Every home we build is healthy, green, and smart, and we’re not just tossing around buzzwords. We believe that everyone deserves a home that promotes their well-being and that of the environment. We draw inspiration from the wise words of Emmet Martin, who said, “Our true treasures in life are our family and our health.”
These concepts are actually about transforming how we live, positively impacting our well-being, the planet’s health, and your long-term financial investment. So, what’s all the fuss about, and why should you care? Let’s dive into why healthy, green, and smart might just be the game-changers you’re looking for when scouting for your next home in the Vancouver, Washington area.
The Heart of Green Home Building
Imagine building a house that does more than stand there. It saves energy, reduces waste, performs at a higher level, and lasts longer than your average build. That’s the essence of green building. It’s a holistic approach to home construction where energy efficiency, sustainability, durability, and health stand at the forefront.
Building green is about thoughtfully crafting homes with their inhabitants’ comfort in mind and using resources wisely. It’s kinder to your wallet and the earth without sacrificing the comforts of modern living – a win-win.
Breaking Down the Anatomy of a Healthy Home
So what is a “healthy home” anyway? Simply put, it’s a home designed, constructed, and maintained in ways that support the health and well-being of its occupants. In a healthy home, the air is cleaner, the temperatures are consistent, and your mind is at ease knowing things like high-quality insulation and smart home technologies are working together to keep your utility bills low and your comfort high. It’s a place designed not just for living but for thriving.
There are a multitude of ways to implement “healthy” into a new home build. At Urban NW Homes, this is what you can expect to find in each and every home we build:
- Local products sourced within 500 miles
- Pre-wired for solar & electric car charging circuits
- Advanced thermal envelope
- Energy Star-rated appliances
- Low to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- High-performance cooling & heating systems
- Eco-friendly sealants and products
- Low-flow toilets
- Smart thermostats
- Smart vapor retarder
- Radon venting
New Construction Green Homes: Benefits for Homeowners
Choosing a green and healthy home means embracing a lifestyle that’s all about comfort and savings. It’s a decision that offers real, tangible benefits:
- Lower Operating Costs: Energy-efficient appliances and systems mean you spend less on utilities each month. Over time, these savings add up, making the investment in green features a smart financial move.
- Enhanced Comfort: From increased insulation to smart thermostats, every detail in a green and healthy home is designed to maximize your comfort.
- Healthier Living Environment: Improved air quality, reduced exposure to toxic materials, and optimized natural light contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
- Environmental Impact: By choosing a home that uses resources wisely, you’re helping to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the planet and your local community.
- Increased Home Value: Homes with green certifications often command a higher resale value, making them a wise investment in the booming real estate market.
Our Homes Aren’t Just Green, They Are Certified Green
Green and Healthy Homes: Tackling the Cost Myth
There’s a common misconception that going green automatically means spending a ton more upfront. While it’s true that some sustainable features can have higher initial costs, the long-term savings in energy efficiency, along with potential tax incentives and rebates, often balance out the initial investment. Think less spent on energy, fewer repairs, and more savings over time. In fact, with ENERGY Star appliances alone, a typical household can save about $450 on their energy bills each year. Truly, when you live green, you save green.
Plus, with the recent updates to the Washington State Energy Codes, green building practices are becoming more of a standard than a luxury. These changes are pushing the entire industry towards more sustainable practices, which means the additional costs for builders already committed to green building (like Urban NW Homes) are minimal compared to what code-level builders may soon experience. For homeowners, this translates to getting a high-performing home without the sticker shock.
Real-Life Examples:
| With ENERGY STAR, the average homeowner can save 30% or about $8,750 on utility bills while avoiding more than 77,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over the life of these products. | In a 2022 white paper by Freddie Mac on energy efficiency, homes rated for energy efficiency sold for nearly 3% or approximately $35,000 more than comparable unrated homes. |
The Integration of Smart Technology in Modern Home Construction
Discerning homeowners are increasingly demanding smart technology in new home construction, in addition to green and healthy features. At Urban NW Homes, we understand this demand and ensure that all our homes are smart home ready with seamlessly integrated advanced technology. This empowers homeowners to remotely control and automate lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment through smartphones. Our homes allow effortless customization of the living environment, whether it’s adjusting the thermostat on a hot day, monitoring home security while away, or creating the perfect ambiance for a movie night with dimmed lights.
Living the Green Dream with Urban NW Homes
At Urban NW Homes, healthy isn’t an upgrade; it’s our standard. Everyone deserves a place that feels like a personal oasis without costing the earth.
So when it comes time to make your next move, remember: Choosing a green and healthy home isn’t just about today’s benefits; it’s an investment in your future. It’s about feeling good and living well, all while enjoying the financial benefits of lower utility bills and a higher home value. And trust us, once you’ve experienced the difference, there’s no going back.