Environmentally friendly homes are far from a fleeting fad meant to appease environmentalists. The use of recycled, re-purposed, and sustainable materials have become a favorite choice for both contractors and homebuyers today. Homes with eco-friendly elements are often more valuable than those without and the following list clearly demonstrates why.
1. Better Longevity and Strength
Many eco-friendly materials are much more durable than other commonly used building staples. For example, using recycled steel beams to build the frame of a house is much stronger than wood and makes a far greater choice for homes built in areas prone to earthquakes or high winds. There’s also the added benefit of no risk of rot or termite damage when using alternatives to wood.
2. Affordable Building Cost
When
you’re renovating or building a home, you might be surprised to see just how
affordable eco-friendly materials are. Due to the fact that many are made of
recycled or more sustainable materials, their price points are much lower. The
attractiveness and low cost of these materials make them great for investors.
Some examples are recycled sliding door hardware,
glass countertops, bamboo hardwood floors, cork surfaces, teak, and more.
3. Better Air Quality
One thing that often isn’t taking into consideration, is how long building materials release toxins into the air. Materials such as carpets, paints, upholstery, and plastic by-products slowly and continuously release toxins and carcinogens into the air in your home. Many eco-friendly materials are specifically labeled non or low VOC (Volatile organic compound) making them safer for the people and pets living inside your home.
4. Higher Property Value
Because green buildings are built using newer technology and have low energy
cost, their use of gas, water, other forms of energy is greatly reduced. Homes
with these features are a big selling point, because buyers know they’re
purchasing a more cost
efficient home that will save them money. Homes like these keep a high sale
value if they contains sustainable attributes.
5. Water Conservation
Somehow water conservation often gets overlooked as big benefit, perhaps due to
the fact that it tends to be one of the lower utilities in comparison to
others. Water is one of the earth's most precious resources, and with the
frequency and severity of droughts increasing, you’re going to want this
benefit of an eco-friendly house, especially if you plan on tending a garden or
keeping your lawn looking decent. Better water management can be achieved
through the use of outdoor water catchers, better shower heads and faucets, and
more efficient sprinklers and timer systems, as well as newer and more water
efficient appliances and plumbing.
6. Saves Money On Utilities
Having an energy efficient home means paying lower monthly utilities, which can
save a ton of money over the years. These kinds of investments end up paying
for themselves in the longrun. By creating a more eco-friendly home by having
efficient appliances, keeping it well insulated, cracks sealed, and
double-paned windows, you’ll have a more comfortable and affordable living
environment.
7. More Attractive
The textural contrast that natural materials provide create interesting and
attractive homes. Tiles made from coconut shells, recycled wool felt, teak
wood, soap stone, are just some of beautiful and eco-friendly elements that you
can use to invest in your home with.
8. Better For The Environment
This is the obvious point but one so important it should be reiterated. By investing
in a more eco-friendly home, you won’t just be helping the environment
during the building or remodeling process, but throughout the life of the home.
The point of an eco-friendly house is that by using more naturally or
sustainable materials and more efficient energy, it will release few toxins
into the environment. You can feel good knowing you’re taking part in
that.
9. Better During Emergencies
If you have any solar panels, you can use it during emergencies like blackouts
or natural disasters when electricity might not be running. You can also store
energy this way in a generator to use for your most urgent electronics and
appliances in case an emergency ever happens. The buffer that solar energy
provides gives people a lot of peace of mind regarding power outages. Solar
panels come in all different sizes, from large panels that are installed on the
roof or back of your home, to smaller, more transportable panels that you can
use specifically when the electricity goes out.
10. They're Progressive
The eco-friendly market is a progressive one that isn’t going to go out of style. This is the way the future is heading, not just to appease environmentalist, but because of necessity and practicality. An environmentally friend home is growing in desirability, and will always be a smart choice.
