The COVID-19 pandemic is having a resounding effect on the way people live in the Tennessee Valley – not only in how they interact with those around them but also in how they view their homes.
More time at home might be changing the way individuals think not only about the measurable elements of their homes, such as the square footage available to use as work space, but also the quality-of-life elements, like indoor air, noise reduction and overall home performance.
High-performance homes can provide increased comfort, improved air quality, reduced noise and lower energy and water bills, which can benefit health, well-being and finances for you and your family.
Your current home might not provide these benefits now but investing in remodeling or a new home could ensure they’re incorporated going forward. Asking the right questions will help ensure you’re getting the types of features you’re looking for in a remodel or your next new home.
For example, you might notice the air conditioning or heater running all the time or fluctuating in temperature as you move from room to room throughout the day. Or maybe you’re using more energy and water during the daytime, so you’re increasingly concerned about how this will affect your utility bills.
Raising these types of concerns with a homebuilder or remodeler can help them identify the right high-performance solutions for your current or future home.
Solutions might include products and building materials to increase energy efficiency, such as smart thermostats to help regulate temperature, high R-value insulation in floors, walls and ceilings to retain heat within home, weather-stripping around windows and doors to avoid air leakage, which can overwork air conditioning units, waterSense-labeled fixtures to reduce water usage and appropriately sized heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment to comfortably and efficiently heat and cool your home
Other solutions might include products and building materials to improve ventilation and air quality, such as smart appliances to improve efficiency, HVAC systems with sensors and automation to help regulate circulation and sustainable building materials that use fewer chemicals and irritants.
For more information, ncluding specific questions to ask your homebuilder, visit homeperformancecounts.info.
Home Performance Counts is a joint initiative between the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors to help homeowners better understand the rapidly growing high-performance home marketplace.
To find a professional who can help you make your home livable, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s online directory at HBAGC.net.