There are few things as difficult as building a home from scratch. From the largest of features to the tiniest of little details, everything is all about you. And, it is a lot of pressure. This kind of project is something that not everybody can handle, but if you do have the necessary organisational and planning skills, you can create something truly special.
The trend for environmentally friendly houses has soared over the last decade. Now, eco-friendly designs are becoming less of a quirky style choice and more of an essential element. Homeowners are demanding properties that have energy efficient windows, doors, roofs, foundations, and electrical systems. So, if you are planning to build a new home, it could be time to get ahead of the curve and onboard with green designs.
This guide to some of the most valuable eco-friendly features will help you build a home that is lean, clean, and very green.
Invest in High Quality Windows
There are some areas of a build where funds can be scraped back and budgets saved, by choosing less costly materials. However, you are strongly advised to opt for very high quality doors and windows. Poorly manufactured frames will constantly let heat out, so you’ll only end up paying a huge amount in energy expenses. Choosing the right skylight can make a big difference too, because it allows rooms to be flooded with natural light.
Don’t Underestimate Insulation
Low quality insulation is another key culprit when it comes to inefficient homes. As good insulation has the potential to sustain and maintain optimal temperatures for many years, it represents a worthwhile investment. The good news is that there are lots of different types of insulation available, so you should be able to find one that matches your budget.
Opt for Dual Flush Toilets
One of the easiest ways to save water – and it really does make a huge difference – is to opt for a dual flush cistern. These toilets really aren’t much more expensive than single flush ones, but they can save you around 80% of the water that you’d usually use. And, the only difference is that they come with two buttons or handles on the top, rather than one. You push one button for solids and the other for liquids (this uses less water).
Switch to Eco-Friendly Bulbs
It is even cheaper to upgrade your standard incandescent light bulbs to sleeker, greener eco-friendly ones. The two main options are CFL and LED fixtures, with the latter being significantly more efficient. Check out this for a statistic; the average LED bulb is designed to last for a staggering 50,000 hours. Essentially, this means that you won’t have to change them for five years or more. If you add one of our gorgeous, expansive skylights as well, you’ll end up with the greenest home on the block.
Consider Recycled Materials
If you are feeling bold enough, you might even want to consider incorporating recycled materials into your build. This could include rubber roofing, composite decking, paper based counters and work surfaces, and even fully sustainable carpets. With just a little bit of research, you’ll find all kinds of great eco-friendly building materials. They are strong, durable, and if you buy from a reputable supplier, they come with the same certifications of quality that any mainstream material would.
Choose Belle Skylights for Beautiful, High Quality Skylights
At Belle Skylights, our focus is on delivering beautiful, cutting edge skylights with the potential to up your green credentials and enhance your home. Whether you’re building a property from scratch or planning a renovation, our timeless designs could make a big impact. We offer products from big name brands like Velux, Solatube, and Belray.
