| Many homeowners are aware of the major benefits | | | | mortgage fees to add incentive to green |
| of green homes but there is another spectrum of | | | | construction. As more people start to look toward |
| benefits most will never be aware of. It is estimated | | | | green construction, businesses will continually add |
| that approximately 10% of the new homes built in | | | | programs that are green construction focused. |
| the coming years will be green homes so I hope you | | | | For the previously listed reasons, green homes |
| feel the importance of learning about them. | | | | typically sell for more money when they hit the |
| First, what exactly is a "green" home? It is actually | | | | market. Many homeowners prefer to live in green |
| quite simply. A green home is just a home that much | | | | homes and would rather not have to pay additional |
| consideration has went into regarding materials and | | | | energy fees if they know they have a choice. Since |
| construction methods. The emphasis tends to lie with | | | | the government has introduced legislation that would |
| materials that are free of residual toxins and are | | | | encourage green construction in the way of tax |
| sustainable. The logic behind this is that most people | | | | credits and other incentives, more home buyers are |
| have dirtier air inside their homes than that which is | | | | being pointed to choose green construction. |
| outside. Cleaning up the chemicals that go into | | | | As far as features go, green homes offer higher |
| creating the materials goes along way in preventing | | | | efficiency appliances, including plumbing and electrical |
| pollution inside the home. | | | | systems, as well as drought resistance landscaping to |
| Another focus of a green home is to design a home | | | | reduce water consumption. They also use materials |
| that uses less energy or relies on renewable energy. | | | | that are renewable meaning that glass that is |
| Frequently green homes are at least partially | | | | collected at recycling points are used again, instead of |
| powered by solar energy and typically use sun light | | | | filling our land fills. Insulation that is either organic or |
| for heating and lighting the home as much as possible. | | | | recycled is used along with paints and finishing |
| Not only can sunlight be used for heat and light | | | | compounds that do not emit polluting chemicals. |
| sources but can also be used to heat water for | | | | In fact, the way they are building green homes |
| domestic use as well. | | | | today frequently meets ADA requirements for |
| Green home construction does not stop at the | | | | handicap accessible homes. Green homes typically |
| previously listed benefits. Many insurance companies | | | | feature a flat entry way, no stairs, wider doors and |
| are falling in line to encourage green construction as | | | | other features that allow people with differing abilities |
| much as they possibly can. You can now receive | | | | and the elderly to easily negotiate their energy |
| discounts from your homeowners insurance to your | | | | efficient home. |