Everywhere you turn, the talk is "going green"! We are having more and more informed clients inquiring about homes that have "gone green". So the question then becomes, should homeowner's begin thinking about making changes to their home that would increase their "green" value?
I believe that our environmentally aware society is heading towards demanding these changes. Of course many of the new home builders are already implementing "green" additions into their homes. Therefore, it would be a wise investment for homeowner's to begin taking one project at a time to get their home more "green" friendly.
One of the least expensive things that you can do right away is proper caulking of doors, windows and vented areas. Your local hardware store can steer you in the right direction to begin caulking away and sealing up those cracks where air flow can be lessened.
In the flooring department there are now many products that are labeled "green". Carpets that have the green seal do not harbor the gasses that are toxic. Wood floors from forests that are considered to be sustainable are wise choices. Bamboo flooring is also an excellent option as bamboo is abundant and makes a very nice flooring product.
Insulation is a major area that can make a huge impact on a home going green. There are many new products on the market one of them being a spray on soy foam insulation! It is being shown to be very resistant to molds and mildews and when sprayed on the wall, it expands and fills in the gaps. According to the United Soybean Board, this new soy insulation provides insulation characteristics that are as good as or better in four inch wall as traditional batting insulations with six-inch stud construction.
Your HVAC system is without a doubt one of the most costly items that a homeowner faces. No matter what the age of your system is, you must be diligent in the maintenance and repair of the units. Changing your filters frequently, checking Freon levels and having a certified HVAC checkup each year is key! When it is time to replace older systems, again there are many new options out there. Do your homework and seek out professional advice. Having an environmentally friendly HVAC system could add thousands of dollars to your bottom line when negotiating a sale.
Remember, you can't make all of the changes overnight! Take a room at a time and begin focusing on what is most important to you right now. Make out a budget and begin planning the best way to tackle getting your home "green".
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