Building a new house is a big decision. Not only do you have to find the best new home builders for peace of mind, but you also have to think about the type of home you want to build within your budget.
It can be a daunting prospect with so many building materials and housing styles to choose from. However, you might be more inclined to factor the environment into any housing decisions you make when you learn about some of the surprising benefits eco-conscious design will bring you. Below, we explore the most impressive of these advantages.
Location Freedom
For many people, the idea of laying down roots and staying in one place for a long time is a terrible one. Some people like the freedom of being able to move wherever their heart desires. With eco-friendly homes, you can often do just that.
Many builders create eco-friendly homes on wheels in tiny home form. They are designed for off-the-grid living with solar panels and composting toilets. Some even have high-quality rainhead showers to reduce water consumption.
When you tire of one location on your property, you can simply tow your eco-friendly tiny home to another. This style of living has become so popular that entire communities can be found throughout the United States.
Energy Savings
Building a house can be a significant cost. However, you’d be surprised at the savings you can make by prioritizing eco-friendliness when you build. When your builders use environmentally friendly materials and install solar panels and energy-efficient appliances, your power bills can end up significantly lower than those of traditional homes.
You can save even more if you build a zero-net home. These properties only use as much energy as they generate.
Low Maintenance Requirements
It can sometimes feel like all you do as a homeowner is maintenance and repairs. When you’re not busy touching up the paint, you’re securing roofing shingles and patching concrete cracks.
While eco-friendly homes aren’t maintenance-free, they typically require much less maintenance than traditional homes. This is because builders prioritize the use of materials that are both green and durable.
There are a number of standout green building materials on the market, such as bendable concrete that doesn’t crack or break easily. Many builders are also now using mass timber as a substitute for materials like steel and concrete. According to a Journal of Building Engineering study, the global warming reduction potential with mass timber is 26.5% compared to a concrete building.
Year-Round Comfort
Eco-friendly homes are designed to be as insulated as possible. The goal is to prevent temperature variations and stop heating and cooling systems from having to work as hard (if at all). Occupants can enjoy year-round comfort with innovative materials, superior insulation, and double-paned windows. Even in the middle of winter, eco-friendly homes are known to be warmer and less drafty than their non-sustainable counterparts. An added bonus is that this year-round comfort equates to lower electricity bills.
Access to Alternative Financing
Most people access home loans from banks or other lenders to build or buy their dream homes. While you can do the same for sustainable homes, you can also take advantage of green loans to fund the eco-friendly upgrades you plan to make.
Green loans mean borrowers can access more competitive interest rates when making ‘green’ upgrades. Having a green home might also make you eligible for tax credits, thus compounding the savings.
Building an eco-friendly home can seem like a daunting prospect if you’ve never considered it before. However, after learning about these incredible benefits, you might be more inclined to explore your options.
