BENEFITS OF BUILIDING GREEN
Homeowner Benefits
You may have heard a lot of things about the word Green, years ago it was the latest big buzzword. So, what’s in it for you, the home owner, if you decide to pursue a Green remodeling or building project?
Increased Comfort
Green homes subscribe to whole-house design principles that not only make them more comfortable, but healthier and safer, too. Better insulation, air sealing, indoor air quality and lighting are just a few of the reasons why this is true.
Lower Utility Bills
Consumers enjoy the savings gained from lower utility bills. Green building, at any level, typically requires energy efficiency which exceeds building code level. No one can predict exactly what the savings will be for any given home, and home owners, because there are too many variables. Suffice it to say, given the same home and same home owners, a home built to Green standards will be more economical than the one which doesn’t adhere to Green standards.
Mortgage Savings
Preferential mortgage rates are available from some lenders. Different programs have various benefits, rules and qualification requirements. Some require Green certification, others require energy ratings. It may behoove the home owner to check with lenders and find out what lenders currently offer.
Reduced Maintenance and Repair Costs
Green homes incorporate building materials and construction details which strive to increase the useful life of the individual components, as well as the whole house. Longer lasting materials not only reduce impact on the resources required for replacement, they minimize landfill use while they also reduce maintenance and repair costs.
Personal
Green building is good for the environment, good for people and good for the future, in so many ways. Consumers who choose Green, should feel good about doing their part to take care of the world in which we all live.
Increased Value
A Green home offers greater durability and energy efficiency, which increase both the initial appraised value of the home and, to an even greater extent, the resale value. While currently these may not be realized without an educational effort directed to appraisers, lenders, and the real estate community, these features can offer real value to the consumer.
The list above is from the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Green Building for Building Professionals, Student Guide. The course is 15 hours long and is part of the requirements to become a Certified Green Building Professional, which we completed.