You want to build the home of your dreams, to create a living space that reflects your unique needs and style. You also want to build it in a way that minimizes its impact on the planet while maximizing energy efficiency and comfort. Fortunately, you can do both without going over budget.
As a new residential home and subdivision developer, we employ various environmentally friendly building practices to ensure a finished product that’s as efficient as it is stylish. That starts with something as basic as where you build your new home.
When choosing the right location for your custom home, you will want to consider such factors as solar orientation and prevailing winds. Why? For starters, a site with southern exposure allows for passive solar heating, reducing the need for artificial heating during colder months. You will also want to orient your home in a way that optimizes natural lighting. This will reduce energy use for electric lighting during the day.
Designing an energy-efficient home is a key aspect of sustainable building. That’s why we encourage people to incorporate features like high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a well-sealed building envelope to minimize heat loss or gain. The same goes for using sustainable materials with high thermal resistance to reduce the need for heating and cooling systems.
Many custom home builders utilize renewable energy systems such as solar panels to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Solar panels on the roof will harness the power of the sun and generate electricity. From an aesthetic point of view, solar panels can be integrated into the design seamlessly to complement the look of the home while offsetting a significant portion of the energy demand.
Water conservation is another area where the design of the home can conserve resources. Installing low-flow fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets will minimize water consumption, lowering your bill and lessening the strain on local water resources. Rainwater harvesting systems can also be installed to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation. This will also reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.
Efficient HVAC Systems represent the biggest component of environmentally friendly home construction. You can opt for energy-efficient HVAC equipment or consider features like geothermal heating and cooling, which utilize the earth’s natural temperature to regulate indoor climate. Properly sized and well-insulated ductwork also ensures maximum efficiency and comfort.
As a home builder, you also have the option of selecting products made from recycled or renewable materials, such as reclaimed wood or bamboo flooring. You can also reduce your project’s carbon footprint by buying locally sourced materials, which in addition to the reduction in transportation emissions supports the local economy. Also available are eco-friendly alternatives for paints, adhesives, and finishes. These products minimize indoor air pollution.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, efficient waste management during construction is crucial. Responsible home builders implement recycling programs to divert construction waste from landfills. At Sealund Corp. we do our best to salvage and repurpose materials wherever possible, reducing the demand for new resources. If you’re gearing up to build a home or subdivision, consider using prefabricated or modular construction techniques that minimize waste generation and speed up the building process.
Building a customized home is an opportunity to create a space that aligns with your lifestyle while prioritizing sustainability. By incorporating environmentally friendly building practices, you can create a home that minimizes its environmental impact, reduces energy consumption, and promotes a healthier living environment.
The obvious and not-so-obvious questions to ask when hiring a home builder
When it comes to building your dream home, choosing the right home builder is crucial. Even more so if you’re developing a subdivision as an investment. Before you make a final decision, there are some obvious and not-so-obvious questions to ask.
The obvious questions to ask a home builder
Are you licensed and insured?
Requesting proof of licensing and insurance coverage is pretty standard. You want to see in writing that your home builder meets legal requirements to protect you from liability.
What is your experience in building homes?
Most home builders nowadays will have a website and will share the number of years they’ve been in business and will have an online portfolio of completed projects. During your initial research, check out the portfolio to see if the builder has experience in constructing homes similar to what you want. If possible, take a drive to those properties to see with your own two eyes.
Can you provide references from previous clients?
Ask for references and contact details of homeowners and/or developers they have worked with before. Then call them to get a sense of their satisfaction with the home builder’s workmanship, reliability, and communication.
The Not So Obvious Questions to Ask a Home Builder
How do you handle project management and communication?
It’s key to have an understanding of how your builder manages projects, communicates progress, and addresses any concerns or changes that may arise during construction. Be sure to ask the references you call about the effectiveness of the builder’s communication throughout the course of the project.
What subcontractors do you work with?
Most home builders will hire/contract with specialists or subcontractors. Part of your research into home builders should include an inquiry about their relationships with subcontractors and the subcontractor’s track record as well. Reliable subcontractors are vital to ensure the overall quality and timely completion of your home.
Can you provide a detailed estimate and timeline for the project?
Any home builder worth their salt will provide a comprehensive estimate that includes costs for labor, materials, and any additional fees. You will also want to know the estimated duration of the project and potential factors that could cause delays.
How do you handle changes or modifications during construction?
Changes can and will happen. You will want to ask potential builders about their process for handling change orders, including the associated costs, timelines, and the impact on the overall project.
What warranties or guarantees do you offer?
Ask about the home builder’s warranty policy and any guarantees they provide for their workmanship and materials used in construction.
Are you a member of any professional associations?
Reputable home builders are typically members of professional associations as a way to show commitment to industry standards and ongoing professional development. Sealund Corp. is a member in good standing with Construction Industries of Massachusetts, Builders Association of Greater Boston and American Road and Transportation Association.
Asking the obvious and not-so-obvious questions before hiring a home builder will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful partnership. There really is no such thing as a dumb question when hiring a home builder. You want to take your time and thoroughly evaluate potential builders to find the one that best aligns with your needs, preferences, and budget. Remember, you’re hiring the company that will make your dream home a reality. Asking these types of questions and doing your due diligence will go a long way towards keeping that dream from turning into a nightmare and making that dream a reality.