| Green homes are the trend these days. In a | | | | involves a lot of money, at least more than |
| world where people are fast using up the earth's | | | | conventional homes do. On the contrary, |
| natural resources and irreversibly so, green | | | | experienced green home builders say that building |
| buildings have gained importance in the real estate | | | | a green home is not as expensive as it is hyped |
| industry. Green building techniques include the use | | | | to be. Custom builders can build green properties |
| of building materials that are renewable and locally | | | | at the same costs it takes to build conventional |
| available. Green homes protect the environment, | | | | homes because green building materials are now |
| control energy costs and may serve as | | | | readily available and cost efficient. Green products |
| affordable housing. Today more and more builders | | | | such as user-friendly insulation, chemically neutral |
| are focusing on building green homes as these | | | | paints and flooring, natural landscaping products, |
| structures are proving to be profitable | | | | compact fluorescent bulbs, solar roof panels, etc. |
| investments. | | | | are all readily available. Because most green |
| Many people believe that building green homes is a | | | | products are energy efficient, installing them helps |
| social and environmental responsibility and should | | | | the home owner save a lot of money that |
| be promoted by not just governmental | | | | otherwise would go toward footing a home's |
| authorities, but also by builders, developers and | | | | utility bills. |
| real estate professionals. Green homes save | | | | Environmental consultant David Johnson in his |
| money and maintenance and are healthier to live | | | | book "Building Green in a Black and White World" |
| in. | | | | provides extensive survey information on home |
| Building a green home is not complicated as one | | | | buyers' preference of green homes. One national |
| would think. The National Association of Home | | | | survey puts the percentage of the market that is |
| Builders has listed guidelines for building green | | | | open to and interested in green buildings at a |
| homes that are very useful for home builders. | | | | whopping 50%. This is proof enough for the |
| The guidelines include an easy-to-use checklist that | | | | growing popularity and demand for green homes. |
| builders can follow during the construction process. | | | | Builders can join their local green building programs |
| With local home building associations creating | | | | to take advantage of this growing market |
| regionally appropriate green building programs, the | | | | segment. Home buyers can opt for green homes, |
| concept of 'green homes' is taking off among | | | | which are energy efficient, environmentally |
| home builders. | | | | friendly, durable and cost efficient. |
| Some people believe that building green homes | | | | |