The green home trend is more popular than ever because buyers and homeowners are keen to embrace sustainable lifestyles. Consider yourself in a better place if you plan to buy a property because it is easier than building or converting an existing property to a green one. However, you must know the elements of a sustainable home before embarking on your buying spree. Fortunately, you need not do a lot of work to find a perfect place because following a few basics is enough to choose an eco-friendly home. Here are a few things that even novice buyers can rely on.
Choose a green design
Eco-friendly homes follow green design principles in the first place. Such designs are compact and focus on the optimal use of the available floor area. The idea of a smaller home may not sound appealing if you have a large family. But a green design fulfills your requirements within minimal space and without compromising comfort. The best part is that you can save a hefty amount on buying prices and energy costs down the line.
Prioritize sustainable materials
Another factor you must verify is the use of sustainable materials for construction. Ideally, you must ensure renewable building materials because they minimize the carbon footprint of the place. Locally-sourced materials are even better as they reduce transportation needs and support the local economy. Eco-conscious developers go the extra mile by avoiding non-toxic paints and polishes besides using green materials.
Assess the sustainability of the property
Think beyond the build of the home, and dig deep into the sustainability of the land to decide whether a property fits your expectations. Buying from a green developer is your best bet because they always stay ahead of the Environmental Permitting requirements. You can opt for a Greenfield project to be extra sure about sustainability. Also, assess the geographical location of the lot to ensure adequate natural light and good ventilation for the home.
Check energy-efficiency
Energy efficiency is another factor that makes a home worth buying. You can check several features in this context. Start by ensuring ample sunlight, fresh air, and optimal insulation because these factors reduce the energy requirements of a house. Solar panels make a big plus as they make the property self-sustainable and empower it with a renewable energy source. LED lighting and energy-efficient features add brownie points to the property.
Ensure water savings
Besides checking the energy-efficiency factors in a property, you must also pay attention to water conservation when it comes to choosing a sustainable home. A water harvesting system in your building society makes life a lot more comfortable as you need not stress about summertime water shortages. Water-efficient faucets and fixtures also go a long way in minimizing the wastage of this precious natural resource.
Buying a green home is not as tricky as you imagine. You only need to check some basic features to ensure the eco-friendliness of a property. Follow these steps to buy a dream home that matches your sustainable lifestyle goals.
