Over the last few years, there has been a shift in the way people are designing their homes. Instead of solely focusing on the design aesthetic, there is a new focus on sustainability. This is especially true now that sustainable home design is beautiful and cost-effective for so many people. But, to properly design a sustainable home, some key things need to be carefully considered.
Choosing The Right Sustainable Materials
Of course, more than anything, what makes a home look sustainable are the materials that people use in their design. What house siding used on these sustainable home designs can have some of the most significant impact. House siding is one of the many layers of a home’s exterior, which create a barrier from the outside world. Some options for home siding, include steel log siding; a type of siding that will last for years with little maintenance as opposed to something like traditional wood siding. But, it will also lower a home’s heating and cooling costs, keep bugs and other insects out and prevent weather from penetrating the home’s interior, which can lead to mold and other serious issues. Steel siding is not the only option out there, of course; there are countless of styles to choose from that are equally sustainable.
Protection Against the Elements
While many layers of protection go into a home, one that is essential to do before putting up any siding is a house wrap. A home’s house wrap acts like a weather-resistant barrier between the home’s structure and siding. This prevents not just moisture, but insects and other pollutants from infiltrating the structure and causing potential damage to the home. Additionally, a house wrap adds to the energy-efficiency of a home, as it adds another layer of product that will ensure hot and cold air is not escaping.
Minimize Carbon Footprint
When it comes to home design, there are many ways to create a sustainable home design that will also minimize your carbon footprint. Implementing energy efficiency design into your home is so important and there are so many ways you can accomplish that. For one, you can turn off the lights when you are not using them and invest in energy-efficient certified appliances. But, you can also ensure that your home is well insulated. By reducing the number of air leaks in your home’s insulation, you will be able to rely less on heating and cooling, which not just saves you money, but will lessen your carbon footprint as well.
Proper Insulation
If the insulation used in a home is too thin, the heating and cooling systems will have to work much harder to create a comfortable space. Similarly, if the installation was incorrect, it can leave cracks and openings which will allow the air to escape. Neither one of these scenarios makes for an energy efficient home, like what you find with ICF homes. It is important to note that ICF homes are carefully planned to ensure the selection of the right insulation for each home and that it is done correctly.
Choosing the Best Interiors
Sustainable home design is also about filling your home with furniture that is built to last. Rather than buying cheap particle board furniture, you should invest in real wood pieces, like what you see with Amish bookcases. The Amish live a simple, and the Amish bookcases and other furniture they have is all made by hand with real wood and old style techniques. With proper care, a simple sent of Amish bookcases can last generations. So, while it may cost more than the cheaper alternative, you will not need to worry about replacing them every couple of years.
Work with the Right Company
Finally, when it comes to sustainable homes, it is important to go with the right builders. Do careful research about the companies in your area and the kind of building they do. Look at their website, see how they talk about sustainable design, read reviews from their clients, and ask plenty of questions. Try to learn the kind of materials they use and the energy-efficiency rating. It is important to be clear about what you are looking for regarding sustainable home design, so you can be sure to get what you want.
Sustainable home design is not difficult, but it does take time and research to plan thoroughly. In many ways, it is about the little details that people sometimes overlook. So, instead of rushing through things, take your time at each step and be sure that everything is up-to-par with the sustainability standards. Taking the time beforehand and ensuring it is done right the first time will help you save in the long run, both time and money.
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