooling. However, green homes can still benefit from alternative energy sources that can be purchased from the grid.
A “well-thought-out floor plan” that is right-sized versus oversized also saves on building materials and energy upfront, Homa notes. Other energy-saving features include superior exterior wall insulation, air sealing and a variety of insulation choices (from foam to cellulose) depending on the climate.
If you’re looking to purchase a green home, work with an agent who can connect you with a qualified professional familiar with LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications. Otherwise, consider working with a knowledgeable building contractor to add green components and strategies to your existing home.
Increased Resale Value
As energy and water costs continue to rise, green homes will be more and more attractive to homebuyers. This means that if you invest in making your home green, you can save money in the long run and still get a good return when you sell it.
Green homes use sustainable building materials, are sited to take advantage of natural resources like sunlight, and incorporate innovative design elements that reduce energy consumption. As a result, they cut down on overall energy and water bills by up to 30 percent.
Green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, with many homeowners choosing to go the extra mile and build a green home from the ground up rather than make upgrades later on. As a result, studies have shown that Green homes generally have a higher resale value than non-Green homes. This is thanks in part to the lower operating costs and energy efficiency, but also to the added prestige that comes with a certification such as LEED or Earth Advantage.
