Building an eco-friendly home is good for the environment, and it’s good for your wallet by helping you save money in the future. Plus, the average reported costs for building a new green home have actually decreased in recent years.
There are countless things you can invest in during the building of your home to make it more environmentally friendly, we are about to list some of the best places to start.
7 Ways to Make Your New Home More Eco-Friendly
#1. Insulation is Crucial
Insulation is easy to overlook when you’re dreaming up the ideal closet or kitchen, but it’s an incredibly important piece of the home-building puzzle and can make all the difference when it comes to an eco-friendly home.
Poor insulation leads to issues with heating and cooling your home – letting cool air right out and hot air right in. Insulation helps control the temperature of your home for many years to come. Not all insulation is created equal, there are different insulation qualities and so it’s important to go with a high-quality insulation that is intended to last a long time.
#2. Reduce Water Usage with Efficient Faucets & Toilets
According to EPA.gov, the average home will waste around 10,000 gallons of water every year. This is a serious problem considering we could all face water shortages at some point in the not-so-distant future. Already, one in three people around the world don’t have adequate access to water.
Adding water-wise faucets reduces the amount of water you use without any effort on your behalf. There are a variety of kitchen and bath faucets that reduce water waste, such as automatic faucets that only turn on when they are in use.
Dual-flush toilets are another must-have item on your new home check list. These toilets come with two different flush options – one for solid and one for liquid waste, both of which use a different amount of water. These toilets can help you save as much as 80% of the water you’d use flushing your toilet with a standard model.
#3. Invest in Quality Windows and Doors
Similar to insulation, windows and doors help maintain the temperature in your home and allow you to run your AC less frequently. If you install cheap windows and doors, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to achieve the same results -which isn’t good for the environment, or your wallet.
EnergyStar certified windows have been proven to shave off as much as $465 per year from your electric bill.
#4. Solar Panels
Florida is a sunny state so why not take advantage of the sun’s rays by installing solar panels? Solar panels are a great investment into a new home that can get your electric bill down as low as $0 per month.
#5. Landscape with Native Plants
Using native trees, flowers and other landscaping elements will make your life so much easier while reducing the amount of water and other resources required to keep your landscaping green. After all, native plants are made to survive in local conditions without much help on your part.
#6. Use Recycled Materials Whenever Possible
There are many ways to use recycled materials when building a new home in South Florida. Many materials are made from recycled products, and there’s always the option to repurpose old materials – which can create a really cool look. From recycled brick to carpets made out of recycled plastic bottles, there is really no limit to what you can do these days. If this is something you’re interested in, speak to your home builder about potential options.
#7. Work with Paterson Development
We know green homes. By working with Paterson Development to build your new home in South Florida, you’re already on the right track to achieving a truly eco-friendly house. We are here to help you every step of the way. Learn more