Green Home Misconceptions

1) Green homes are more expensive. Although some green remodels and buildings can be expensive, buying a new green home doesn’t have to be more expensive than a traditional home. When builders construct a new home to “green” certification standards, they often pass the cost along to the buyer, which can make the initial price of a new green home higher than that of a traditional one. However, as energy costs continue to rise, many buyers are finding the long-term savings they will accrue from an energy-efficient house outweigh the higher price tag. Also, as the practice of green construction increases, the cost of green building will continue to decrease.

2) Anything that claims to be green, is. Many companies are jumping on the green bandwagon; however, there are many products that claim to be green, but in fact aren’t. Your green-credentialed REALTOR® or EcoBroker® should be able to help you discern what is truly “green” and what is not. Make sure you—and your REALTOR®—know the difference and can cut through the greenwashing.

3) A new home is always a green home. Just because a home is newly built doesn’t necessarily make it environmentally friendly or energy efficient (a key component to having an eco-conscious home). In fact, most new homes are NOT environmentally friendly, as typical materials utilized include VOCs, etc. Having a professional energy audit conducted is the best way to find out how energy efficient a new home is.

4) Green homes look unconventional. Green homes can look the same as traditional homes; they just have different features that make them more environmentally friendly.

5) Green homes are uncomfortable. Green homes can have the same features as a typical home; they just function in a different, more eco-conscious way. Additionally, although some green products, like low-flow toilets, often get a bad rap for not working properly, typically, green products function at the same, if not higher, levels than your standard products.
Did You Know?: Building a standard 2,500-square foot-home creates approximately two tons of construction waste. Construction of a green home usually generates 50 to 90 percent less waste.

For more information about going green please visit CAR.org

Tell me what your thoughts are about going green?

~Angel Lynn