If you’re planning to build your own home, you have a great opportunity to create an eco-friendly property. By making your home sustainable from the ground up, you can enhance its functionality and incorporate environmentally friendly features. Of course, there are certain things you’ll need to bear in mind. For inspiration, take a look at these important things to consider before building an eco-home:
1. Set Goals
Do you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, reduce pollution, and/or live in a carbon-neutral home? All three are possible but it’s important to know what your goals are before you begin designing your new property so take some real time to think about exactly what you are hoping for with your project. Once you’ve assessed your future lifestyle, you’ll be able to decide what level of sustainability you want to achieve.
2. Certifications and Standards
All buildings need to meet certain health and safety standards but, if you want your property to recognized as an eco-home, you’ll need to ensure it meets relevant criteria too. Different bodies have varying standards, so check what certifications your property will be eligible for. Remember – how environmentally friendly your home is could affect its value in the future.
3. Natural Resources
When you build a home in an area that’s surrounded by natural resources, you’re less reliant on other forms of energy, such as gas or electricity. If you’re residing in a state with a high number of daylight hours and lots of sunshine, for example, solar power could be a great source of energy. Before you begin planning your project, assess your local environment, and find out what renewable energy sources you can draw on.
4. Budget and Costs
Building a residential property can offer a much higher return than simply buying an existing home, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will come cheap. However, an eco-home doesn’t have to cost more than a standard property. To get an idea of how much it will cost to construct your new home, talk to reputable home builders every step of the way. Similarly, you’ll want to calculate your budget in advance, so you know exactly how much you have to work with and what your options are. One way to reduce the costs is by looking at changing energy providers. By searching ‘electricity company near me’ you can see what providers are about and also if they offer renewable energy sources. You can see what rates and plans they offer so you can choose one that is more affordable for your budget and still being better for the planet.
5. Materials
When you’re building an eco-friendly home, the materials you use are extremely important. As well as impacting the aesthetics of the property, the right material can also increase insulation, enhance durability, and eliminate environmental damage. Reclaimed wood, cork, and bamboo are all popular materials for eco homes, but rammed earth, living roofs, smart glass, wool insulation, and even biocomposites can be used too.
Creating a Sustainable Place to Live
As we become more aware of the importance of protecting the planet, the demand for eco-homes is increasing. If you want to build your own, you can design a property that’s environmentally friendly and totally suited to you. By doing so, you make your dream home a sustainable structure that protects and promotes the environment.
