While “sustainability” sounds like a common buzzword, one that gets tossed around without much meaning, it’s actually a very important factor for people buying or building homes and development property. Due to a combination of concern for the environment and rising energy costs, realtors are reporting significant increases in the amount of home buyers looking for sustainability. If you are looking at building a home or are starting property development, making sustainability a factor in your construction can make the property more valuable and attractive to buyers.
Being eco-friendly has gone beyond a trend, and it’s now a way of life for a majority of young home buyers. From the food they buy to the clothes they wear, environmentally friendly options are more popular than not. What makes sustainability so attractive to buyers is that not only is it eco-friendly, it makes home upkeep more affordable. Maintenance costs are a turn-off to buyers, and one of the most important factors people consider when buying or building is the cost of upkeep.
A home built from long-lasting, durable materials that will last decades is appealing to buyers. They are seeking quality in a home, and they don’t want to make repairs or replacements within a few years of their home being built. Utilities, heating, and cooling are also large costs in keeping a home, so any features that minimize utility cost are going to make the property more desirable to property buyers.
Sustainable homes combine structural integrity and energy efficiency. They are built out of long-lasting, durable materials that don’t harm the environment in any way. They also lower utilities with energy-saving features including solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and high quality insulation. In the long run, this creates a home or property that is not only cost-efficient to own, it also raises property value.
If you are considering building a home or planning a large development, consider the benefits of building with sustainable features. Programmable thermostats, Energy Star windows and appliances, and drought-tolerant landscaping are excellent options. Compared to wood framing, insulated concrete forms (ICF) have the benefit of lasting over two hundred years, and they create a tight thermal barrier, making the home extremely energy efficient. When home buyers see the quality and efficiency of a sustainable home, it will be much more sought-after than homes with standard or out-dated materials and features.
