An eco-friendly house is a home that has been designed and built in an environmentally conscious way and saves energy (and money!) as it is lived in. Eco-homes are becoming more and more popular in current times, and it’s clear to see why. But what are the costs associated with building your own eco-friendly house, and how much could you actually save in the long run? Read on to find out.
As with any building project, the costs associated with building your eco-home can vary greatly, depending on what features you would like your home to have. Eco-friendly homes are rated from levels 1-6 based on a number of sustainability criteria. Level 1 homes are those that are “entry-level” eco-friendly. They will likely be built to specifications just above building regulations, whereas Level 6 homes are said to be carbon neutral. To achieve carbon neutrality, you will need to invest in some more expensive features, such as triple-glazed windows, extensive insulation, and mechanical ventilation with heat loss recovery. It’s not just enough to choose sustainable materials for your home, however, as commercial contractors may not have the expertise to utilise them properly. Specialist eco-friendly home builders will be able to ensure your home is built to the highest standard.
Of course, it’s not necessary to strive for total carbon neutrality, and you can still reap the benefits of an eco-friendly home without all the bells and whistles of a Level 6 home. As you would expect, the running costs of an eco-friendly house are significantly lower. Due to increased insulation, heating costs are dramatically lower, and you’ll find that your home is a more regulated temperature all year round. The addition of solar panels when completing your roof installation will further lower energy usage, and depending on location and weather you could see net-positive energy usage.
