8 Ways To Build Your Home In The Most Eco-Friendly Way

If you’re considering building a new home, it’s probably because you want something different. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current house or simply have the urge to move on and do something new with your property. After all, why would you build another box when there are so many other things you can do with the land?

Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to build your home that also keeps costs down. By using green standards from the get-go, you can create a residence that is both comfortable and responsible from top to bottom.

Ensure Your Protect The Environment As You Build

Before breaking the ground, make sure to get an expert opinion on the state of the local fauna. If bats, owls, or other sensitive species like to roost in the area, you might want to consider adjusting your design. This can include adding extra space for them, making sure the materials you use don’t harm them and rearranging your plans where necessary.

Jasen Edwards, the chair of the Agent Editor Board of Agent Advice, said to use water-based paints when building your home. Although this may seem very small, it has a big impact. Oil-based paints consist of harmful chemicals like hydrocarbons and VOCs.

Thinners mixed with oil paints also release flammable fumes, which may leach into groundwater. This causes pollution and has a negative impact on the environment. So, always opt for water-based paints.

You should also invest in energy-efficient bulbs. They use less electricity and are super low maintenance. Considering these small things when building a home will greatly benefit you in the long run.

Remember that even the minutest of things can positively affect the environment. Not only will it help you play a part in combating climate change, but it will also help you save some bucks.

A bat survey is also a good idea if you want to make sure there aren’t any colonies on the property before you buy it too. Bat populations are on the decline, and building on top of roosting spots can be harmful to both humans and animals. With a bat survey, you’ll have a better idea of the best place to put your house so you don’t disrupt the delicate ecosystems.

To get a bat survey, you would need to hire a bat surveyor to check the land, which will help you understand what you need to do in order to protect the biodiversity of your building site.

Ryan Cassidy, a web developer at Triangle House Hunter, suggested that giving way to living a natural lifestyle has several benefits for the body and mind. Expanding your green lifestyle to your home can be the best decision in the long run. He believes there are the following ways to make your home eco-friendly:

■ Aim to build a smaller home for a smaller eco-footprint

■ Base your house on the foundation to take advantage of the sun and wind

■ Invest in energy and water-efficient appliances

■ Purchase alternative water sources such as rain barrels and greywater systems.

■ Use recycled and renewable building materials

■ Install energy-efficient lighting as the main source of power

■ Air seal and properly insulate your home

■ Look into solar panels as they can save energy

Use High-Quality Insulation

Not only will high-quality insulation keep your home warm, but it will also save you money in the long run. By choosing an eco-friendly method, you not only protect the environment but also help keep your home comfortable and safe. One of the best ways to ensure your home is energy-efficient is to use high-quality insulation.

You can further improve its effectiveness by installing it in the walls, floors and around water pipes. This helps to prevent the energy from escaping through the walls, which will result in a lower utility bill. Moreover, it will add overall value to your home.

Go For Double Or Triple Glazing

It’s no secret that windows are a large source of energy loss in homes. This is especially the case if you opt for single glazing. While it’s a more expensive option, double glazing is the eco-friendlier choice as it will help reduce your energy bill. This will not only be beneficial to your wallet but will also make your home more comfortable to live in. Triple glazing is a more expensive option but will reduce your energy loss even further. Triple glazing is also worth it as it will help to make your home quieter and more secure. 

Invest In Solar Panels

One of the most obvious eco-friendly additions to your home is solar panels. As you’re designing or building your home, make sure to plan for plenty of space to install them. You can either mount them on the roof or place them on the ground, but make sure to keep them in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day. 

Consider Renewable Heating

If you’re interested in eco-friendly and sustainable living, you may want to consider renewable heating. This is a great option for those living in colder climates since it allows you to heat your home using the sun and wind. For example, you can install solar panels on your roof, which produce enough energy to heat your home, depending on how much sun you have.

You can also invest in wind turbines which function to provide electricity, water, and heat. Keep in mind that renewable heating systems can be pricey, but they provide a consistent flow of energy, so you never have to worry about using unsustainable sources.

Use Recycled Building Materials

Building with recycled materials is a great way to incorporate eco-friendly living into your new home. When it comes to materials, it’s important to choose ones that have been recycled. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint and make your home eco-friendlier, but it will also save you money.

Most materials are cheaper if they are recycled, and there are plenty of options to choose from. You can find recycled tiles, bricks and roofing materials. If you’re ever unsure whether a material has been recycled, it’s worth asking. This will make sure you’re not only helping the environment but being smart with your budget as well.

Lay Underfloor Heating

You can easily add eco-friendly living to your new home by choosing underfloor heating. This type of heating system is incredibly efficient and reduces the amount of energy your home uses. It uses a network of pipes that are placed in a layer underneath your floors. You can control it through a thermostat system, and it can easily be adjusted to meet your needs.

Underfloor heating is eco-friendly and a great way to stay warm even during cold winters. It’s also easy to install and maintain and can be incorporated into newer or older homes.

Choose Natural Materials For Walls And Floors

If you’re looking to use eco-friendly materials in your home, natural ones are always a good option. They come in a variety of styles and types, and you can find them for every room in your home. For example, you can go for hardwood, cork, bamboo or slate for your floors and a range of different woods for your walls.

This will not only make your home more comfortable and stylish, but it will also be eco-friendly. Moreover, these materials are easy to maintain and will last longer than other materials, making them even more cost-effective.

Conclusion

Building a new home is a big decision, and you should make sure that it’s as eco-friendly as possible. Fortunately, there are many different ways to go green and make your new home more sustainable. From insulation to renewable energy, there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. By using these eco-friendly building methods, you can create a beautiful, comfortable and responsible residence from top to bottom.

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