To date, very few houses use green building techniques. However, this does not mean that you can’t fit your current home with green features which will eventually give you a similar return on investment. To follow is a quick guide on how we can help you retro fit your home with green features.

Choose the right suppliers

Green home development is a growing industry at the moment. Because it’s still relatively new, there are a number of companies out there that do not know how to fit these systems competently. Be very aware of who you choose as your supplier and installer of choice.

Consider researching the following green home suppliers:

  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Photo-voltaic panels, batteries and installation
  • Insulation factors for the walls, ceiling, doors, windows and floor
  • Hydronics radiant cooling & heating system
  • Low maintenance green components such as aluminium, bamboo, stainless steel, etc.

Consult with experts and do your research

After consulting with a number of experts, researching online and trial & error, the perfect formula can be found to construct the perfect green home. If you are planning on implementing one or two features to your current home, be sure to talk to the right people first. And if you plan to build your own green home, chat to our developers and allow us to give you some guidance.

Calculate your return on investment

It’s not always worth it to implement green features to an existing home. You already know you’ll be saving in the long run, but consider the initial amount that needs to be laid out. Calculate the amount you will initially invest compared to the following factors:

  • How long do you plan on living in that particular home?
  • Will the new green components act as selling points when you eventually sell?
  • Will you get your money back when you sell?
  • How much will you save monthly on utility costs?

You may find that it’s more worth your while buying a green home than converting your current home into one.

Make green home features a buying imperative

Once you go green, stay green! If you’ve fitted a solar geyser into your current home, don’t settle for anything less in your next home. There isn’t currently much of a green trend, but that will change over the next few years. If you want to protect your investment, insist on homes that are fitted with green features and grow the demand for such houses.

Going green is not as hard as you may think. Do your research, plan ahead and grab your calculator.

Emmanuel van der Meulen