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Building more efficient homes

By
Home Builder with The Millworks of York Co.

What does it mean to build a better home?  As a builder I have always though of it as a cost of living thing.  In other works I look at a house in terms of how much does it cost to live in it.  If a home costs 100K to buy, and 1500 per month to live in I would not call that a good deal for the buyer.  The house I want is the one with the solar system, and tankless water heaters.  A little cost on the front side, but a big savings on the back end.  These features could add 30K to the cost of construction, but you would save in the long run, and add value to you home.  I am sure the solar systems will become quite popular when they become more efficient.  I am interested to know how others view this subject.  Please feal free to respond.

Julie Chapman
Julie Chapman Broker - Ormond Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Reuel,

As a representative of builders, they are interested in making homes more efficient but the limitations are the what the consumers will pay.  Education of consumers is a great part of this process......

I see this is your first post.....Welcome to Active Rain......

Jan 19, 2008 02:10 PM
Brian Wentz
Keller Williams Greater Des Moines - Des Moines, IA
Realtor - Des Moines Iowa Real Estate
I agree, but it is often so hard to get buyers to see some of those items- unless they are tuned into the issues specifically!
Jan 19, 2008 02:11 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
I would love to see an ad campaign that will start to make buyers think in these terms.  It is very difficult to even get the information from the seller on how much it costs to live in the home.  I think this could be a great marketing tool!
Jan 19, 2008 02:26 PM
Keith Elliott Jr
KEIRE Realty Group - Manassas, VA
Principal Broker/Owner

Hi Reuel,

Welcome to Active Rain! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to ya!

-Keith

Jan 19, 2008 05:12 PM