With sustainability becoming a way of life, more and more homeowners want to embrace the green trend. Consider yourself lucky if you plan to buy a house because you can choose green rather than think of renovating your current living space. But most buyers fail to understand the meaning of sustainability and end up picking the wrong property. Knowing that the place you assumed sustainable while buying is nowhere close can be painful. It is better to get your facts right before embarking on a home-buying spree so that you do not opt for the wrong one. Here are a few telltale signs that a home you plan to buy is actually green.
Use of sustainable materials
Checking the materials used in the building is the best place to start the green assessment. Essentially, sustainable materials are determined based on factors like energy used to produce them, pollution caused, waste generated, and impact on endangered plants. They come from sources closer to home, which lowers their carbon footprint. Moreover, they are eco-friendly, non-toxic, durable, and require minimal maintenance.
Proper design and engineering
The design and engineering of a building also decide whether it comes in the green category or not. These buildings are designed to maximize the entry of natural light, facilitate good airflow and ventilation, and enable good insulation with optimal sealing and wall thickness. At the same time, they look aesthetically appealing to ensure that the residents get the best of both worlds.
Compliance with environmental regulations
Compliance with environmental regulations is perhaps the most crucial factor that defines an eco-friendly property. The best option is to buy only from a reputed land developer, as these professionals go the extra mile to stay on the right side of the law. They check the Federal Wetlands Mapper, gather other details, and ensure environmental due diligence for the location before starting the project. Buying from them ensures that you need not worry about legal and regulatory issues down the line.
Energy efficiency
An energy-efficient home is inherently green, so you should seal the deal sooner than later. Features like high-efficiency doors and windows, proper insulation, moisture and wind wraps, insulated hot water pipes, and high-efficiency HVAC and water heating systems make a building energy-efficient. Smart home technology and LED lighting take energy efficiency to the next level. Besides being eco-friendly, these homes enable you to make massive savings on energy bills.
Alternative energy sources
Besides driving energy savings, green homes use clean and renewable energy sources. Geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar installations, and wind turbines are some examples of the use of alternative energy sources in buildings. Although such properties may be expensive up front, they pay back in the long run. Moreover, these features increase the value of the place over time. You can sell it at a premium and make a hefty profit.
Buying a green home is easier than you imagine, as you can follow these factors to identify one. You must not think twice while paying more for such properties because sustainability is worth a fortune.
