New Home Ideas in the Northwest
The homes that are on the drawing board today are a far cry from your parents' first dwelling in both plans and building materials. Architects and engineers are using the latest in energy-saving designs and environmentally-friendly materials to do help you do your part in protecting the earth. Here are just a few of the many innovations:
1. Design: - Placement of energy-efficient windows which can both use the warmth of the sun to help heat the home in winter and cut down on the rays for cooling in the summer.
2. Materials: - Cutting down on the materials and glues which produce off-gassing such as formaldehyde and carcinogens which can be found in composite board, vinyls, paints and flooring. New insulation techniques keep the home warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter
3. Recycle: - The use of materials taken from demolished buildings such as wood mantle-pieces, stained glass, staircases, railings, wrought-iron fences, doors and fixtures.
4. Moveable Living Spaces - Large rooms, a popular feature amongst buyers and builders who prefer an open concept, can be cordoned off to form smaller rooms by using sliding doors and other flexible partitions.
5. Easy Accessibility - New homes can be used for the life of its occupants by using wide entrance doors, larger bathrooms and kitchen areas and the installation of small elevators which can easily transfer people between levels.
6. Easy Storage - Older homes were big on pantry and washing areas but put very little though into other forms of storage and clothes closets. The new homes make storing a vital part of the planning which cuts down on the need for external storage rental.
7. Sun and Garden Rooms - Imagine growing vegetables and African violets in the winter. This is achievable with a properly-built sunroom area which would also help heat the home in the winter time.
8. Heating and Cooling Systems - Innovations in heating and cooling systems make the home more comfortable without the heavy cost of older units.
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