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Environmentally Friendly Custom Home Trends For 2012

Written By Unknown on Saturday, June 2, 2012 | 11:46 AM

There is nothing more exciting than building your dream home. Imagine a space set up for your exact needs, which functions specifically for your family and your lifestyle. The possibilities are endless when you start to dream. Advances in technology have helped create more energy efficient homes with a smaller carbon footprint. The following are just a few of the most popular eco-custom home trends for 2012.

Environmentally Friendly Custom Home Trends For 2012

• Smaller square footage. While in the past bigger was always considered better, nowadays people are trending towards custom homes that fit their needs. There is an economy of space that is being considered when new homes are constructed.

• Incorporating portions of the previous home. If the previous home is a teardown, but has rustic charm or historic significance, builders are preserving sections of the old home into the new.

• Buying locally available materials. The less transportation involved in acquiring materials for a project, the better. That translates into cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint.

• Use recycled and reclaimed materials. Houses have been built for under $10,000 using salvaged materials including windows, wood, counter-tops and more. Antique finishes and furniture fall into the recycled category.

• Insulated windows. While double-paned windows are more expensive than single-paned windows, they will save you money in the long run by lowering the cost of heating a home. Most air escapes through windows and doors.

• Bamboo or reclaimed wood flooring. Carpets have toxins that can leech into a home. If you are considering carpeting, use natural materials like wool.

• Passive and active solar heating. Using windows to harness the sun. This means large south-facing windows that allow heat to enter in the winter. Insulated blinds help keep heat in or block heat in the summer. Active solar panels will continue to bring down costs.

• Low flow toilets and showers.

• Recycling grey water to use for watering plants or flushing toilets.

There are so many technologies still being tested when it comes to energy efficient living spaces and as people's awareness grows, more and more people are finding ways to incorporate green technology into their custom homes. Always look for a general contract who is experienced in green building and LEED certifications. A general contractor should be able to direct you to builders and designers that share an affinity for creative solutions for any type of property in any landscape. Working with knowledgeable designers and general contractors can help you achieve your green custom home.

Southern California Construction & Design believes home remodeling and building can be done efficiently, precisely and immaculately while staying on budget. Communication is a key ingredient to our business's success. Providing cost analysis and breakdowns help prevent frustration on the owner's part and opens a dialogue for satisfied customers. When possible we use recycled materials as well as recycling materials from jobs to do our part in protecting the environment. Visit SoCal Construction & Design today.

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