Real Estate Articles
Green Building and “Forever Home” Becoming Major Design Trends
Award winning and nationally recognized designer Iris Harrell sees green building and universal design as two major design trends today. In fact, she predicts green practices and the "forever home" will become more important to buyers as a smart alternative to the conventional home.
The founder and CEO of Harrell Remodeling, who is also an affiliate of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, said Realtors who become more knowledgeable about these latest housing trends can serve well as their clients' trusted advisor.
Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating structures and using materials that are environmentally friendly and efficient in terms of energy usage, durability and operating cost. In the state of California, and particularly in the Bay Area, green building is the hottest trend and the "way to the future." Right now, the state and local governments are encouraging it, but soon, it will be a mandate, according to Harrell.
Harrell reminded Realtors early this year California's building commission adopted the first statewide green building code in the nation, which mandates water use reductions and waste recycling in new buildings. "CalGreen," which will take effect January 2011, requires builders to install plumbing that reduces indoor water use by as much as 20 percent; divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills to recycling; and to use low-pollutant paints, carpets, and floors. It mandates inspection of energy systems to make sure heaters, air conditioners and other mechanical equipment are working efficiently. It also requires the installation of water meters for different uses in non-residential buildings. Local governments may retain stricter green building standards, if they already exist, or to adopt stricter versions of the state code, if they choose.
Right now, local jurisdictions are encouraging residents to go green with prescriptive measures, such as caulking, weather stripping and insulating their homes. Some cities are offering free energy audits to help residents learn how to make their home more energy efficient.
The biggest criticism about constructing green buildings and homes is the price, but this is no longer the case, said Harrell. Now, even the government is offering financial incentives for installing solar panels and energy star appliances. Financing for clean energy projects is becoming more readily available through programs like PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy), CaliforniaFIRST, Bay Area Retrofit and Home Star. Harrell expects more programs will be offered to make going green more affordable for citizens.
California "wants to be on the leading edge, not the bleeding edge of green," Harrell remarked.
Harrell said the "forever home" is also gaining widespread popularity, even among homeowners with no physical need. More people are breaking the cycle of moving to a different home when their needs and lifestyle changes and they staying in their homes longer. In difficult economic times families are realizing the practicality of staying put in a home that already has equity.
A forever home appeals to longevity, is accessible to people of all ages and multi-generational lifestyles. The home would have handrails installed in the bathroom, wider doors and hallways, along with innovative designs, such as a ramp that looks like part of a deck or an elevator. Harrell said some homeowners find installing an elevator in 4 feet by 6 feet of space more economically feasible than purchasing a new home.
More California builders are already incorporating universal design and sustainable design, with features like a bathroom vanity and kitchen counter that can be raised and lowered as needed, curbless showers, custom lighting fixtures, photo-voltaic solar panels and energy star appliances.
"California has led the way in making homes safer and cleaner. Expect to see more building codes, but we have to live with them as our friend, because you are dealing with the health and safety of your client," Harrell told Realtors.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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