One of the hottest topics in new construction these days is building “green.” By this, of course, we mean working in energy efficiency as well as renewable energy supplies when possible. In some areas, building codes are being changed to ensure homes that are built will meet minimum standards. We have also seen the government make a big push on this front, especially where appliances are concerned. So, we figured we would present the pros and cons so you can make a better-educated decision when it comes time to break ground on your new home.
Advantages of Green Building
Long-term Savings – there is no getting around the fact that going green will cost you significantly more than a traditional build. The idea, however, is to have long-term benefits. For instance, if you pay for solar panels on the roof, you can hopefully generate enough energy to not only cover your electric usage but possibly even sell some energy back to the electric company. Over the years, you recover the cost of the panels and eventually are in the black on that feature of the home.
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions – less fossil fuel usage means less greenhouse gases, which is what most governments are pushing right now. But this goes much deeper than just the type of energy you use, as it will also include the supplies used to build the home.
More Energy Efficient- as a homeowner, this is your overall goal because a more energy-efficient home means you are paying less for utilities on a monthly basis.
Higher Market Value – as we mentioned above, our government is pushing every industry in this direction already, so you would actually be ahead of the curve. As this trend continues, if you decided to sell your home, you would have a higher resale value for already being compliant.
Disadvantages of Green Building
Higher Initial Costs – as we mentioned above, you will be paying far more than a standard build, but you are playing the long game here. Because of the high costs of building green, you may decide to only use certain aspects of it, such as putting solar panels on the roof but not going all in on the materials. Speaking of…
Supply Chain Issues – builders are already having supply chain issues with regular building materials, and some green materials are in even shorter supply. If you are in a rush to have your build done, you should definitely check on the availability of materials before deciding to go this route.
Longer Build Times – if you go all in, there will be considerable time taken for the planning and design to ensure everything is being taken into account, including how the home will impact the immediate area. This can sometimes mean a build time that is double that of what you would expect for a traditional build.
Location – where the home is located will also play a role in just how “green” you can go. For instance, if you are living in a densely forested area or an area that does not get much sunlight, this may not even be an option.
Challenges with Workers – right now, there is not an abundance of skilled workers with the expertise needed to build a green home, so this could also cause a delay in construction.
This is obviously a personal decision and one that you should make very thoughtfully. Going green impacts just about every facet of the build, so make sure you are making an educated decision before you ever put your signature on that contract.