With the increasing awareness of the dangers of global warming and the recent Academy Award given to Al Gore for his film "An Inconvenient Truth", we are seeing more and more information regarding Green, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, or Earth Friendly living. This new trend is proving to be another means that homeowners can take advantage of to not only benefit the environment and their own quality of living, but to increase the value and sales appeal of their home.
A recent study of U.S. homebuilders by Green Builder Media/IMRE Communications indicates that, nationwide, over 80% of potential home buyers prefer to buy homes that incorporate sustainable or energy efficient features. Of those buyers, half are willing to pay 11-25% more for environmentally friendly homes.
Many buyers are specifically requesting to see homes built or remodeled utilizing green products and principles and energy-efficient products. Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn't necessarily have to encompass the entire home. Keep these ideas in mind when you are ready to do some remodeling on your home.
· Use non-toxic paints and sealants
· Install programmable thermostats
· Install energy efficient appliances and lighting
· Consider natural materials from sustainable resources such as bamboo flooring
· Use local building materials and/or recycled building materials
· Tighten up your house with new windows*, outside doors*, insulation*, or a new roof* - the tighter your house is, the less energy you'll consume to heat and cool it and the fewer outdoor pollutants get inside.
· Landscape using native plants that are in balance with the local climate and require minimal resource inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides and water
· Look for a "green" contractor who is willing to use sustainable building practices
· Install energy efficient heating and cooling systems* or opt for solar energy systems*
*Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. See the chart at:http:/www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#s2. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit. This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
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