Although energy efficiency is often the more expensive option in the short term when compared with conventional alternatives, utility bill savings over the life of the efficient product can fully offset the initial cost premium and yield an implicit return on investment for homeowners.

Super-sealing the building envelope is the single most cost-effective measure builders can take to improve the energy efficiency of a zero energy home. Several proven, air-sealing approaches are available.

Standard home construction costs: $100/square foot. Net zero energy home construction costs: $109.80/square foot.

Zero Energy Homes Save You Money from Day One From move-in day and for as long as you own the home, the total cost of living in a zero energy home is lower than that of a comparable standard home. A zero energy home will protect you from a rapid rise in energy prices.

Starting at $175 to $180 per square foot, the houses bring net-zero energy to a price more people can afford. “We’re definitely seeing a lot of demand,” Kaplan says. But some architects and builders have found ways to lower the price of net-zero housing even more.

To achieve net zero energy buildings, optimization of building energy efficiency typically considers the following: (1) lighting, (2) the walls and roof, (3) glazing, (4) heating, (5) ventilation, (6) air conditioning, (7) renewables (8) soft costs, and (9) the building usage and behaviours of the occupants.

dome house

Cube is much more practical shape for a house and still retains an extraordinary area to volume ratio. It is an almost ideal shape for a low energy house. Interestingly, cuboids that are not too flat or too narrow still retain very good area to volume ratio.

The Top 7 Qualities of An Ideal House Built By The Good Real Estate Developers

• The home should be airy and well-ventilated.
• The design of the interiors should be ergonomic.
• The material used in construction should be of good quality.
• The height of the ceilings should be between 10-12 feet.

Based on those factors, here are the 11 most desirable home features:

• Granite countertops.
• Hardwood floors.
• Ensuite master bath.
• Kitchen island.
• Stainless steel appliances.
• Home less than 5 years old.
• Eat-in kitchen.
• One or more fireplaces. > Percentage of home buyers willing to pay more: 40%

Specific Home Amenities and Features

• Appliances: built-in or freestanding; stainless, colored, or cabinetry match.
• Counters: granite, marble, ceramic, stone, wood, laminate, or synthetic.
• Sink: Farm-style, dual, or triple sinks.
• Islands and wet bars.
• Dining bars.
• Under-cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, pendants.

The three things I want in my house are: Shelter. Television. Water.

That said, demand remains intact. The pandemic has served as an obstacle, but buyers are still in the market, and perhaps more ready to buy than ever before….

• Updated Kitchens & Baths.
• Open Floor Plans.
• Low Maintenance Features.
• Energy Efficiency.
• Wireless Connectivity.
• Laundry Rooms.
• Patios.
• Garage Storage Space.

Our spring 2020 homebuyer and seller survey revealed some interesting findings — particularly on the buyer side. For one, space and location are apparently top of mind for today’s homebuyers. According to respondents, a desire for more room or a better locale are the main reasons people want to buy a home this year.

• Nationally, the best time to sell a house is March if you’re trying to sell quickly, while the best time to maximize profit is July.
• Historically, May was the best month to sell a house, but that changed to March in recent years.
• If you’re hoping to sell for more than the asking price, aim for the week of April 22.

It may make sense to wait even if home prices come down in 2021, inventory opens up, and mortgage rates remain competitive. Buying a home at the wrong time is a mistake that could haunt you for years. Don’t rush to buy in 2021 just because mortgage rates are attractive or you’re afraid they’re going to rise.

10 Things Home Buyers Hate About Your Home!

• Bad Smells. Nothing is more of a turn-off than walking into a house that has a smell.
• Dirty house, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
• Messy house.
• Poorly lit rooms.
• Loud Walls and Busy Wallpaper.
• Unkempt yards, untrimmed bushes.
• Wall to wall carpeting.
• Neglected entryways.

Before you grab the paintbrush, check out this list of the four worst colors to paint your home.

• Off-white or eggshell. Shades of white might seem like a safe bet when you’re at the home improvement store, but they aren’t guaranteed to be a big hit with buyers.
• Dark brown. Retire Early.
• Terracotta.
• Slate gray.