Building and buying homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious is what seems to be on a lot of people's minds. More and more buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of building green or buying a home that already has environmentally friendly and efficiency standards in place.
With electric rates rising as well as the concern for our environment's condition, statistics show that people are ready to listen, open their minds and see how living green is a shift from being more efficient to being more effective. Now in days, people are even willing to pay anywhere from 1 to 3 percent more for this type of home.
Just in case you aren't familiar with the "Building or Buying Green" topic, the basic principle driving this is defined by making sure the products in the home come from sustainable resources, the items are non-toxic, are recyclable, and help reduce energy use. You can easily break it down into three basic categories which is water efficiency, smart energy, and architecture/landscaping.
When it comes to water efficiency, there are a few things that builder are doing can be implemented in your own home.
* Depending on your local building regulations, some homes are designed to collect rain water for the garden and landscaping. * Manufactures have now designed what is called an "instant gas water heater" which only uses energy to heat water when needed preventing people from letting the water run until its warm. * Installing low flow heads on faucets, and showers as well as low flow commodes are also water efficiency practices.
Smart Energy refers to both materials and products.
* EnergyStar appliances * Passive solar day lighting * Improved insulation * Compact Fluorescent lights (CFL) * Improved insulation * High-Performance windows * 12 to 14 SEER variable speed dehumidification controlled, electronic air cleaning, heat pump system * Extra-sealed air conditioning ducts * TVs and other electronics that automatically power down when not in use * Ceiling fans in each room
Architecture and landscaping are also very important when it comes to either looking for or building a green home.
* Situating a home to prevent the heat from the sun * Decrease the number of windows on the south and west sides of the home * Tight construction (Sealing) * Reused antique brick walkways * Recycled content roof and wall sheathing * Countertops made from recycled concrete and glass * Locally handcrafted cabinetry * Landscape with plants and trees that are compatible with the local environment and climate
You can find green homes in the Jacksonville Florida real estate area and other Northeast Florida areas. Within the last two years (2006 - 2008), 500 EnergyStar homes have been built in Jacksonville Florida. You can also find green built homes in Amelia Park. Currently there are approximately 420 homes there.
Ryland Homes, Cornerstone Homes, HabiJax, Beazer Homes (most active), and McClellan Homes are some of the named builders who are building green standard homes.
Organizations that are currently participating in the green built home effort is Energy Star, Green Built Homes of America, LEED-H, Florida Green Building Coalition, FPL (Florida Power & Light) Build Smart, and Florida Water Star. These are great resources to use when researching green built homes and how you can get involved.
We hope you find this article interesting and useful and find the advice motivating enough to "Go Green".
1.The scarcity of tradesman and builders and the ability to do much of the work themselves.
2.There is a huge cost saving in building a prefabricated steel kit home. This is due to the ability for the owner builder to do much of the work themselves.
3.Termites are a big problem in Australia so many people have chosen steel kit homes as they are well protected from these destructive termites.
4.Prefabricated steel kit homes are also non-combustible, giving the home owner peace of mind and easing safety concerns.
Modern prefab homes are not like the old box style kit homes of the past. These days prefab homes look just like any other designer homes the only difference is that they get delivered to your block prepacked and numbered for easy erection. And as all building components get delivered at the same time, there is no waiting for ordered building products and therefore the project will be completed much faster.
One of the big advantages of building a prefab home is that you can design the home exactly as you like using computer software. The materials will then be cut to precise measurements, packed and delivered to your block of land ready to be erected.
You may choose to erect the home yourself (recommended) but you may also have a builder manage the entire project for you. By building the home yourself you can potentially save up to 30 percent on the normal building costs. As an owner builder you are in charge of managing the project. This does not mean that you must do all the work yourself. You can do as little or as much as you are able and then employ a local tradesman to do what you can't do. The more YOU do the more you save!!
Steel Kit Homes Nation-wide work with a Queensland based company that also delivers Australia wide. They have a large range of modern prefabricated homes at affordable prices. All homes have a 50 year Australian warranty and a 10 year international warranty.
For an extra charge, all homes can be made to withstand cyclonic conditions which are a common occurrence in the northern part of Australia.
If you are in need of finance, Kit Homes Nation-wide can introduce you to finance agents who will be able to assist you in obtaining finance for your dream home and land, if not already purchased. These finance agents are able to source out the best construction loan to suit your individual situation. This is usually a much better option than just going to your current bank which will give you their one rate. A finance agent will shop around to find you the best deal. Finance agents will not charge you a fee and instead they will be paid by the banks or financial institution.
Both Carey Frankel & Dominic Alberth are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Carey Frankel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Kitchen Home Improvement and Real Estate. Carey FrankelPhyllis Frankel Realty GroupContact Us: (800)999-0245 or carey@frankelrealtygroup.comWorking with buyers, sellers and investors in all of the Northeast Florida real estate areas to include. Carey Frankel's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Dominic Alberth has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Real Estate. Resource/About Author has a wealth of information about