“Sustainability” is one of the first words new home buyers will encounter during their search for a new place to live. Builders know that new home buyers want to save money by living in greener, high-efficiency homes that are easier on the wallet and the environment.
But which sustainable features make a new home a better choice? What makes sustainable homes unique, and why might it be important to you?
This article has everything you need about sustainable home features and why buying a new, sustainably built home is the better choice.
Sustainable features make a difference to your home living costs
Sustainable features can significantly affect their lives, regardless of where buyers want to purchase.
Smart thermostats and proper insulation — According to Google Nest, their smart thermostat saved U.S. customers 10-12% on their heating and about 15% on their cooling bills. In addition, features such as automatic scheduling and eco-settings keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Remember the importance of insulation. A well-constructed house with adequate insulation holds its temperature longer and requires less cooling or heat to reach the desired temperature. Your builder should ensure that all windows and doors are correctly installed and that all leaks, drafts, duct, or ventilation issues are addressed before you move into the house.
Rainwater tanks — rainwater tanks collect and store the rainwater runoff. This is typically done via pipes from the rooftops. This water can be used for various purposes, such as doing laundry, watering the garden, or flushing the toilets. The rainwater in your tank can be stored indefinitely with the right system.
Solar paneling — Solar technology has come a long way in recent years. Companies like Tesla have introduced solar roofs that are fully integrated and built to last through all kinds of weather. Best of all, the solar energy is stored in Tesla’s home battery — called Powerwall — letting homebuyers access the power they need whenever they want, even during a blackout.
Another benefit of solar paneling — if your system is installed between 2022 and 2032, you qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit.
Health benefits for your family
Breathe easier in a sustainably-built home — Green homes can benefit your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outdoor air is two to five times less polluted than indoor air. Most people spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors.
Traditional builds have used building and furnishing materials such as paints, cleaning products, or carpets that can harm human health. Switching to sustainable and eco-friendly materials can improve indoor air quality.
Sustainable construction avoids using materials with toxic substances or plastic by-products. This makes the buildings more comfortable for people and better for the environment.
Improving the air quality in the home is critically important for family members who suffer from conditions such as allergies and asthma.
In the same vein, water filtration systems can make things easier on your skin and save money if your dishes are not getting clean (soap and detergents’ effectiveness can be hampered by overly soft or hard water).
Live in a more aesthetically pleasing home
Many sustainably built homes aim to bring the outside indoors in myriad ways. It can be with locally sourced materials, such as reclaimed wood from the surrounding areas, additional windows for more natural light, and stylistic choices that mimic outdoor landscapes.
These aesthetics can flow into the outdoor portions of your home. For example, if you live in a high-rise condominium, this could include a wraparound balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of room for a seating area to enjoy your morning coffee.
New condos also implement more features to help people connect with the outdoors. Living walls in the main lobby keep things green year-round. Elements such as rooftop gardens where residents can grow vegetables and spaces devoted to co-working or yoga outdoors are desirable and continue to grow in popularity.
Master-planned communities include on-site farms, where residents can harvest food and bring it to the local restaurant for an authentic farm-to-table experience. In addition, these communities have been adding plenty of green space in various forms for people to enjoy. It can range from flower gardens to forested paths perfect for dog walking, biking, or jogging.
Sustainable new builds are the better choice
Buyers want to save money while living a better lifestyle, and sustainable new builds give them that option. Whether it’s by economizing water and energy use, smart technology to simplify their lives, or additional outdoor amenities, sustainable new builds offer far more for the buyer when compared to resale.
Think about the most important attributes to you, then seek out the builder applying those sustainable products to their new homes. There’s a wealth of options, so a bit of research will help your family find the right fit.
