Energy Efficient

A place to call home – it’s different these days. Between changing family dynamics, lifestyles, technology, and multi-generations living under one roof, new building trends have evolved – in our opinion, for the better. Take a look at some of the features and uses that builders are increasingly incorporating into home designs, and tell us what you think about them.

Universal Design

One element on the rise is comfort and accessibility for people of all ages. Single-story residential communities are more and more popular, with features such as wide doors and hallways, flexible floorplans, creative storage and sleeker design for items such as grab bars, shower seating, and cabinet and closet pull-downs. Forward planning like this makes it possible for homeowners to not only accommodate multiple generations living longer under one roof, but allows them to age in their own home without sacrificing either independence or style.

Multi-Functional Rooms

Every inch counts these days, and it’s a popular philosophy in new homes. It’s possible to design stylishly yet practically, and builders are proving that more every day. Intimate pocket spaces such as nooks and alcoves, transition spaces that work with built-ins, versatile home offices, and even main-level laundry rooms that include with storage for art or craft hobbies. They’re changing the face of what we used to know about home use.

Outdoor Living

Bring that outdoors – in! We’re seeing it more every day with inspired indoor courtyards, extended verandas, patios, and decks that are replacing the traditional backyard. Outdoor kitchens, living rooms, fireplaces and gardens to relax, entertain, and dine in style are in demand, and builders are accommodating with style.

Smarter Storage

The square footage of homes might be shrinking a bit on average, but that only means that smarter storage is in even higher demand. Spaces that were previously overlooked and underutilized are being tapped for extra stowaway space, including stairways, window seats, and even walls.

Smart and Energy-Efficient

The next generation of millennial homebuyers is looking for technology that fits in with their lifestyle. And they also choose to be kinder to the planet – which puts energy-efficiency at the heart of the home, too. These two elements continue to evolve and intertwine, so builders are eager to include them both into homes that are easy to program and will also save resources.

We’re keeping our eyes open for what’s new in home design nationwide. We invite you to share with us the trends that inspire you.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

In a world with soaring energy costs and warmer temperatures, more and more people are looking to make their homes more energy efficient and therefore ‘green’.

Many people don’t know where to start or are overwhelmed with what needs to be done.

What are the benefits of making your home energy efficient?

1. You are doing your part in making the world a greener place.
2. Reducing your energy expenditure for space heating and cooling.
3. Higher resale and/or leasing values & marketability.
4. Enhanced environmental quality & decreased pollution.
5. Energy efficiency can also boost the local economy and create downward pressure on natural gas prices and volatility.

Here are several ways that you can make your home energy efficient:

1. Insulate walls and attic. By insulating all the walls and attic in the house you are stopping heat from escaping during the winter or flow into the house during the summer. This will reduce both the cost and the need to heat and cool the house during the respective months.
2. Caulk the exterior. Take a caulk gun and fill in any gaps around the exterior. Key places to caulk would be anywhere there are pipes running into the house, around doors and window frames and any cracks in the exterior wall. This will reduce air flow into the house and help the house to retain it’s heat.
3. Plant shade trees and shrubs. By planting shade trees and shrubs around the house, you are creating an extra layer of protection from the sun’s radiation throughout the summer and an extra source of heat during the winter. And, of course, the yard will look beautiful.
4. Replace existing light-bulbs with CFLs. Replacing the existing light-bulbs in the house with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), will reduce energy use by 3/4 compared to incandescent light-bulbs.
5. Improve efficiency of your water heater system. There are 3 things you can do aside from buying a new water heater. 1) Turn your water heater down to the warm setting. 2) Insulate the hot water pipes. This will prevent the water from cooling down as quickly in between uses. 3) Use low-flow fixtures for the showers and baths.
6. Upgrade or replace windows. Replacing windows, especially single-glazed windows, with Energy Star-rated replacements will improve your energy usage by 7-24 percent.
7. Change your air filter. Check your air filter regularly. If it is dirty then replace it. This should be done at least every 3 months. A dirty filter will block the air flow and make the system work harder to heat or cool the house.
8. Use solar film or solar shades on windows. Reflect heat, and therefore lower cooling costs, by shielding exterior windows with solar film or solar shades.
   
9. Replace your refrigerator. This essential appliance is also the most energy-guzzling appliance. Replacing your refrigerator with a new Energy Star-rated refrigerator will see a 20-40% difference in energy use and cost.