Gaining Momentum with Green Home Building

Green homes is expected that up to ten percent of new housing construction in the coming years, according to a study by McGraw-Hill Construction. The owners are interested in buying green homes because of the benefits they offer - from indoor air healthier for energy savings.

What are some of the major benefits of a green house? This house is built largely a reflection on the materials used in construction. Building materials are expected to be free of toxins, sustainable and energy efficient. The use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution. Because we are exposed to the atmosphere in our homes, even more often than outdoor air, indoor pollution can pose serious health risks to residents. A healthier home means fewer doctor visits and respiratory problems to expect less.

Besides the potential health savings, the net cost of owning a green home is usually comparable, if not cheaper than a regular house. People living in green homes save money by consuming less energy and fewer resources than standard homes. The savings add up in recent years in reducing energy and water bills.


Insurance companies are convinced that green can be the way forward. Insurance companies increasingly are offering discounts on policies covering green homes. Similarly, there are even some mortgage companies that offer discount rates for home buyers to purchase green.

Here are some of the reasons for the growing interest and discounts offered by the business community:

A green home is often more durable than standard homes because of their high quality materials for construction and construction processes that require fewer repairs.

The value of a green home is often higher than a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes is expected to increase. The development of green housing in New York has shown the ability to command rental rates of ten to fifteen percent more than comparable units in the surrounding area.

And local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and incentives for building a green house or green to add features to an existing home.

What are some characteristics of a green house? Efficient plumbing and bathroom fixtures, drought tolerant landscaping and water-irrigation systems, conservation of help green homes use less water than standard homes. This feature will become increasingly important as the prospect of water shortages loom in some parts of the country.

Because many green building materials include recycled content important, requiring the use of fewer natural resources. The amount of building materials, the excess of waste in landfills is significantly less than the amount generated by traditional practices.

Some homes incorporate green carpets and tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Other households use renewable or reclaimed materials and sustainable products, like bamboo, hemp and soy. Owners can choose from counters street lights and recycled glass recycling of others.

Low VOC paints and finishes inside the home to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Formaldehyde-free insulation also ensures less hazardous chemicals are released into the atmosphere.

Efficient appliances, insulation, roofing materials, doors and lower windows, heating and cooling bills.

In many cases, builders are also included elements of universal design in green homes. These designs, which include wider doors, no stairs, entrance floor and accessible bathrooms, sinks and showers, to ensure that people with different abilities can live in the age in their homes and neighborhoods.