Real Estate Information Center

Building a house is certainly not an easy task. A huge amount of money, resource and time is involved in building a house. With rising cost of living and price of goods, things have become all the more difficult for an average citizen. A basic necessity like shelter has become a dream for many. However, constructing a house that is cost effective is not a difficult task. It is indeed not difficult to build affordable green homes. These homes will tackle the issue of environmental pollution.

The best thing about these houses is they are easily affordable by all. Constantly declining fossil fuels, global climate changes, have made it imperative on our part to look for alternative means of energy. Going green is the way. There are many beautiful houses that are built on these lines. The materials used in the construction of green products use very little energy. This has a direct impact on the reduction of carbon emission. Eco friendly design methodology can also reduce energy consumption by minimising energy inputs for heating, cooling and light, and incorporating energy efficient appliances. This will help you save energy and money as well. It is a smart way to build house that is eco friendly too. Such houses can withstand all kind of weather.

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Climatic changes that are taking place are affecting nature adversely. There is an urgent need to tackle this problem lest it gets out of hand. Melting ice glaciers and monsoon delay is affecting everyone. Environmental pollution has caused immense damage to the nature. It has created an imbalance and also affected the climate. The only way to dealing with the problem is by using environmental friendly products for the construction of house. Eco friendly construction is not a difficult thing. With little guidance and direction, this can be made a possibility.

There are many environmental construction companies that use environmental friendly products. They can give suggestions on eco friendly construction, energy conservation & innovative ideas. Eco friendly construction methods and materials that are used can prove to be beneficial for the cause of nature.

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After the recent meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Harper it became apparent that the environment is now a high priority for the governments of both Canada and the United States. This probably means that suddenly everyone has to start thinking ‘green’ both at the office and in their homes. Energy conservation, renewable energy, recycling and many other environmental issues will be front and center in the very near future.

However, for the past decade one company in Calgary—Kanas Corporation—has been developing energy efficient and smart technology for Green Buildings and at the same time providing affordable housing. Their experiences to date, plus their research into new technology, ensures that we have a leader for the greening of our lifestyles right here in our own backyard.

Continue reading ‘Greener Homes Built and Under Construction’ »

Insulating concrete forms (ICF) is a relatively new method of construction that is finding a strong following with home owners and businesses alike that are interested in energy efficient structures. ICF construction can be utilized throughout a structure, from foundation walls through to concrete ceilings.

The basic premise with ICF construction is the use of heavy-duty foam blocks that interlock to form a wall. These blocks are then secured with continuous rows of rebar. The forms are then situated in place and filled with a continuous pour of concrete. The resulting wall is typically 12 inches thick consisting of a core of 6 inches of reinforced concrete and 2-3 inches of the insulating rigid foam on both the interior and exterior of the finished wall. As you might guess, this wall is incredibly strong, and resilient to high winds and extreme temperatures.

The finished structure is able to be finished using traditional finishing materials. On the exterior walls stucco, siding, or bricks can be installed, and on the interior drywall or plaster can be utilized. The interior plumbing and wiring are put in place by the plumber and electrician cutting channels in the interior foam and running their wires and pipes.

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5 Cheap and 5 Not so Cheap Ways to Green a Client’s Home for Sale:

The Not So Cheap:

5) Install new energy efficient appliances. A typical home’s electricity bill is $100 per month. The EPA estimates that approximately 18% of a home’s energy usage comes from appliances. Installing new energy efficient appliances use 25% less energy then a 10 year old appliance. In more real terms that means a home can save at least $5 a month from installing new energy efficient appliances. For Realtors, you won’t be able to sell your clients on replacing appliances based solely on monthly energy savings, but it can certainly be part of your sales strategy…..in addition to adding to the aesthetic value of the home.

4) If installing new hardwood floors, opt for Bamboo. Why do you ask…..simply put Bamboo grows to its full size in about 4 years while other woods used for flooring take approximately 75 years.

3) Insulate your home again(especially good for homes built before 1960)….although an initial cost outlay it can save you 20% on your monthly gas/electric bills. Check to see if your home has attic insulation as most do not-this is a great place to start!

Continue reading ‘5 Inexpensive Ways to Green Your Home – 5 Expensive Ones As Well!’ »

Looking to buy or rent a green home? These days, lots of green homes are going on the market as sellers and landlords recognise they’re in demand. But how is one to know which homes are truly green?

Here’s a checklist of features to look out for and questions to ask to determine the green quality of your next home.

Eco Home Tip 1 – Location Location Location – pick a location that’s convenient and easy to get to. Close to shops, amenities and public transport will reduce the amount of emissions that come from getting around. Inquire about the council’s recycling program.

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If you are in the market for a new home and you’re interested in adding a solar array, there are some things that you’ll want to keep in mind as you visit perspective homes. Properly evaluating homes before you buy can save you money and headaches later.

First, research the available subsidies. The Federal Government offers a generous tax credit on solar arrays installed after the beginning of 2009 and it is applicable anywhere in the US. Subsidies offered by states and utilities vary from absolutely nothing to very generous amounts (sometimes as much as half of the installed cost of the system). In particular, pay attention to what subsidies different utilities in your state offer. Some may be generous, others stingy. Find out which utility serves the property you’re considering buying.

Continue reading ‘Three Things to Consider When Evaluating Homes For Solar Power’ »

Eco friendly homes can be great investments. Not only are they helpful to the environment, they are also very valuable financial wise. Homeowners who go green can save a lot of money on their electric bill each month. They can also increase the worth of their home and sell it for a lot of money.

If you want an eco friendly home, you’ll be glad to know that customization has never been easier. You can even build your own solar panels or wind generators if you wish. The plans are on the internet, and the parts aren’t hard to come by at all. You can order kits online that contain all the parts necessary for getting started.

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When you hear the suggestion to buy a “green” home, bear in mind it doesn’t mean you should buy a house that is physically painted green. Living green these days refers to being more mindful of the environment and working to lessen your carbon footprint. If you have the opportunity to move into a new home, why not consider making a fresh start by doing everything you can to create an environmentally-friendly place to live? You’ll find it’s not expensive to do, and it can help reduce clutter and increase homeowner satisfaction when you discover how much money you can save.

Searching for a Green Home

As real estate agencies become more knowledgeable on green living, you may find it easy to spot the most important elements needed to make an environmentally-friendly house. As you tour potential residences with a Realtor, look for the more obvious signs:

Continue reading ‘What to Look For in a Green Home’ »

Preference in home ownership tends to be cyclical. For decades people looked to the suburbs and outlying areas of major cities for living options, generally because larger properties could be had at reasonable costs. These days, however, we see a shift toward urban residency and a down-scaling of personal items. Choosing to live downtown, in fact, can make for a greener existence and help lessen your carbon footprint.

The Advantages of Downtown Living – the Green Way

Commuting to work seemed less of a hassle when gas prices were affordable. If you work in the downtown area, chances are buying or renting a condo or loft may have greater appeal. A shorter trip to work, augmented by public transportation or merely the chance at some exercise, definitely proves a more eco-friendly lifestyle. As downtown residences develop, so do surrounding city blocks by establishing grocery stores, boutiques, doctors’ offices, and other services. Continue reading ‘Downtown Living Offers Greener Options For Residents’ »