Go green with a custom home builder
As a company, we've always prided ourselves on green construction practices. As a custom home builder, the steps we take help reduce the environmental footprint, or potentially harmful impacts, of any project on the natural environment. But once a home is built, there are still many simple things homeowners can do to reduce that footprint even further.
As a custom home builder, we choose construction materials that are recycled, recyclable or both. This includes driveway and other paving materials that incorporate recycled materials. It also includes building materials such as paints, sealers and flooring materials that have lower emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. This is not only better for the environment, it’s healthier for the people who will live in the house, as well. A high-quality custom home builder wants the very best for you and your family.
Better insulation in and around windows and doors reduce the energy demands of the building over the long-term, whether for heating or air-conditioning.
One important aspect of a green custom home builder is that the materials and resulting structure are more durable than before. Durable roofing materials can have warranties up to 40 or 50 years. Decks made from materials including recycled plastic mixed with waste wood fibers can last up to five times longer than wood decks, and they never need to be treated, stained or painted.
These practices and materials add to the value of a home. By reducing maintenance requirements, environmental impact declines alongside ongoing maintenance costs for the homeowner.
Newer and more efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems save money for the custom home builder as well as the home owner. They reduce energy consumption, further saving money, and maintain a more comfortable temperature for the entire home.
Using the latest techniques in insulation and ventilation with help from your custom home builder also reduces or even eliminates the possibility of mold growth. Mold may cause a range of significant health issues.
What homeowners can do to make their home more green
Environmentally friendly landscaping can go a long way toward reducing water consumption. Choose drought-resistant grasses and plants, preferably those native to your local area, which are adapted to local climate conditions.
Reduce water consumption by installing rain barrels under downspouts and gutters. This allows you to capture excess rainwater and use it to water your plants and gardens when you need it.
Cut back on energy consumption. You can get solar-powered outdoor lighting fairly cheaply and readily these days. There are even solar-powered water heaters for pools.
Use timers and motion sensors to control outdoor lights, as these can also reduce the amount of energy you consume. Inside your house, you can choose LED light bulbs as well as timers and motion sensors to ensure lights are out when no one is in the room.
When it comes to appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers and driers, look for Energy Star-certified choices. The amount of energy savings they provide really adds up over the year. It's better for the local power utility as well as your budget.
Programmable thermostats and air-conditioning controls can also reduce your energy consumption while keeping the house comfortable.
Higher-efficiency washers also reduce water consumption and costs. Reduce waste by installing a composter, or simply start a compost pile in your back yard. You’ll reduce the amount of trash you have to take to the curb by as much as two-thirds, and you'll produce wonderful fertilizer for your plants and gardens at the same time.
Also consider items in your home that you can reduce and recycle. You’d be surprised at the ways you can reuse plastic containers, dryer sheets and more.
Trust Rainey Homes, your custom home builder in North Salt Lake Utah. We believe in protecting our natural world through environmentally smart choices. As an owner of a custom built home, you can embrace the very same values.