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Health & Fitness

Why Do We Need More Green on Mercer Island?

A few days ago, I had the honor of presenting at the 2013 Built Green Conference with two very prominent people in the green building community. While at the conference, I learned a lot about where green building is going, and how it's GROWING.

So, why do you care? If you're like many here on the Island, you have owned your house for a long time. You may or may not be thinking about moving at some point, but if you haven't already remodeled, I bet you are seriously considering it!

Let me give you a few good reasons why it's good for you to consider going green when remodeling your home or building new.

1. Better quality, higher (potential) resale value. When you build (or remodel) green, you'll generally be going well above minimum building code. This is something you can brag about in the marketing materials when it's time to sell. Who wouldn't want to buy a house that's built better?

2. Better air quality and health. Using green materials like low- or no-VOC paints (volatile organic compounds, aka the nasty-smelling stuff) and better/more efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems helps keep indoor air clean and fresh.

3. More comfort. A green house is better insulated and sealed than a conventionally-built house, often times at least 30% or more above what building codes require. Less drafts + less wasted heating/cooling = a more comfortable home.Β  Bonus: You'll also save some money on utility bills!

4. Good looks. You may think that a green home has to look like a big box. While there are a lot of those modern-style homes being built, a green home can be built in just about any style you like. Or, if you are remodeling, you can take that mid-century modern house with it's '50s style and give it a green interior makeover! (Which just happens to be a look I love).

Want to know more about green building, certification programs, or green builders/remodelers? Drop me a line! megan@theshaygroup.com

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