Green Construction: Eco-Friendly Dwelling Ideas

Green construction is made mainstream with things such as the HGTV Green Home Giveaway, and shows on green living on TV. Consumers interested in saving money on utility bills love the idea of an energy-efficient home. Others who want to live an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle also desire a home that is built using green construction principles. A builder who updates his existing inventory with green design could see some movement once the property is properly marketed. If a builder has an excessive amount of vacant lots, erecting an eco-friendly home could spark some sales as well.

Millions of people desire a home that is more energy efficient. While building a home using green construction as a guide, energy efficiency is of the utmost importance. Make sure that the home has solar panels. Some municipalities will even give homeowners money back if they do not use the energy generated by their solar panels, as the utility company usually siphons that surplus energy to other consumers. Check with your local utility company for details.

In addition to solar panels, an eco-friendly dwelling should be well insulated. Making sure that heat doesn't enter or escape from the home is key to keeping the home energy efficient. Proper weather stripping around the doors and high-quality windows are also popular energy efficient elements. Inside the home, Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) should all be installed. There are several CFL options, including dimmable track lighting in a couple different sizes and light bulbs made especially for ceiling fans.

Millions of gallons of water are wasted every year. There are so many different ways to save water. A builder who is using green construction to build a home should install efficient faucets in every bathroom, sink, shower, and kitchen. A just-in-time water heating system should also be considered. A just-in-time water heating system heats water when it is needed. This type of water heater is also known as a tankless water heater. Making sure the water systems in the house operate efficiently is a crucial element in green construction.

Inside the home should also be very green. Counter tops made out of recycled glass, recycled light fixtures, and drywall made out of recycled components should all be used. Bamboo floors, or floor covering made out of recycled materials are also a great options for a green home design. Having green construction shine from the outside of the home to the inside will really help the home sell.