The most recent Case-Shiller Report indicated that Charlotte Home prices were down 9% over 2008, placing Charlotte real estate 5th best on the Case-Shiller Index of 20 major real estate markets. Better news is that home prices, month to month, were rising, albeit slowly, but for the 3rd month in a row. That 3 consecutive month price rise leads me to the conclusion that home prices had bottomed in Charlotte and things are looking up.
This will take team work so have everyone in the household get involved with making sure lights are off in rooms unoccupied. Have someone assigned to making sure that appliances are unplugged each night. You can cut back on your electrical bill by buying energy saver light bulbs. These bulbs cost more but last much longer and are more Sustainable Homes energy efficient.
Speaking of which, what could be more sustainable than solar? It's not as if the sun is going to burn out any time soon. The average photovoltaic (PV) array has a life expectancy of 40 years now (their warranties are usually 25 years) and pays for itself after only 8-10 years, depending on the location. Very few investments will pay that kind of guaranteed return. After ten years, you're getting free electricity for the next 15-30 years. Not bad. Actually, if energy prices keep rising as seems likely with billions of new consumers online in China and India, your PV array could turn out to be quite the bonanza from an investment standpoint.
These heating systems can be either electric or water-based. Heating coils or pipes are installed in the floor of your home. They are heated electrically or with hot water. The heat is distributed by radiation. Radiant heat is considered to be a very healthy way to heat and it does use a lot less energy.
As with many natural fibers, jute is easy to grow and re-grow, making it a sustainable and renewable resource. It doesn't take up nearly as much space or energy to grow as a tree would, plus it grows more rapidly, allowing for the growth cycle to replenish itself, rather than necessitate planting more trees.
Create excitement. Don't sell your home in the sustainable living traditional way. Green buyers are typically a younger crowd, who like to have an experience with anything that they do. Stage your home mindfully to show very obviously that you cared for it very much. Most realtors advise to depersonalize the home and in most cases it is true but here the opposite works. Tell a story why you decided to make this home green and what benefits it brought to your family and your health.
There are some cons to consider, and one con is that there are certain problems with durability. In most cases, bamboo flooring is long lasting, but things like heavy furniture or even high heels can end up causing damage. The sunlight can also damage the flooring by removing the color.
Things to check for: are that the work and windows are guaranteed. How thick is the glass? Is the timber made from a sustainable source? What colors are available, and will they match your home? Are they certified? These are all things to consider when buying replacement windows for your home, but remember the one who needs to be satisfied over all is you.