Are you looking to buy or rent a green house? These days, many green homes are coming onto the market as sellers and homeowners recognize that they are in demand. But how do you know which homes are truly green?
Here’s a checklist of features to look out for and questions to ask to determine the green credentials of your next home.
Eco Home Tip 1 – Location Location Location – choose a location that is convenient and easily accessible. Proximity to shops, amenities and public transport will reduce the amount of emissions from travel. Ask about the council’s recycling program.
Eco Home Tip 2 – Orient with the right orientation – if a house is to have good ecological principles, it will be designed with the right orientation. This means that the living spaces will face due north, to make the most of the winter sun while letting in the hotter summer sun. The bedrooms, meanwhile, will face south to capture the cool summer breezes.
Eco Home Tip 3 – Cozy is not a four letter word – consider how the space is used as much as the size of it. Oversized homes use more resources for both construction and maintenance, while smaller homes are smartly designed and can feel quite spacious.
Eco Home Tip 4 – Learn About Insulation – Learn about insulation. Higher R-values mean the home will be better protected against extreme weather elements. See if the windows are double glazed. While you’re there, find out about other green home features such as solar panels and solar hot water. Get your message across loud and clear!
Eco Home Tip #11 Good Green Helper – there are a few Australian green estate agents, such as ecoproperty, who specialize in green listings. Check out the Green Pages Green Directory for real estate agents to help you find the perfect green home.
The important thing is to ask before you buy. Even if the real estate agent cannot tell you this in advance, it is important to let the market know that buyers and renters are looking for this information. Although no home has all of the sustainable features listed, you can at least get a clear picture of what the potential home has to offer.
Search more Ecological house ideas in the green pages.