A brand new home is an opportunity to start fresh with modern, energy-efficient features. After all, what home built in the ’70s would have tankless hot water and solar panel roofing by default?
Here is a rundown of 8 cool must-have features every new home needs.
Take this list with you on your next home tour!
Premium Waterproof Flooring
Whether you’ll be sharing your home with pets or children, damage potential is a common concern when buying a home.
In common areas, opt for vinyl flooring, which will protect your floor from dog accidents and juice spills. As an added bonus, look for waterproof flooring backed with an acoustical pad (like those in Green Vista Homes) to minimize sound and provide additional comfort.
Tankless Hot Water
Imagine never having to worry about your space-hogging 50-gallon water tank springing a leak. Even better, imagine never running out of hot water in the middle of your shower.
Tankless hot water heaters are space-saving, energy efficient solutions to common problems found in traditional water heaters.
The Department of Energy estimates tankless water heaters to be 24-50% more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts.
As an added bonus, tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years, compared to 10-15 years for tank heaters.
Minimalist Landscaping
Giant, maintenance-intensive yards can be tedious for retirees and busy families alike. That’s why minimalist landscaping is so important in a new home.
Your new yard should be filled with plants that are native to the area (at Green Vista, we landscape each yard with plants native to the Pacific Northwest). In general, native plants require less irrigation and care compared to exotic plants.
A minimalist yard might also include beautifully placed rocks and mulch.
The benefit of having a minimalist yard as a new homeowner? You’re free to enjoy your new yard with little mowing or maintenance in mind.
Solar Panel Roofing
Solar panel roofing is one modern home feature that shouldn’t be overlooked, even if you live in an overcast area like many cities in the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to helping the environment by tapping energy from the sun, solar panel roofs may reduce energy costs, improve your home’s resale value, and extend the lifespan of your roof, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
- Your energy bill savings will depend on usage, but electricity for residential households in Whatcom County is currently nearly 11 cents per kilowatt hour (if you use more than 600 kWh per month).
- On average, solar panels increase a home’s value by 4.1%, according to an analysis by Zillow in 2019.
- Solar panels extend the lifespan of your roof by protecting it from the elements and absorbing sunlight.
If your new home includes a solar panel system, you’ll be well positioned to take advantage of all of these benefits.
ERV Air Filtration System
ERV, or Energy Recovery Ventilator, is an often overlooked, but exciting benefit of buying a new home.
Basically, an ERV exchanges stale air in your home for fresh air. And you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable temperature changes during the exchange – some ERVs, like the ones we use at Green Vista Homes, help cool the air during the summer and heat the air during the winter. They also help prevent excess moisture from entering your home.
Aerobarrier
Another overlooked feature you should ask about for your new home is a type of material called an aerobarrier.
Sprayed in the home during the construction phase, an aerobarrier will completely seal any energy-draining holes in the home. This will make your home airtight so you never lose heating or air conditioning.
The result is added comfort for your family and more savings on your energy bill.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are a must-have for three major reasons:
- Stainless steel is easy to clean
- It’s non-porous, making it more resistant to germs than other materials
- It’s a long-lasting, rust-resistant choice
Plus, stainless steel just looks beautiful. It’is a classic, neutral look that complements any future decor that might be in store.
Fireless Fireplace
If you’re not into chopping wood but still want to experience the comfort of sitting by the fire, a fireless “fireplace” is for you. We use the Napolean Ascent B36 Fireplace, which has ultra realistic flames. The hand-painted log set completes the look of a real fire.
Our Homes Have All 8 Features and More
Our new homes at Green Vista in Bellingham, WA include all of the above features, plus:
- Smart garage door openers
- High-performance decks
- Energy-efficient heat pumps
- Noise-reducing insulation
- Stain-resistant carpeting
To see all of the cool features of our new homes, schedule a tour.
Schedule a Home Tour
Fill out the form, and we’ll follow up to make arrangements!
