Are Eco-Homes Reasonable for a Family?
May 16, 2014
Ecologically-friendly homes may have started as a bit of a fad but it’s quickly becoming more and more popular. Many people are trying to evaluate whether they can make the leap from their current dwellings to something that is gentler on the environment, but it can be very confusing to find the right fit for a family. The following information may give you a better idea of whether it’s reasonable to consider the big move.
To Clutter or Declutter
Do you have a lot of stuff? If so, are you willing to part with most of it? If not, you may find it difficult to find a truly eco-friendly home that will meet both your budget and the space you require. If you focus on being practical, you may discover that less is more. Consider donating your extra belongings to a person or organization who can make good use of it.
Location
Where you want to live may be a major factor in whether you are able to get into the right eco home for your needs. For some, the goal is to live out on an acreage or a more remote location where you can plant vegetables and live off the land. It may be substantially more expensive to build the house and buy the plot but it can pay off in the long run. On the flip side, you can now choose from prefabricated and modular homes in sustainable subdivisions.
Sleek Design
With money, you can custom-build an eco-home to look how you’d like, but many of the styles have more of modern look both inside and out. Sure, it’s only cosmetic but when you are investing in a home, it’s important to be happy and comfortable. If you are looking for a country cottage look, you may have to design your own.
Reputable Builders
Who makes affordable starter homes for the green-loving crowd? There are a fair number of options out there but there are several who can deliver a reasonable home for around $100,000. Consider the Starting Line Up series (Excel Homes), the prefab i-house (Clayton Homes), the Meritage Green Division (Meritage Homes), the ECO-Cottage (Nationwide Homes) and the prefab green models from Blu Homes.
Definitely take your time making a decision. As more builders add green models to their lineup, prices may come down even more and they might add more options in terms of style, size and location. If you are seriously considering it, begin by starting to shed items that you no longer use. This will give you a better idea of the kind of home your family actually needs.
Image: Breezehouse via blu homes
