As a Tennessee homebuyer, you have the opportunity to build a sustainable home that suits your needs and fits your budget. By using sustainable materials and construction techniques, you can create a home that is environmentally friendly and economical to operate. Here are some tips for building a sustainable home in Tennessee.
What is a Sustainable Home and Why Build One?
A sustainable home is a dwelling that is designed, constructed, and operated to minimize the impact on the environment. Sustainable homes are built with materials and products that have a small environmental footprint and use energy-efficient systems to minimize utility bills.
Many sustainable homes are also designed to take advantage of natural resources such as sunlight and wind power. By utilizing these renewable resources, sustainable homes can be virtually self-sufficient, greatly reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
So what does it take to build one of these fabulous sustainable homes in Tennessee? Let’s take a look!
Buy vs Build
When it comes to building a sustainable home in Tennessee, there are two main options: buy or build. Buying an existing home is often the more affordable option, but building a new home can be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or build a green home in Tennessee. Cost is always an important consideration, but so is the environment and the future of the home. With careful planning, either option can be a great choice for sustainability in Tennessee.
For instance, if you’re looking for a sustainable home in Franklin, buying an existing home is likely the more affordable option. However, you may have to sacrifice some features that are important to you in order to find a truly sustainable property. Building a new green home from scratch gives you the opportunity to include all the features you desire, but it will be more expensive than buying an existing home.
1. Decide What Features Are Important to You and Your Family
There are so many up-and-coming neighborhoods all over Tennessee and the real estate market has been on the hot list for several years now! New developments are popping up all over the state–from Franklin to Nashville to Chattanooga–and all of these neighborhoods are being built with the best features and most sustainable designs in mind.
Deciding what features are most important to you and your family is the first major step you’ll take to building your dream home. Do you want a home that is completely off the grid? Or are you looking for a home that uses some sustainable features but is still connected to utilities? There are many options available, so it’s important to do your research and figure out what is best for you.
2. Consider the Climate and Environment in Tennessee
When you’re choosing materials and construction techniques for your sustainable home, it’s important to consider the climate and environment in Tennessee. The state has a humid subtropical climate, so you’ll need to choose materials that can stand up to the hot, humid summers and the cold, wet winters.
You’ll also want to think about the resources that are available in the state. Tennessee is home to many forests, so sustainable homes often incorporate wood products from these forests into their construction.
3. Research Sustainable Building Materials and Methods
Once you’ve decided what features you want in your home and considered the Tennessee climate, it’s time to start researching green building materials and methods.
There are many innovative building materials available that can be used to construct a beautiful and environmentally friendly home. Wood, stone, bamboo, and recycled materials are all great options for sustainable construction.
There are also many different construction methods that can be used to build a home. Green roofs, solar power, and rainwater harvesting are just a few of the ways you can make your home more sustainable.
4. Work With a Contractor to Bring Your Vision to Life
Once you’ve decided what materials and construction methods you want to use, it’s time to find a contractor who can help you bring your vision to life.
When you’re looking for a contractor, be sure to ask about their experience with sustainable building. You’ll also want to make sure that they are familiar with the code requirements in Tennessee.
5. Don’t Forget the Landscaping
When you’re building a new home, there are a lot of things to think about–location, design, budget. But one thing that’s often overlooked is the landscaping. Once your house is built, the landscaping is what will really make it feel like home. And if you’re looking to be more sustainable, there are a few things you can do to make sure your landscaping is eco-friendly.
Using native plants is a great way to be more sustainable. Native plants are those that naturally occur in your area. They’re adapted to the local climate and soil, so they don’t need as much water or fertilizer. That means they’re not only good for the environment, but they’re also easier to care for.
Finally, consider using organic materials for your landscaping. Organics include things like wood chips, mulch, and compost. They help improve the quality of your soil while also providing habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. Plus, they break down over time, so they’re environmentally friendly.
6. Enjoy Your New Sustainable Home!
After your beautiful new home is built, you can sit back and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. You’ll save money on your utility bills, have a smaller environmental impact, and be proud to know that you’ve built a beautiful and sustainable home.
Building a sustainable home in Tennessee is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money on your utility bills. With a little bit of planning and research, you can build the home of your dreams and help make the world a better place.