Home additions that prioritise sustainability
In today’s world, the concept of sustainability appears to be gaining momentum each year. With big businesses and major companies doing their part to reduce consumption and increase exciting energy solutions, homeowners can also do the same on a smaller, more achievable scale. With property listings competing among buyers' shortlists, having a home that is eco-friendly can aid in selling in a competitive market. Discover how you can incorporate modern technology that brings you closer to nature in your home.
Living “off the grid”
Do you want to be independent of those dreaded utility bills that seem to increase each month? Many homeowners have a set monthly household budget to adhere to. It makes sense to want to decrease expenses with solutions that promise self-sufficiency and innovation. You can have your own energy, water and waste management approaches that make traditional methods look outdated. How do you do this? It is simpler than it sounds, but it involves some research and planning.
If you live in a freestanding home, you can make any modifications you see fit, as long as you keep within your municipal guidelines. If you live in an estate or gated community, check with the body corporate or your property management team before going ahead with renovations. There may be rules and regulations that prevent you from making adjustments to your utilities and the overall functioning of your home.
Adding sustainable practices = an environmental win
You can install solar panels, wind turbines, and harvest rainwater using JoJo tanks. These additions can help you drastically reduce your carbon footprint, ensuring you effectively contribute to a healthier planet. Your household will also benefit from sustainability in the long run, as sustainable materials mean fewer repairs and maintenance costs. Choosing non-toxic materials can also improve the air quality in your home, providing a healthier environment for your family.
Energy-efficient windows
Residential heating and cooling consumption is not something we think about often. However, when that electricity bill comes through and we realise we have the air conditioning systems or heaters on day and night, then it’s a different story. Energy-efficient windows can minimise heat transfer, substantially decreasing the amount of energy you use. Always choose windows that regulate the thermal exchange in a home. You can also reduce the energy expenditure on air conditioning units by installing more ceiling fans throughout your home. They have become a fashionable decor addition, breathing organic life into interiors in different design styles.
Eco-friendly flooring and decking
Flooring types such as bamboo, cork and engineered hardwood are among the top contenders for recycled flooring. They are durable and long-lasting options that enhance the aesthetic value of your home. For your outside decking, consider using materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, recycled plastic or composite decking made out of a combination of plastic and wood fibres.
Gardens that give back
For those with a passion for enjoying the outdoors and who have the space to do so, you can grow your own vegetable garden. Using soil, compost and seeds from your local nursery or farmers market, your garden can grow nourishing produce and herbs. This reduces your grocery bill and allows you to spend time connecting with nature. You can also bring pot plants indoors to increase the flow of clean oxygen in the home.
Your home is your haven
Apart from being one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, the comfort of your home adds to your daily standard of living. It is worth investing in additions that make your home more valuable. This can prove worthwhile when it comes time to sell. We can help you list your home with ease and find the next best move. Contact us today.