Time to read: 2 mins
If you’re looking to build a better home and reduce your environmental impact (as well as energy bills) then it’s time to go green. Today’s building standards require everyone to meet minimum efficiency standards, but there is significant potential to take this a lot further. Not only will you gain reduced energy bills, but there is also a significant rise in demand trending amongst today’s homebuyers. Which means, there is potential to add value to your home and stand out among your neighbours as a sought-after property.
The decisions that you make today when building your home have significant consequences when it comes time to resell. Understand the differences between your budget and the attitudes of future buyers, it will assist in the decisions you make.
For example, the buying habits of a millennial trends towards a willingness to pay significantly more for products that are more eco considerate. This, of course, includes the houses they choose to buy. This brings new meaning to the term ‘investment’ and needs to be considered when designing your home.
Commit Early
If an energy efficient home is something you are considering, it is best if you commit to the idea early. If you are building on land and creating a new home design, your builder and designer can provide a broad range f great options and ideas to help you go green.
Choose Sustainable Designs
When it comes to overall design, you need to consider aspect and house orientation. You ideally want your living areas to be north facing, to limit east and west facing windows (or provide adequate shading) and allow for great cross-ventilation.
Size does matter when it comes to sustainability. Which is why its essential that you choose a floor plan that allows for what you need without unnecessary space. In other words, be smart about your use of space. If you create zoned areas of rooms with similar uses, you can save on heating and cooling. High ceilings and open-planned designs are also great solutions that can limit your energy drain. This is true too of well-placed doors or room divider screens.
