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Why Build an Eco-Friendly Home?

Custom Home Design | January 9, 2020

Understanding why you should build an eco-friendly home and the benefits of doing so will help you determine if using environmentally friendly materials when building a custom home is in your best interests. At Jaheny Custom Builders, we want to help you create a comfortable and functional home that you will love for years to come. That is why we will take the time to work closely with you to incorporate eco-friendly materials into the overall design.

Reasons to Build an Eco-Friendly Home

Using green building alternatives when designing your new custom home can help you live a more sustainable and resource-friendly lifestyle. Some of the main reasons to consider building an eco-friendly home include:

1. Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Opting for green building alternatives while designing your new custom home enables you to lead a more sustainable and resource-efficient lifestyle. Eco-friendly homes generate fewer carbon emissions by maximizing energy efficiency, reducing waste generation, and minimizing the depletion of finite resources. Utilizing energy-efficient, renewable, or recycled materials, such as solar panels, geothermal systems, and energy-efficient appliances, can significantly decrease your environmental footprint and carbon emissions, while also enhancing your overall sustainability. Additionally, eco-friendly homes often incorporate water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and native landscaping, reducing water usage and preserving local ecosystems. By taking even small steps towards using eco-friendly materials, you contribute to the promotion of green building practices for future generations.

2. Save Time

Choosing the right eco-friendly materials for different areas of your home can streamline the construction process and reduce time spent on building. To further save time during the construction of your custom home, consider sourcing materials locally to support small businesses, stimulate the local economy, and minimize the carbon footprint associated with material transportation to the building site.

3. Protect Your Health

Conventional home building materials often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like carcinogens, irritants, or toxins, which can be harmful to your health and that of your family members. Additionally, traditional materials may contribute to moisture accumulation, resulting in mould or mildew problems and indoor air pollution. When constructing your custom home, prioritize choosing non-VOC and moisture-resistant products while incorporating enhanced air-quality systems to safeguard both your health and the environment.

4. Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of eco-friendly homes is their superior energy efficiency. Through the use of proper insulation, high-performance windows, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, these homes significantly reduce energy wastage, resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. By incorporating technologies like smart thermostats and energy monitoring systems, homeowners can easily manage and optimize their energy consumption.

5. Enhance Indoor Air Quality

Traditional building materials often contain VOCs, which are harmful chemicals that can be released into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Eco-friendly homes, on the other hand, prioritize the use of low or zero VOC materials, reducing exposure to harmful substances. Adequate ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilation (HRV) or energy recovery ventilation (ERV), further improve indoor air quality by constantly exchanging stale indoor air with fresh air from outside.

6. Ensure Sustainability and Longevity

Eco-friendly homes are built with the future in mind. Sustainable construction practices, such as the use of recycled or reclaimed materials, can reduce the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, utilizing durable materials and implementing proper maintenance strategies can increase the lifespan of the home, reducing the need for frequent repairs or renovations.

7. Enjoy Financial Benefits

While the upfront costs of building an eco-friendly home may be slightly higher, the long-term financial benefits are significant. Lower energy bills, reduced water consumption, and potential tax incentives and rebates for installing renewable energy systems can lead to substantial savings over time. Furthermore, eco-friendly homes often have a higher resale value due to the increasing demand for sustainable housing.

Building an eco-friendly home not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality of life for you and your family. If you would like to learn more about why you should build an eco-friendly home, or if you are interested in our custom home building services, please contact Jaheny Custom Builders at 604-551-0320 or 604-307-0450 or by filling out a contact form on our website.