You can have a green home just by applying the simple steps in order to be compliant with the basic standards of going green. The first is to identify which green home construction materials are ideal to use at the onset. The initial structuring of your green home should consider eco-friendly raw materials that are essential for management measures during construction.
One way to keep your construction green from the start is by using high-fly ash cement instead of regular cement. If your preferred home materials are hard to find or some of them are not available, you may look for salvage shops for reusable materials such as wooden doors, panels, windows, and re-engineered wood.
One practical measure is to install a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler system for your garden or lawn. You may have a rainwater reservoir that collects and recycles rainwater for your garden during summer. Installing permeable paving is another way to use rainwater since this allows rainwater to seep into the soil. Also, use a plumbing system that will allow rinsing water to be reused for cleaning walk/driveways and flushing toilets.
Green home construction also involves the use of sustainable wooden fittings such as the SFC or Forest Stewardship Council-certified products. You must use low to zero formaldehyde-based paints for the interior of your home to help create healthier living conditions for your family. Using photovoltaic cells and solar heaters can help reduce your electricity consumption; thus, reducing your electric bills every month.
It is ideal to use light-colored roofing because it helps reduce heat build-up in your home. They are also longer-lasting since the absorbed heat is reduced and they do not expand thermally compared to dark-colored roofs.
Fixed and movable items in your home are both involved in green home construction. It is advisable to use recycled wood furniture inside your home. There are some companies that advocate using cork or bamboo flooring instead of the usual hardwood flooring. Also, try to steer clear of vinyl linoleum and use natural linoleum instead.
There are many other compliant practices that you can apply that can help protect the environment. What’s important is that you and your contractor know the right green home construction materials to use and how to implement efficient eco-friendly systems in your home.
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