Builders need to be aware of the growing demands of homeowners in order to make the right call with new constructions. Ignoring the signs in the real estate market could lead to their properties getting lower bids or being overlooked in favour of ones that respond to current trends. If builders want to get buyers excited about their work, they are going to have to start making net-zero homes.
What is a net-zero home?
If you are not familiar with the term, net zero homes are properties that produce as much energy as they consume — they are estimated to be up to 80% more energy-efficient than other conventionally constructed houses. These types of buildings should be designed with first-rate materials and clever construction methods to stop outdoor air from sneaking inside. The goal is to have a comfortable indoor temperature without any additional aid so that homeowners don’t expend energy on heating or air conditioning.
How can you make your next construction a net-zero home?
To prevent outdoor temperatures from creeping indoors, builders can create airtight-sealing and focus on insulating elements like resilient entrance doors and windows in Kitchener. You can get these materials from a reliable local company like Golden Windows, which has been providing builders and renovators with superior products for decades.
They have a strong environmental commitment, publicly stating that they are participants in the ENERGY STAR program and that they actively promote building green. You can visit their website or their showroom to see the latest options in new windows and Kitchener custom doors with features that maximize energy-efficiency like low-emissivity glass, weather stripping and superior drainage systems. Another element that you should think about adding in your next construction is an eco-friendly electricity source like solar power. You can attach solar panels to the roof of the property or install outdoor lighting systems that harness energy throughout the day and brighten up the garden at night.
Other larger upgrades like a high efficiency furnace can make a big difference, especially for homes that have cold winters. One of the biggest trends is the use of tankless water heaters as they not only save energy but provide comfort as well. You can check out the best tankless water heaters to see which would be the best fit for your home to save money.
Why are these homes the way of the future?
Current buyers are seeing more appeal with sustainable materials, energy-efficient housing and reducing carbon footprints — these desires have increased over the years and they are likely to continue growing in popularity. Another reason why net-zero homes are the future of Ontario housing is that Canada’s federal and provincial government is highly invested in combating the negative effects of climate change. In 2016, Canada signed on to the Paris climate accord, a worldwide promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to create a safer planet. The government’s climate plan aims to have energy-efficient standards in the building code achieve net-zero levels by the year 2030.
Since the building code is expecting to reach net-zero levels by 2030, that leaves builders just over a decade to catch-up. Thinking ahead will help you fare better in a competitive market, where dated constructions will get passed over. If you commit to creating net-zero homes now, you will be ahead of the curve and help the province get one step closer to reaching its climate change goals.
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