Tag Archives: energy efficient home

8 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a Green Home

Posted on August 29, 2023 | Leave a comment

#2 Do I have a knowledgeable appraiser? Did you know you can request that the lender use a certified green appraiser? Well you can. If you know a green appraiser like those at Southern California Appraisal Services. You can request your lender reach out to them.

How old is the roof? How much is the monthly utility bill? Has the sewer ever backed up? In many ways, the questions you should be asking before buying a house seem pretty obvious, but what if you’re checking out eco-friendly homes? New products and technologies and innovative design are bumping up the eco-factor in many homes across the country, but are all green homes created equal? Of course not. That’s why it’s extra important to know your stuff before making any offers. You’ll likely pay a premium for a green home and you’ll want to know that you’re getting what you pay for. Here’s a list of 8 essential questions to ask before buying a green home, so you can confidently make an offer with your eyes wide open.

#1 Is this home certified?

The easiest way to tell if a home is more sustainable is if it has a credible certification. Energy Star and LEED both offer certifications; LEED has several different sustainability categories while Energy Star is more focused on energy efficiency. To become LEED-certified, homeowners must gain a certain amount of credits in categories like water efficiency, location and transportation, innovation, and more. To have an Energy Star home, owners must commit to a defined set of energy measures that make it more sustainable. Of course, not all sellers bother to get their green homes certified, so just because it doesn’t have a stamp of approval, doesn’t mean it’s not energy efficient or built with sustainable building materials. Clearly, you’ll have to ask some questions to make sure. There are a few websites out there, such as Green Homes for Sale, that list homes specifically by their certifications and make it easier for you to find already certified homes.

#2 Do I have a knowledgeable realtor/appraiser?

Your realtor should be the one giving you the low-down on your new potential home, right? Well, if he or she has no background knowledge of green homes, you might not get all the information you need. A realtor who has experience selling homes with eco features or who has a green credential can make a world of difference in the buying process. Other substantial credentials to look for are a National Association of Realtor’s Green Designation or the LEED Green Associate certification. Use the online resource, Realty Sage Pro, to get a referral to local agents who have the expertise, connections, and who can help you make the decisions which are right for your lifestyle, priorities, and budget.

Another important factor is the appraiser. Does he or she understand the actual value of a green home? An appraiser who doesn’t factor in the benefits of an eco-friendly home may undervalue it and price it as they would a standard-built home. Get an appraisal by someone certified so that you fully understand the investment you’re making.

7 ways to create a more energy efficient home

Posted on June 4, 2018 | Leave a comment

1. Ventilate naturally

Make sure your home has plenty of natural ventilation and light, says Jeff Angel of the Total Environment Centre.

“Cross-ventilation will enable it to get as much airflow through as possible, with cooling breezes in summer that means you don’t have to use airconditioning as much, if at all.”

Orienting a new home carefully and making sure it has a well-designed layout will help, but houses can also be renovated to introduce greater airflow with the use of louvres, too.”

Windows in areas that will see more sunlight, as well as the use of skylights, will also make a home brighter without the need for constant artificial lighting.

2. Seal the home

There are times when you’ll want to seal your house off completely from the outside to maintain a constant temperature inside. That’s when installing good insulation in the roof space and walls, effective water and draught proofing and double-glazing makes all the difference.

“That’s about making your house an excellent esky,” says architect Tone Wheeler of the Environa Studio. “It will help to preserve heat in winter and keep it cool in the hottest part of a mid-summer day.”

Energy Efficient Upgrades can increase your home’s value

Posted on November 16, 2016 | Leave a comment

Energy-efficient upgrades can not only shrink your utility bill; they can increase the value of your home.

Homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of energy-efficient homes. In fact, they’re often willing to pay more for homes with “green” upgrades, says Sandra Adomatis, a specialist in green valuation with Adomatis Appraisal Service in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Just how much your home will increase in value depends on a number of factors, Adomatis says, like where you live, which upgrades you’ve made and how your home is marketed at sale time. The length of time to recoup the costs of green upgrades also depends on the energy costs in your area.

Will it add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for “green” home value questions; they are forerunners in green property appraisals.

In 2014, upgraded homes in Los Angeles County saw a 6 percent increase in value, according to a study from Build It Green, a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, that works with home professionals. Upgraded homes in Washington, D.C., saw a 2 percent to 5 percent increase in 2015, according to a study Adomatis authored.

Consumer Reports suggests that upgrades like a gleaming new kitchen or a finished basement may give you more bang for your buck than energy-saving features. But if going green appeals more than adding quartz countertops, here’s where you can begin.

FIND OUT HOW MUCH ENERGY YOUR HOME USES

Getting a quick energy assessment or a more thorough energy audit can determine how much energy your home uses, as well as which upgrades would make the most sense for your home and your finances. An audit may include an energy rating, a number that indicates how energy-efficient your home is and how much it will increase if you make recommended upgrades.

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