Many people are interested in protecting the environment today, and one of the ways they can do that is through buying an eco-friendly home. There are some myths about these homes, though, and not everyone is sure if it’s a good idea to buy a home that’s designed to be friendly to the planet. It’s not that they aren’t interested in eco-friendly homes because they aren’t concerned about the environment, but only that they are uncertain what this type of home will be like. Giving up creature comforts isn’t something most people want to do, and when people start mentioning that something is eco-friendly many buyers will think that means an off-grid type of lifestyle that doesn’t really leave a carbon footprint or use any resources. That’s not entirely the case.
Will you need to pay a lot more?
One of the biggest concerns for most buyers who are considering an eco-friendly home is the cost. As soon as they hear that there are eco-friendly building materials or systems in the home, their first thought is that these must cost more than other options. In some cases that’s true, but it’s not always accurate. The types of materials and systems that are used greatly affect the overall price, and some eco-friendly homes take that label further than others do. Since there isn’t any official designation for sellers who want to use the term eco-friendly for their home, the meaning can vary. There are certified Green homes, though, and those must meet specific criteria. Often, they cost slightly more than your average home, but not as much as many buyers would expect.
Do you have to live completely off the grid?
In designing a home you want it to be comfortable, and also to be functional. Eco-friendly homes are easier on the planet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t use standard city services. They may have solar panels to help out with energy costs, or a reclamation system for some of the water that’s used, but they aren’t off-grid homes that rely solely on their own power and other resources. These eco-friendly home options just make the most of the services they do use, so they can leave a smaller mark on the planet. Homeowners who buy them won’t notice a lowered quality of services, but they will often see lower energy and water bills. Those are big benefits that can really add up to a lot of savings over time.
Are they built as solidly as other homes?
An eco-friendly home is built just as solidly as any other home. They still have to meet all building codes, and adhere to any requirements of the area in which they’re constructed. For example, homes that are in areas prone to windstorms, must have hurricane clips on the rafters in the attic. Homes where there are earthquakes need straps around the water heater. Each area has its regulations, and any eco-friendly home will be built at or above those specifications. There isn’t any risk that it won’t be as solid as another type of home, or that the planet-friendly materials used won’t last as long as other options.
Are all the materials used sustainable?
When you’re buying a house that’s eco-friendly, it’s often not possible to use 100% sustainable materials for everything. Some items just don’t have that option, but they may still be required by building codes and out of necessity. Some options are also simply too costly to be realistic, and if they were used in the home it would be too expensive to be able to sell it for a profit at a price the buyers were comfortable with. When using sustainable materials for an eco-friendly home, there is a need to balance sustainability with practicality, all while working to minimize the impact to the planet.
Will you lose any of the modern amenities?
When you consider an eco-friendly home, you’ll want to find out all you can about them so you’re sure you’re making the best choice for your needs and budget. One of the biggest questions is whether you’ll lose any of the modern amenities by switching over to a home that’s eco-friendly. The answer to that is generally, no. Buyers have a need for specific things in their homes, and if they don’t have those things they’re less likely to purchase the house. You can expect all the standard, normal conveniences in an eco-friendly house, but they will often be designed to be easier on the planet. Energy Star rated appliances, for example, may be used simply because they require less power, and they also save the homeowner money.
Is an eco-friendly home really going to help the planet?
To some extent, an eco-friendly home can help the planet. Right now, there aren’t enough of these types of homes to really make much of a difference. That doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice, though, or that they shouldn’t be used. They don’t cause harm to the planet, and that’s a start. If a buyer likes the look of the home and everything it has to offer, there’s no reason they should be deterred by the house being designed to be eco-friendly. The benefits usually far outweigh any downsides they may find when they compare the property to other, less planet-friendly options.
