If You Want To Buy A New Build, Make Sure It’s Energy-Efficient

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If you want a new build house, make sure it has features that are good for the environment. Climate change is a big worry, and many of us are looking for ways to do things that are better for the environment. It’s great to use less single-use plastics and your car less, but you can make an even bigger difference by thinking about how eco-friendly your home is. Read on to find out what you should be looking for. 

Do Your Homework

If you want a new build property, find out what the developer’s policies are on energy and the environment. For example, homes that aren’t well insulated or heated efficiently will use more energy than homes that are better built. This will cost you more and use more resources. Minimum standards must be met for new homes, but there can be big differences in how different builders do their jobs. Before buying, look for developments with more eco-friendly features and compare the specs carefully. You can also get plenty of advice on what makes an energy-efficient home from All Seasons Group, so make sure you check them out.

Insulation

Look for homes that are built with energy efficiency in mind by putting the material of the building above everything else. This is known as a ‘fabric first’ approach, and it means that all parts of the building have been insulated better than what is required by law. To keep the heat inside, it’s also important to stop air leaks and thermal bridges. Check the insulation before you buy a home because it is a key part of keeping your energy bills low.

Smart Technology

A smart home can automatically cut the amount of energy you use. For example, a smart thermostat can change the temperature in your house based on your daily schedule, so you don’t waste heat when no one is home. You can also cut down on your energy use with smart lighting and other systems.

Lighting And Electricity

Use natural light as much as possible so you don’t have to use as much artificial light. Look at the light that comes into your new home from the outside. Look for lights inside the house that use less energy, whether they are traditional bayonet pendants or LED recessed down lights. If you want to change your car to a hybrid or perhaps an entirely electric vehicle in the future, check to see if your new build has the wiring you need to install fast-charge points.

A Green Environment

Check to see if the builder of the home you’re thinking about has thought about the gardens and other green areas nearby. Is there a plan for the landscape that will help with drainage, wildlife, places to play, the look of the landscape, and a lot of native plants that will help some very important plants and animals grow? Are there any other ways to help the environment, like paths for animals to move freely between the gardens or places for birds to nest?