| One of the most important trends in new home | | | | ecologically-sound manner, and are readily available at |
| design and construction is the concept of "green" | | | | stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. |
| construction. In this type of construction, house | | | | Request low VOC (volatile organic compound) |
| builders and home owners choose to utilize | | | | materials for floors, shelving, and countertops to |
| environmentally-friendly building materials, and | | | | improve your indoor air quality and reduce pollution. |
| energy-efficient construction techniques. | | | | Conservation - The simplest way to make sure your |
| Green building is gaining in popularity across the United | | | | new home is being built green is to check the Energy |
| States, and this method of construction benefits the | | | | Star rating on appliances and windows, and doors. |
| environment by reducing the inefficiencies of the | | | | Consider the use of tankless water heaters that only |
| typical home construction project, while also | | | | heat water on demand. |
| benefiting the resulting homeowner with lower utility | | | | Landscaping with native plants and preserving existing |
| bills and a smaller environmental "footprint". | | | | mature trees will help conserve water and minimize |
| The widespread availability of green materials and | | | | hot spots on the patio, house, and driveway. |
| knowledgeable builders has made it relatively easy for | | | | Additional ideas include installing green seal certified |
| homeowners to go green when building their new | | | | windows and doors, utilizing foam insulation which can |
| house plans. When choosing your new home design, | | | | save up to 50% on energy bills, utilizing solar water |
| decide which green building techniques will work best | | | | heaters, compact fluorescent lighting, computer |
| for you. | | | | controlled vents that pull in fresh air |
| Below are several quick and easy ways to implement | | | | Finally, you can find a list of green home builders by |
| green building techniques in your new home: | | | | going to energystar.gov or the National Association |
| Green Building Materials - Ask your builder about using | | | | of Home Builders (NAHB) Green site, nahbgreen.org. |
| Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber. | | | | Best wishes in the building of your new home! |
| These wood products are grown and harvested in an | | | | |