Building a new home with environmental friendliness and energy efficiency in mind begins in the early stages. So which design choices should you start planning first? It’s a big question, but it can have an easy answer. Browse the ideas below to discover several excellent ways to start building a green home today.
Install Solar Panels
If you’re designing a brand-new eco-friendly house, consider adding solar panels to the mix. That way, you can start harnessing the sun’s rays for sustainable energy when you move in instead of relying on less eco-friendly solutions.
There are many factors to consider when installing solar panels, but consulting a local expert will help you find the right solution for your property. After all, some aspects, such as the clouds’ effect on solar panels, aren’t as straightforward as you might think. For instance, shady days can benefit your solar system in some cases.
Shop Green Appliances
Keeping your green lifestyle in mind when buying appliances is one of the top ways to start building a green home. Whether you’re looking at refrigerators, dishwashers, or dryers, you can find many different options. But some appliances are greener than others, so how do you make the right choice?
The solution is simple: Always keep an eye out for the Energy Star label. When you see Energy Star ratings on appliances, that means the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems them energy efficient, so they will weave into your green home design beautifully.
Strategize Building Materials
When talking with the experts building your home, ask them about sustainable building materials. If you want to build a green home from the ground up, you can.
For instance, bamboo is an environmentally friendly flooring solution, thanks to how fast it grows in the wild. You can also easily find metal roofing containing recycled materials.
Plus, metal roofing can last well beyond the 50-year mark if you have the right crew and materials for the job. Now that you know some of the best steps to take, you can start creating your dream home today.