If you’re thinking of buying a new green home, be sure to work with a builder who understands the process. They’ll help you plan and design your green home to save on energy costs, reduce emissions and promote sustainability. They may also be able to help you qualify for local and state rebates and tax credits.
Natale Builders is a leading green home builder, having received an award from the National Association of Home Builders in 2014. Our focus is on well-insulated homes that are built using durable materials. We believe that this is the best way to protect the environment while saving money for our homeowners in the long run.
Building green has many benefits, including reduced energy bills, improved indoor air quality and a higher resale value. Green construction can also lead to savings on maintenance and utility bills. Despite these advantages, some people are reluctant to choose a green home. Many of these apprehensions stem from the belief that green homes cost more than traditional models. However, this is not necessarily true. In fact, green builders are able to build more energy-efficient homes at the same price as standard models. The initial investment of time and money is offset by lower energy and heating and cooling expenses.
KC Bleile, executive director of Viridiant, a nonprofit that works with green home builders, says it’s important to communicate your desired level of sustainability to the builder from the beginning. “This will help your builder determine how much energy they need to make the house a green home,” he says. “This will help them prioritize the right green features and ensure they can meet your expectations.”
When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, a green home’s location is important. If you’re serious about living green, find a building lot that is within a reasonable distance from your workplace, schools and civilization. This will limit your need for transportation and reduce your overall carbon emissions.
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to choose a green home that’s prewired for solar panels and electric car charging stations. These features are becoming increasingly popular with homebuyers, according to a recent survey by the Real Estate Technology Institute. In addition to providing energy-efficient options, these features can also be used to monitor and track a home’s energy usage.
There are a variety of green-building programs that can be used to achieve certification, such as the ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS and WaterSense certifications. Each program takes a different approach to green building and varies in its requirements. However, they all include elements such as waste reduction, material use and sustainable land development practices.
Some of the most common ways to demonstrate that a home is green includes website marketing (39%), a HERS rating (36%) and MLS information (21%). Some builders, like the ones at Navigate Homes, take a more hands-on approach by including a green appraisal form in their contract with clients.