Canada: 5 Big Benefits of Greening Your Home

“Going green” is no longer just for the socially conscious among us—it’s for anyone who wants to make significant improvements to their lifestyle…especially homeowners.
According to Canadian “green” housing associations, greener communities ultimately result in more affordable housing for everyone. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have seen first-hand the benefits green homeowners enjoy and we’d like to share this important information with you. Following are five of the top advantages to owning a green home:
1. Lower Energy Costs

Green homes commonly use less than half as much energy as their conventional counterparts; this is the single-most obvious benefit of green construction. Some green buildings, in fact, consume less than a quarter as much energy. If energy costs continue rising, energy savings will become an even greater driver of green building and a potential priority for home buyers.

2. Greater Durability and Fewer Repairs

A very important, yet often overlooked, feature of green homes is durability. Well-designed and properly built green homes will not experience moisture problems because sound building-science principles were incorporated into the design and construction. Although durable building materials and equipment may cost more upfront, their life-cycle costs are often lower than conventional products because they last longer and require fewer repairs.

3. Reduced Cleaning and Maintenance

Some green building strategies, materials, and products require less maintenance or reduce the need for cleaning. A rain-screen siding detail, for example, reduces the need for repainting wood siding. A natural landscape created with native plants generally requires significantly less maintenance than conventional turf and shrubbery.

4. Quicker Sales

Green homes often sell more quickly than their conventional counterparts.

5. Enhanced Comfort

A well-insulated, tight-building envelope not only reduces energy consumption but also increases comfort. Green building measures that reduce drafts, minimize floor-to-ceiling temperature stratification, and control noise all serve toward enhancing the comfort level of your home.