Building a new home is all about choices.
Modern or traditional? Brick or cladding? An extra kids room or a theatre room for the adults?
To get the most value out of your new home build, you must consider elements that are going to add value to your home and save you money in the long run.
Investing in energy efficient solutions could cut long-term costs associated with owning a home, particularly considering the weather conditions that homes must endure in Perth.
Recently, a home in the Perth suburb of Schofields made headlines proving that an energy efficient home may not set you back as much as you may have anticipated. The home, built in 2011 and designed by Australian building products company CSR, set the owners back between $300 and $400 in power costs per year.
Imagine a minuscule energy bill, and an added bonus when it comes time to sell the home.
Here are COL Construction’s top recommendations for energy efficient materials and cost cutting methods of power you should consider when building your home.
Design
There are a number of ways to incorporate energy efficiency solutions to your home during the design process, from window location and size to building materials which is why speaking to a reputable and experienced builder is key!
Orientation
Living areas and rooms that are used more during the day should be north-facing to catch sun and light for the longest part of the day, meaning you save electricity lighting the space in winter, and leaves bedrooms positioned on the southern side, making them cooler at night in summer and also cuts costs on cooling.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important ways to reduce your home heating and cooling costs. There is a whole host of new foam insulation technologies made with environmentally friendly and advanced composite materials on the market now. These ensure heat doesn’t escape from the roof, walls and other areas of the home during cold winter months.
Materials – Light-weight construction
The drive for energy-efficient building comes down to a quest for the “tight envelope”. In layman’s terms, the better that structure keeps out the wind and the rain, the tighter its envelope. Many builders and homeowners shy away from methods of light weight construction because of the higher costs, however, the short-term expense can often equal long-term savings. Additionally, the market for light weight construction material in Australia is growing, meaning costs are not as high as they once were.
Find out more on the YourHome Government website >
