If you are eyeing a new home, you will probably want more than aesthetic value. Of course, spacious interiors, excellent landscaping, and functional features matter more than beauty. But sustainability is also an integral element of modern home-buying checklists. Eco-friendly homes have a minimal carbon footprint, low energy costs, and good health value. But you may not really know what makes a property eco-friendly if you have just joined the sustainability bandwagon. But a simple list of features is enough to evaluate a property from an eco-friendliness perspective. In fact, you can think beyond conventional ones, such as LED lighting, solar installations, energy-saving appliances, and water-efficient fixtures. Let us share some unspoken secrets of sustainable home-buying.
Look for LEED certification
A LEED-certified home is the best buy for any homeowner because it replicates eco-friendly design and construction practices for the building. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is essentially a green building certification program that recognizes the efficiency standards of a project. Since these homes are inherently sustainable, you need not struggle to dig deep and look for energy-efficient features because these properties likely have them.
Prioritize greenfield projects
Real estate developers are keenly embracing greenfield sites for development because they are undisturbed by previous construction. The good thing about such projects is that they are relatively cost-effective. Moreover, builders need not worry much about the environmental due diligence of the site because there is no chance of hazardous wastes that may harm the soil and ecosystem. As a buyer, you must prioritize a Greenfield Project to make the most of its eco-friendliness. You can verify the factor from the builder or real estate agent before taking a look at the property.
Geothermal heating and cooling
Another unspoken secret of sustainable homes is geothermal heating and cooling. Like solar panels, the feature relies on the forces of nature to ensure optimal indoor temperatures at any time of year. Although the technology may cost a bit, it is worthwhile because it minimizes the home’s environmental footprint. An efficient system can last for two decades and provide reliable temperature control. The best part is that its design makes an impressive aesthetic impact.
Green roofs and walls
Green roofs and walls combine aesthetics with sustainability, making them one of the best ways to go green. These homes use vegetation instead of conventional roofing materials, and the construction offers surprising benefits. From lowering energy costs to reducing air pollution and absorbing stormwater runoff, green roofs support sustainability goals in more than one way. The vegetation even prolongs the lifespan of the roof’s supporting structure. Most importantly, you have a beautiful home you can flaunt.
Buyers who want to go the extra mile with sustainability can embrace these unspoken secrets to achieve more than their expectations. Of course, remember to assess the basics, such as a space-saving design, natural construction materials, and energy-saving fixtures and appliances. Solar panels are a plus because they empower your home with a lifelong source of renewable energy. Choosing a home with these extra elements does the rest.
