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Eco-Friendly Building Ideas, Plans and Materials

Building Contractors' Referral Services

Updated on Mar 30, 2015

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Eco-friendly building ideas – do they exist? Yes, they do, and it is perfectly possible to design and build your new home using eco-friendly building materials. Most home contractors aim to use eco- friendly materials, and they appreciate the many benefits associated with them. Quite often, they are longer lasting and better for the health of the homeowner.

Most of us are now very concerned about what goes into our homes, and we recognize that using the right materials is a way of protecting our families. In the past, hazardous materials have often been used in home construction, but standards are now higher and stricter.

What are eco-friendly building materials?

Bricks and timber are eco-friendly materials, but as we know there is a lot more to a home than bricks and timber. Making your home more sustainable often means making it cheaper to run, and more energy efficient. However, eco-friendly building ideas are also part of the future of home construction.

Insulation

Take a careful look at the insulating materials that go into your home. There is no longer a need to use glass fiber for insulation. Natural materials such as lambs wool and different types of plant fiber are now being used. Not only are they more sustainable, but many of them help to protect the home from mold and other microbial infestations.

Timber Framing

Timber framing is not only environmental friendly, but it is also quick to install. A lot of timber framing will arrive already assembled, and your home contractor will be able to put it together on site. The less time it takes to finish your new home, the more money you will save.

Discuss the option of timber framing with your home contractor, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the cost and durability.

Heating

Heating and lighting options for your home are all about maximizing your home’s energy efficiency. Underfloor heating is a good option, but there are many other ideas that you want to consider. Solar paneling may not heat the home very efficiently, but it may be a great option for heating the water or when it comes to meeting other home energy needs.

Air source heat pumps are another way of heating your home, and most systems are more efficient than underground heat pumps. They are easier to install, cheaper to invest in and take less maintenance.

Plumbing

It is important to be water efficient as well. Most new built homes are now 50% more water efficient, and the result is lower water bills. You can now even recycle your own water, and use the water from showers to water the garden. Speak to your local plumbing service, and they will be able to give you advice on the best ways you can save water in your new home.

Building a new home is all in the planning. When you set out to build a new home make sure that you have a good working relationship with both your contractor and architect. Take your time in preparing your plans, and make sure that once building work is ready to start, you are happy with everything. This will ensure that the build goes nice and smoothly. Unexpected surprises and new ideas during the actual building process can quickly become expensive.


Linda Annie works for HireContractor.com contractor sourcing network. This web portal automatically matches contractors with projects from buyers by local area and category. Post your home improvement projects, get quotes from local contractors, read reviews, ratings and award projects. It is absolutely free for home and property owners. Visit our website at http://www.hirecontractor.com to find more about us.
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