Buying a new home is an exciting experience. Not only do you have the opportunity to choose a new neighborhood, but you also have the chance to occupy a new space. Still, home buying can be tricky when you care about the environment. Consider these tips for purchasing more efficiently when buying a house with eco-friendliness in mind.
Don’t Buy More House than You Need
The standard American home has gotten substantially larger since the 1950s, with the average house being upwards of 2,500 square feet. A large home used to be synonymous with a big family. Now, a five-bedroom residence with four bathrooms is more of a sign of a person’s status as wealthy in the world.
You do not need several bedrooms and bathrooms if you are a single person. You can only sleep in one bedroom at a time and can only make use of one bathroom at a time. There is nothing wrong with having an extra bedroom for family and friends who may occasionally stay over. You, however, should set out to live modestly with a home that is small yet large enough to satisfy your lifestyle.
Give Things Away
Perhaps homeowners buy bigger homes to hold all of their possessions. Consumerism has taken control in the United States to the degree that many individuals purchase items just to say they bought something from the store.
You may have succumbed to the urge to buy for the sake of buying in the past. You can make amends for such behavior now by giving away possessions that no longer serve your lifestyle.
Gently used clothing can be a blessing to someone who struggles to purchase designer wear. You may also consider donating an old car to a charity that can sell it and use the profits to benefit others. Your generosity comes with benefits on all sides as you will not be forced to spend more money to transport items you no longer need.
Pay Attention to Location
Choosing a community is a very involved process that includes you considering the proximity of stores, schools and work. You may not want to move to an area too far from your job, as such a relocation will cost more money for fuel and vehicle maintenance.
You also want an area that has good schools nearby if you have kids. Nearly 87% of private schools have fewer than 300 kids. This small population ultimately leads to small classroom sizes, which could translate to your children earning higher marks in school. Still, research is important regardless of whether you send your kids to public or private school.
Use Eco-Friendly Supplies
Boxes are better than containers because they are recyclable. Wrapping paper made from recycled materials instead of freshly cut trees also contributes to a more eco-friendly move.
Some environmentalists who hire moving companies have a checklist of things they look for in potential movers before giving their money to a business. You should not be afraid to ask a potential company about their stance on the environment if such is your passion.
Look for Eco-Friendly Features or Plan for Upgrades
Your next home should reflect what you value the most. A waterless water heater saves money and helps the environment. An HVAC system that automatically shuts off when room temperatures reach optimal levels keeps you from using too much energy.
Granted, not all homes come with these upgrades, but you should make it your business to create a home environment that fosters eco-friendly living. Almost 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, after all.
Perhaps choosing a home significantly below your maximum price could give you the financial space you need to complete upgrades once you are settled. Some eco-friendly buyers aim to purchase fixer-upper homes for the distinct purpose of creating a home that honours the environment.
You do not have to set aside your drive to appreciate the environment just because you are buying a house. Consider these tips during the purchase process.
Image credit: via StoryBlocks
