Quickscrews
Quickscrews Cabinet Install Screws
Built for strength and precision, Quickscrews Cabinet Install Screws are the go-to choice for professional cabinet installers. Designed specifically for cabi...
$169
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Advice / Tips
Sustainable House Hunting Tips
The process of buying a home can be a daunting one. There are countless things to consider when looking for the perfect home. In recent years, the demand for healthy, efficient homes has grown. There are many things to look for when shopping for an existing home - and sustainable features should be top of mind.
We put together a checklist of elements to look for. These are divided into five themes: energy, water, air, materials, and inclusive living. While this list is not exhaustive of every possible sustainable element, it should provide a foundational starting point in your home shopping journey, and you'll find handy links below if you want to dive deeper into any given item.
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By Maria Saxton, Rise Writer
Feb 11, 2025 · 6 min read
Windows
- Window panes: Double or triple-paned windows will stop air from infiltrating your home's interior. Triple-pane windows are typically 50% better at insulating your home than single-pane and 25% better than double-pane. Many older homes only have single-pane windows, which will likely need to be replaced to improve the house's efficiency.
- Low "E" (low-emissivity) windows: This window coating reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer to keep the home's internal temperature consistent.
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Building Materials
Shop high-performance building materials that are vetted for benefits to your health, your pocketbook, and the planet.
Solar Power
- Solar installation: Of course, a home with existing solar is a significant step towards a sustainable home. Look for homes that have solar already implemented or are well-suited to install solar.
- Solar orientation: Keep in mind that solar can be best optimized when a home is oriented to follow the sun's path. Your local climate plays a significant role in the ideal orientation. The ideal orientation for living areas within a home is between 15 degrees West and 20 degrees East of true North. You'll want to look for a site with no significant obstructions like large trees that could block solar energy. Orientation plays a crucial role in passive solar design.
Water Collection
- Rainwater collection: Look for cisterns and barrels to collect rainwater. Collected rainwater can be used to water gardens as well as in greywater systems to flush toilets.
- Drainage: French drains, combined with sump pumps, can collect and channel water safely away from your home, thus reducing the chances of flood damage.
Water Filtration
- Water filters can be installed to solve a wide variety of water quality issues. Depending on the concern, a consumer can choose between point source or whole house filtration.
- Point-of-entry filtration: If you collect rainwater and want to use it inside your home, a point-of-entry water filter can ensure that the water you use is safe.
Air Quality
IAQ monitors: Keep an eye out for homes that incorporate an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that will report levels of pollutants and other conditions inside your home.
Air Flow/Ventilation
Air exchange rate (the rate in which outdoor air replaces indoor air) is key to high-quality interior air. Not many homes will have this information on hand. However, if the house is newer and has a relatively tight envelope, an HRV or ERV will be vital to attaining appropriate ventilation based on current standards.
Home Building Materials
Materials play a significant role in the health and sustainability of your home.
Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Maria Saxton
Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Maria Saxton holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech. She works as an Environmental Planner and Housing Researcher for a local firm specializing in Community Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Historic Preservation. Her dissertation explored the environmental impacts of small-scale homes. She serves as a volunteer board member for the Tiny Home Industry Association.
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