Many homeowners are hesitant to implement green improvements into residences based on the initial costs to do so. However, those who are more astute have recognized and are taking advantage of the benefits, including a boost to the home’s future resale value.

Another mistake when purchasing a new home is to focus solely on the home’s bottom-line price and not pay as much attention to green features designed for maximum efficiency and to save money over the long haul. Savvy homebuyers understand the value of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green homes and neighborhoods.

Perhaps a way to get the point across is to give features such as improved energy efficiency and air-quality systems the same star billing as elements such as granite countertops and hardwood floors when marketing a home. It also seems not all types of green improvements or products have the same return on investment. Solar panels, for example, are quite good at recouping their installation costs because they can be seen whereas “hidden” enhancements such as insulation and air sealing are less obvious and thus do not attract the same level of attention from a homebuyer.

New Research Supports Trend

It is encouraging to note the public is becoming more aware of the advantages of green homes, as discovered in new reports based out of the Pacific Northwest; additional research shows this trend holds true across the US.

Homes certified as eco-friendly in the Seattle area sold for 8.5% more per square foot and were on the market 22% less time than other homes, according to a report that tracks new sales from September 2007 through December 2009. The homes that underwent the strictest certification -- being tested by third parties and thus likely to be the greenest -- performed even better by commanding prices 25% higher than regular homes, says the ECert report by Seattle-based GreenWorks Realty.

In another report last year from the Portland-based, non-profit Earth Advantage Institute in the city’s metro area, green-certified homes sold for 12% more -- an average of $408,915 -- than non-certified homes from May 2008 through April 2009. Regional Multiple Listing Service data also revealed a premium per square foot with eco-friendly homes getting $193 compared with $173 for other homes.

In both studies, eco homes make up an increasing share of the overall new home market. In the Seattle report, the 973 green-rated homes that sold made up 33% of the total market. In the Portland metro study, 674 such homes sold, representing 16% of all sales. In both studies, the homes are considered green with LEED certification.

The reasoning varies from homeowners who are enticed by the ability to lower utility bills to those who are keen on buying homes built with nontoxic materials, which makes the indoor-air quality cleaner than traditional counterparts -- and many other benefits to both the residents and the environment.

If you are remodeling, building or buying a house, why not stay ahead of the curve by embracing the advantages for both your bank account and health by investing in an environmentally friendly home?

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Green, remodeling, Energy Efficiency

While the investment to go green throughout your home might be too much to handle in one fell swoop, there are abundant ways to take it step-by-step. It won’t be long until you start to reap the benefits of a methodical process that progressively reaches goals of trimming energy use and living in a healthier household. Many of our suggestions are low-cost or free, and some will even save you money.

Here are 10 simple ways you can start living an environmentally friendly lifestyle without breaking the bank:

1. Watch your utility usage. Adjusting the thermostat can save huge amounts of energy and carbon monoxide. You might consider installing a programmable thermostat.

2. Replace standard incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs -- one at a time -- to add up to a substantial reduction in energy usage over time. We posted a blog entry here a while back on the benefits of LED lighting.

3. Replace an appliance -- when the time comes -- with one that is Energy Star-rated.

4. Weather-strip and air seal around the home; caulking and foam sealing can deliver a huge payoff.

5. Try to become paperless both at work and home. Computers and mobile devices have made this very easy to accomplish. Also, remove yourself from mailing lists for catalogues and all kinds of junk mail.

6. Recycle, recycle, recycle everything you can.

7. Look for products that have a low carbon footprint. Keep transportation of these products in mind. It may be the "greenest" product you've ever heard of but if it has to be shipped around the globe that pretty much defeats the purpose.

8. Eat fresh. Buy produce from local farmers rather than the grocery store. Not only will your foods be fresher, they won't have made a gas-guzzling, cross-country journey just to get to you, which often increases the price as well.

9. Drive less. You might not be able to purchase a new fuel-efficient hybrid or diesel vehicle, but there's an alternate method of transportation for everyone. Think buses or carpools. Use video conferencing software. For errands close to your house, why not walk or bike? If you are driving, pay attention to your wheels. By pumping them up you can improve your gas mileage by more than 3%, saving 7 cents per gallon.

10. Fill it up. Run full loads of clothes and dishes. Most of the energy used by dishwashers is to heat a set amount of water, so running smaller loads wastes both energy and water. Air dry dishes for added energy savings.

In these tough economic times you may think going green isn’t an option for you. Just remember you can make a difference without putting out a great deal of money such as for solar panels or a hybrid vehicle. As we have suggested, green living is attainable even on a tight budget. You can make it work!

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Green, Energy

Last week we covered the issue of homes with moisture and water infiltration; now we’d like to touch on preventative measures and corrective procedures to help you remedy the problem.

Basically, you start by inspecting the exterior for roof leaks, siding issues, or failed caulking. Next examine the foundation and the way the grade slopes. Make every effort to direct water away from the home first before trying to solve moisture issues from the inside. Here are a few valid areas of concern to help you better define your plan of attack.

• Manage water outside the foundation walls. The ground around the foundation should be graded to slope down and away from the house to drain surface water. Water from down spouts also should be directed away from the house, discharging at least a few feet from the foundation. Test any underground drains with a hose to make sure they are working properly. Be sure driveways, sidewalks, and patios slope down and away from foundation walls. In some areas, there may not be enough room outside the dwelling to provide proper drainage; in these cases, it is often recommended that interior drain tile and a sump pump be installed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces.

• Use construction techniques to control water, air movement, vapor diffusion, and condensation. Use construction methods and materials which promote the drying of building assemblies. This will reduce the likelihood that warm, moist air will come in contact with cold surfaces, leading to condensation, mold growth, and rot. This includes controlling air movement and using vapor barriers on the warm side of walls and roofs. Proper flashing and drainage techniques should be used to keep rainwater out.

• It is important that the roof and flashing details and construction effectively keep water out of the house as well as assuring the roof and attic designs address the issue of moisture in the form of water vapor to avoid condensation in building cavities. No single strategy works for all houses in all climates, so meet with a professional in your area to determine the optimal solution.

• Ensure the home is properly ventilated, with at least exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen and preferably a mechanical ventilation system designed to ventilate the entire house. Another benefit to using kitchen and bathroom fans is they can also exhaust odors and pollutants from these rooms. These fans can be part of an active ventilation system for the entire house, and help to reduce humidity levels. Vent bathroom, kitchen, and clothes dryer/laundry room exhausts directly to the outside, not into an attic or other enclosed space.

• Regarding air-conditioning gusto, more is not always better. Incorrectly sized equipment can lead to operational and cost problems. Oversized systems can “short-cycle” leading to rapid cooling without reducing indoor humidity levels, which can lead to various problems associated with high relative humidity.

• When humidity drops below 30 percent, homeowners and families may become uncomfortable; this can potentially result in dry mucus membranes, which can lead to nosebleeds and infections. In general, low relative humidity is only a problem during cold weather when the outside air contains very little moisture. It is this dry outside air entering the home through cracks and openings that causes the inside air to dry out. By air-sealing and using energy-efficient construction, uncontrolled air leakage is greatly reduced, a more controlled indoor environment is created, and moisture can be maintained at acceptable levels without the use of a humidifier.

• Manage water inside the foundation walls and in the basement or crawlspace floor. Seal any cracks or joints in the foundation wall or slab with an elastomeric caulk. A word to the wise -- and savvy homeowner -- regarding crawlspaces: fully encapsulating a crawlspace is not the first course of action that should be taken. Don't get talked into an encapsulated crawlspace without an expert opinion.

To find the most cost-efficient and effective solution for the long run, consult with a professional before making any major changes to alleviate water infiltration and moisture issues.

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Building Science

By Duane Johns

As the end of summer approaches it is time to think about the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Kids are back in school and summer vacations have come to an end so you now have time to focus on all of the little things around the house that need some TLC.

As if your list isn't long enough I am going to add a few more things to consider before we all get overwhelmed with the approaching holiday season.
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Tags: Remodeling, Green, Building Envelope