In this age of increasing environmental awareness and consciousness, building a ‘green’ or eco-friendly home is becoming the dream of many people across the world. The good news is that that dream is becoming easier to achieve thanks to the many products, services, and innovations being done that cater to that growing market. For example, a solar system can be a great way to get your desired green home started.
However, there are many common mistakes people make when building a green home and it would be highly beneficial for you to know them so that you do not make the same mistakes.
Insufficient insulation
One thing many would-be green home owners neglect is insulation. Insulation plays a big part in your building’s heat retention and loss. A well-insulated house will not only save energy but will cut your electric bill by a substantial amount, making it a crucial aspect of being eco-friendly.
When you start building your dream green home, insulate appropriate areas and objects such as the pipes. Usually, hot and cold water pipes are installed inside the walls of your home and are the closest to exterior sources temperatures. By properly insulating the pipes, your pipes retain heat for longer amounts of time. This means your water heater won’t have to consume as much power to reach your desired temperature.
Building more than what you need
A big part of being eco-friendly is making use of the necessary amounts of resources to live your life. Living in excess is certainly great, but it is inefficient in many different ways. In the context of your house, you’ll be better off constructing something that is just right for you and your life’s circumstances.
A house that ends up being too large will waste valuable space that could’ve been put to better use. It will also cost more to heat, cool, and run as a functional household.
While you’re still in the planning phase, be sure to take into careful consideration important elements of your life such as your lifestyle as well as your family’s. If you plan on raising a big family or taking in elderly relatives, you will want to plan ahead and put the necessary accommodations that they require. Take the time to carefully plan ahead.
Not doing proper research
In that same vein, planning is not that fruitful if you do not do the proper research that you endeavor requires. With so many sources of information readily available and easily accessed, there are no excuses when it comes to being fully prepared for all the challenges and pitfalls that come with creating your own green home.
Know the environment-friendly products you can add to your home as well as the different strategies you will need to employ to have a bonafide eco-friendly home. If you’re working on a tight budget, research becomes even more important because there are products and services available at different price points. It takes a little bit of diligence and dedication to find and eventually use these for your benefit. Sustainability is your priority so make sure to align everything you do around that aside from the level of comfort you desire from your future home.
Failing to use solar power
Although it might seem that using solar power for a green home is a given, it is not always the case. Many would-be green home owners end up neglecting to use them because they don’t fit the aesthetic or they lack the know-how. Please refer to the previous mistake because solar power is the key that unlocks the potential of green homes.
With their ability to efficiently capture, store, and distribute solar energy, using them is indispensable for your house. Not only does this substantially lower your electric bill, it also helps save the environment.
Not working with contractors
One mentality that many DIY green home creators have that is counterproductive to what they want to achieve is the aversion to working with contractors. Large-scale or comprehensive construction projects and remodeling involve many processes that are difficult to do individually.
From installing a roof, hanging drywall, or rewiring electrical components of the house, you will struggle doing all of these successfully in the time-frame you have set for yourself. Do yourself one of the biggest favors and call in some professionals to help you. You might think you are saving money by not hiring a contractor, but the delays and mistakes you will end up incurring will also lead to more expenses.
Some contractors are also experienced in building green homes and structures, so the price you will be paying for such a service will end up being worth it in the long run.
Key Takeaway
Using a solar system for your green home can unlock its eco-friendly potential, but you need to avoid the common pitfalls that come with it. By being aware of the things listed above, your green home-building endeavors will surely pay off in the best possible way.