As we continue to find ways to lower the carbon footprints on Earth, we need to think beyond recycling junk and using electric cars. Why not find a way to live on Earth (which is our home) that is sustainable and ecological? However, environment-friendly houses do not mean living in recycled containers, a yurt, or a tiny cabin in the woods or mountains.
If you reside in LA, it can be achieved easily with the help of eco-friendly general contractors or Los Angeles home remodeling companies. But before hiring a contractor to make an eco-friendly home, remember the following five pointers on things to consider for a sustainable home.
- Go Small and Vertical
In the planning phase, remember to design a house that fulfills the requirements and not to build a palace. If a bigger house is required, go vertical instead of horizontal and keep the land around the home undisturbed. With lofts and spiral staircases in vogue for smaller eco-homes, you can get the maximum square foot while reducing the impact on the land. Also, a smaller home requires less energy and fewer building materials, and it helps the Earth to cool down faster.
- Use Sustainable Materials
Once the architectural planning on the house’s layout is done, it’s time to consider the materials used for the building. Look for eco-friendly materials to minimize the environmental impact while promoting sustainability.
Materials that can be used are:
- Recycled aluminum and steel
- Reclaimed wood
- Bamboo
- Sheep’s wool
- Cork
- Straw bales
- Better Enveloped Building
Part of building green architecture is thinking of proper house insulation with efficient, better windows and improved wall systems. One needs to be mindful of ensuring that the house is sealed well so that air leakage, improper glasses on windows and doors, and inefficient paneling are not there. The house should be built that has an effective climate control system in place.
- Go With Green Technology
Often, it is said that installing photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and radiant roofing are expensive. However, in the long run, they are not only cost-effective. But using renewable energy is the only way to become an eco-conscious and eco-friendly homeowner. Using green technology also includes finding organic and ethically sourced paints and installing electric and water fittings that ensure zero waste.
- Adapting With New Landscaping
An environment-friendly home continues after the construction of the house. The work should continue outside to ensure that the impact on the land can be attenuated with landscaping. But ecologically sustainable landscaping requires one to follow:
- Managing the rainwater
- Selecting plants carefully
- Opting for permeable surfaces for parking and driveways
- Keep the gardening area that is friendly to animals and birds
A Single Step for Becoming Eco-Conscious Homeowners
We are all aware that the world has limited resources, and we must be careful how to use them and create a sustainable environment. This concern should be the guiding point when remodeling or building a new house. As a new homeowner, it would be advisable to search for a general construction company like Evolve Contractors, which has GREEN Innovation as its cornerstone when building houses as a Los Angeles general contractor.
Since LA has several protocols and rules to follow when building a house, making a sustainable, eco-friendly home is becoming a priority for the state. Evolve Contractors understands this and will guide the new home builders to get the best pricing while developing an eco-conscious house, for which both the homeowner and the Earth will be thankful!
