Going Green: Things to Consider When Building Accessory Dwelling Unit

Home Living: Going Green

The majority of home improvement projects reduce the resale or market value of a home. That is not, however, the case with accessory dwelling units. They are considered to be tools in the fight against climate change. Many of the people who are willing to make the investment in building ADU’s consider themselves to be environmental enthusiasts. ADU’s are more likely to add resourcefulness to property than a traditional renovation.

What is a Green Home?

A green home is a type of domicile created for the sole purpose of being environmentally friendly. The primary focus of green homes is to maintain sufficient use of building materials, water preservation, and energy conservation. Ideally, green homes should be healthier for the people living inside of it, compared to a standard home.

Benefits of Going Green

The benefit of green homes is that any home can be made into one or renovated later. ADU’s that have been constructed with environmentally friendly materials tend to be more robust and expensive to build. This is due to the number of high-quality building materials and rigorous construction processes they undergo.

People who live in green homes save more each month than those who live in traditional homes. People living in green homes also used significantly less energy and water in comparison to those who lived in standard homes.

Living in green homes could also mean a reduction in healthcare costs. For example, living in an eco-friendly home could mean fewer visits to the doctor. With the increasing number of insurance companies offering to discount policies that cover green homes, it’s safe to say that living in a green home can also cut back on insurance cost.

The Process

Building an eco-friendly home is a skill that changes consistently as more advancements in technology are made. With scientific breakthroughs emerging, the process you undergo to build a green dwelling today may be different for your neighbor tomorrow.

Building an ADU in Portland exclusively with environmentally eco-friendly materials does not have to be expensive. This is a process you can complete yourself, all at once, or over time. You can do this by building on your own land and adopting reuse practices. You may also want to consider installing energy efficient windows and environmentally friendly lighting.

If you go through a construction company, you may find that this can be an expensive process. Architects and traditional construction companies tend to charge additional fees to cover the amount of time spent researching the information needed to complete this type of process.

Green Home Building Companies

If you are able to partner with a green home building company, it will be a benefit in the long run. These type of companies save you time and money in the building process because of the amount of knowledge they have in this particular field.

These companies are considered low maintenance in operation as some of their practices include using rainwater as an alternative measure when installing plumbing fixtures. The purpose is to reduce water waste. They also ensure that no trash makes it into landfills. This is especially beneficial for the environment and ensures your ecological footprint leaves less of a mark.