As a real estate professional, I can remember the time when at the top of a homeowner’s wish list were things like a master bedroom suite or a gourmet kitchen, but times have changed, and so has the buyers wish list.
While buyers still have these wonderful amenities on the list, they are asking for energy-saving options as their must have items on their list.
Here is a list of options that are affordable and provide immediate savings. Some of these items are: 2×6 walls, house wrap, energy-efficient windows and energy-efficient appliances.
Construction:
Make sure the walls of the home are framed with 2×6 lumber. Using 2×6 lumber for framing allows extra room for more insulation, which will keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
House wrap:
It is installed right after framing, and it literally “wraps” the entire house to create a thermal barrier that keeps the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The wrap also acts as a vapor barrier between exterior materials and the framing lumber.
Windows:
More home buyers today love windows, as they bring in more natural light, open up rooms and provide a connection to the outside. But there is thermal transfer with windows. A quality builder will know how to balance the homeowner’s desire for “walls of windows” while still meeting the new more stringent code requirements.
Appliances:
Appliances account for for a sizeable percentage of electric usage in a home, especially the refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes dryer. Buyers should make sure to use ENERGY STAR rated appliances or an equivalent.
Attic Fan: an attic fan greatly reduces the amount of work for an air conditioner by getting rid of the heat generated from roof absorption.
Energy-efficient hot water heater:
Almost 20 percent of energy use in a household can be attributed to a hot water heater, and the more family members in the house, the more you use. A quick recovery gas hot water heater tends to be more energy-efficient than electric models. Buyers also should consider an-on-demand gas unit where you pay to heat the water as it is used.
This energy-savings list should be part of any conversation you have with your real estate professional, especially for new construction. Your goal should be to build a high quality, energy-efficient home at an affordable price that is with-in your budget.
For more information on energy-efficient ideas when building a new home, be sure to contact a Real Estate Professional before meeting with the builder.
