When asked what matters most in a property, over a third of Americans replied that they want a green property that makes as little impact on the environment as possible. This push continues to grow every year, with more people seeking out homes that do no harm while still looking great and being comfortable to live in.
Thankfully, these properties are becoming far more common thanks to new materials and ideas. These are how net zero home sand buildings are becoming a reality and what that means for homeowners.
The Heart of the Home
Our kitchens are a space where we create food and memories and gather as a family to talk about our days while we share meals. If you’re eager to make the most out of your kitchen, it’s important to stop and think about what changes you’d have to complete to make it more eco-friendly.
Go for local or recycled stone counters, and try to recycle or get reclaimed wood cabinetry if possible. If you already have cabinets that work: don’t throw these out in order to replace them with an eco-friendly option. Simply sanding and painting or staining yours is far greener than throwing away functioning cabinetry for better material.
Look for energy-efficient appliances that can run on as little energy as possible, and work to seal your windows in this room to keep them insulated.
In The Main Living Spaces
We all want to be comfortable in our homes, and one major flaw that takes away from that is moisture making its way in. Natural materials are exciting, but they’re more susceptible to moisture damage if they’re not properly sealed and cared for. This is why people think plastic is better than wood, but it’s simply not true.
Adding waterproofing technology throughout the home will keep moisture out and allow you to keep more natural materials inside your home. The goal is to avoid having to toss or get rid of items that you purchased or made because of water damage. The more products have to be created for your home, the less eco-friendly it’s going to be.
The Oasis We All Need
Bathrooms are awesome, but they have to be built deliberately with materials that are meant for them. One of the major mistakes uninformed people make is using caulk or grout that’s not meant for a bathroom and is instead meant for kitchens or common areas. This results in tiles eventually floating, drifting, or falling off, depending on where they’re at.
Not only is this frustrating, but it can lead to long-term damage and expenses nobody wants to deal with: while needing energy and resources to replace or repair the issue.
Remember that even if it’s energy efficient and green, your materials need to be geared toward the space they’re in. The only crossover you should allow in your bathroom are materials that are proven to handle moisture, heat, and near-constant use.
Safety Continues to Matter
Homes need to be safe. They should be secure from anyone making their way into the property who isn’t supposed to be there while also protecting you from slips or other accidental injuries. Adding things like a glass handrail, grip strips on stairs, and anti-slip concrete in areas outside of pools or water-prone spaces is important.
There are multiple green-minded security and home alarm systems that will help protect your home from people breaking in: but you should also consider steps like exterior lighting and a security fence to protect your home.
For The Exterior
A home’s interior isn’t the only place that matters. If you aren’t careful with your exterior, you could see major flaws that ruin all of the hard work you’ve put into being eco-friendly. Making changes like changing to stone veneer siding are awesome, but they’re more than just looks. Stone will help insulate your home while also using local and natural materials.
Brick is also a great option for this same reason. Although vinyl siding is popular as ever, it’s far more expensive to go for eco-friendly versions of this material, and in twenty to thirty years, it’ll end up in a landfill if not properly recycled.
The Very Building Blocks
When you’re updating your home, adding an addition, or repairing a damaged portion of it: it’s a good idea to look at the materials you’re using. Exterior wall insulation is a must to keep your energy bills down and consumption at as low an amount as possible.
Don’t be afraid to look into new insulation materials and companies; there’s been a success in green materials like wool which is still fireproof and strong enough to last.
Every Property Can Be More Eco Friendly
Whether you’re trying to keep your heating and cooling bill down or you’re interested in trying to sell your home and want to aim at the green market, there are countless options out there. Consider some of these changes, and watch your property flourish.
Todd Gillman is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Todd’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource.
