“Green” gets used for everything these days, so I always ask clients what they mean by it. The answers almost always come down to two things.
First: energy efficiency
People want lower bills and a more comfortable home. That means a well-sealed, well-insulated shell, efficient windows, the right heating and cooling system and a design that works with the sun instead of against it. Some clients go further and want a zero energy or solar-ready home.
Second: a healthy home
Clients with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities often care most about indoor air. That “new house smell” is mostly chemicals (VOCs) coming off building products. Choosing low-emitting materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, good ventilation and details that keep moisture out — so mold never gets started — all add up to a healthier home.
What most people do not want
Most homeowners do not want to pay a big premium for a label, or to live in a house that looks like a science project. They want a beautiful, comfortable home that happens to be efficient and healthy.
That has been my focus for years: making green features affordable for the average custom home buyer, and putting the money where it pays back the most.
So, do people really want green? Yes — once you define it the way they do.
Planning a new home, remodel or addition? Steve offers a free, no-pressure consultation. Call 928-444-7447 (Arizona) or 509-607-0300 (Washington), email steve@stevesenger.com, or send a message.