The disadvantages of green building can deter some people from eco green living and construction of a sustainable house.
However, most people find that the advantages to using eco-friendly materials and building methods greatly outweigh the disadvantages of green building.
Planning to get started on your log or timber home soon? You’ll need to decide whether you want to include all green building products in your new home, or not…
Since many home builders are not familiar with the newer sustainable home products, you will have to educate yourself, so that you are an informed consumer.
When you use energy efficient building materials and products, you save money on monthly utility bills, and on heating and cooling.
Many people are delighted to save on monthly expenses, while others think that the extra upfront expense and time for learning about sustainable building are not worth the bother.
To learn more about this type of construction and lifestyle, take the time to read Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies.
Not all builders are experienced at working with green building materials like SIPs. Building a log home or timber frame is a specialty niche.
One of the disadvantages of green building is that many good builders are just not familiar with these homes.
They simply don’t know how to work with newer green materials like structural insulated panels or log homes.
Unfortunately most won’t take the time to learn!
You need to find a good builder who understands how to work with green materials.
The Downside of Eco Friendly Construction
Just as there are advantages to green building, there are also disadvantages of green building.
Here are some things to consider:
Cost
Some green construction materials do cost more than conventional building materials. For example, if you build a house with SIPs (structural insulated panels), the initial cost will be slightly higher than a traditional stick built home.
However, over time, you will have incredible savings in energy costs, your home will be peaceful and quiet and you will be more comfortable inside, whether it’s hot or cold outside.
Availability of Green Building Materials
Some eco-friendly products are not available everywhere, so, if you are building in the country (where most log and timber homes are built), you (or your builder) may have trouble finding the materials that you need.
If you need to order from a distant supplier, the cost of shipping can add a substantial cost to your home budget.
Green Home Builders
Many builders and contractors are simply not familiar with newer construction methods, including building green houses.
It may be hard to find someone who is experienced, and many builders do not want to take the time to learn new methods.
Your Time
If working with a builder who is new to sustainable building (but willing to work with you), you will need to do much of the research. And you will need to be more involved in the construction process.
This will not be an absentee owner’s new home.
Lenders
As with log and timber homes, lenders and appraisers often undervalue a green home.
They do not value the extra costs involved nor are they as likely to give you a construction loan on a building process that they are not familiar with.
Resale
This can go in either direction. It can be difficult to sell your green home. This is because most buyers and Realtors are not knowledgeable about green home products and construction methods.
You may have to educate them on its superior energy efficiency and other qualities.
On the other hand, your home is worth more than conventional stick built homes, so you may be able to offer your home at a higher price than a similar home of its size.
Some buyers will recognize your home’s true value and they will be willing to pay the price.
Unfortunately, an appraiser may not, and bank loans could be difficult to obtain for a buyer who needs to borrow most of the cost of the home.
You may have to consider owner financing, if that is an option for you.
In the end, you will have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of green building and decide what is best for your family
