Green House Hunting

There are enough factors to consider when looking for a new home that it might seem overwhelming to add environmental impact to your checklist. However, the type of home you live in is one of the most important decisions you can make as a consumer.

 

Are there even any green homes to choose from? While there are very few homes today that were built "Green", just about any home can be made green over time. So start your green home search right at the buying process.

Making an environmentally conscious housing decision will not only help reduce our consumption of energy and natural resources, but will also improve health, safety, comfort and lower your maintenance and energy bills. In addition, some mortgage lenders and financial service companies such as Fannie Mae have recognized the importance of a home's environmental impact and offer mortgage benefits to buyers of energy-efficient houses.

Keep these considerations in mind when "Green" house hunting: 

  • Efficiency. Our trained and certified staff of building analysts will perform an Energy Star sanctioned Home Performance Diagnostic on any prospective home a contract has been accepted for. Our Trained and certified professionals will assess its energy efficiency and find ways to make it more efficient. You do not need to hire a professional and pay any fee.
  • Yard. To help maintain local biodiversity, choose a home with a smaller yard and a surrounding natural habitat that has been left largely intact. This is especially important when looking in newer housing developments. When you have chosen your home we can provide a landscape architect that will help you with the right choices.

  • Location. If possible, live close to your office or town center. Automobiles are a primary source of environmental damage, and the farther you drive to get to work or run errands, the greater the damage. If you cannot live within walking or bicycling distance from work or shopping, consider moving where there is public transportation.

  • Home size. Buy a home that is no larger than you need. Heating unused rooms is a waste of energy, and unheated rooms may draw heat away from other areas of the home. The money you save on buying, heating, and lighting a smaller home can be invested in energy-efficient home improvements.

     

  • Renovations.  When renovating your new home, consider using environmentally friendly techniques and materials. Our Interior Decorators and Contractors have all been selected for their knowledge of Green renovation.

If you've decided to build a new home instead of purchasing an existing one, you have the opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient features at the start. Consider incorporating the following items into your home's design (or installing them as upgrades on an existing home):

  • Renewable energy (such as photovoltaic roof panels)
  • Substantial insulation in walls and ceilings (including attics and crawlspaces)
  • Efficient windows
  • Natural lighting (south-facing windows, skylights, etc.)
  • Occupancy sensors to control indoor lighting
  • Efficient hot-water system (solar is best)
  • Heat-recovery ventilation system
  • Caulking and weather stripping on doors and windows
  • Energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label)

These upgrades will pay for themselves over time and contribute to the cleanest possible environment you can provide for your family.