With home prices in the Denver area on the rise, there’s no time like the present to build a custom home. Why spend more money on a house loaded with features that another owner chose and added when you can build up from the ground up that matches all of your preferences? Before you start meeting with builders though, think about the sustainable ideas you can incorporate into your plans. From the materials you choose to the smart features that make life easier, you can have it all. Check out the top five ways to build a sustainable custom home.

Use Recycled Building Materials

Many people who decide to build custom homes in the Denver area assume that they need to stick to the same materials that they see on other homes. Denver is a very eco-conscious city, which is why you’ll find so many suppliers that stock recycled materials. These materials are not only sustainable, but they can make your house stand out and also make you feel better about the impact you have on the environment. Recycled cork is just one popular recycled building material that you can use both on your walls and floors.

Newspapers are made from wood, but you can recycle the paper and use it in different ways. Some brands now use old newspapers to create wood that others use to build homes. Another option is recycled glass tile. It comes in so many designs that it will work in any room. You might make a tub surround in your bathroom from recycled glass and use glass in a different color on your kitchen counters. Don’t forget about the old bricks once used to construct schools and homes. Recycled bricks give your home a classic look.

Remember That Size Matters

When you decide to build a custom home, you might decide that bigger is better and imagine the day when everything you own has its own dedicated spot. Keep in mind that size matters, especially when it comes to sustainable homes. Bigger homes use more resources than smaller homes do. They require a lot of energy to heat and cool and typically use more water. You might do more damage to the environment than you expected as well because of how long it takes to build the home.

Tiny homes are very trendy today, especially in certain neighborhoods around Denver. These homes are quite small and range from 100 to 200 square feet. You can even build one that you attach to a trailer. Instead of living on a piece of land, you can pull the trailer and set up your home in different spots all across the state. Tiny homes are not for everyone though. If you like having privacy or you have children and/or pets, a tiny home isn’t practical. You should still keep size in mind before you start building. Aim for a home that has just enough space and not too much.

Make Energy Efficiency a Priority

Energy efficiency is such a priority for many people that you can now find the Energy Star rating on new appliances before you buy them. These appliances use less power than similar models do. They do less damage to the environment and cost less to run and maintain. Always check the rating of any appliances you plan to add to your home such as an HVAC system and a new washer and dryer.

You’ll also want to work with your builder to find ways to make your home use less energy and be more efficient. Make sure that all of the windows and doors you choose have a high rating. Both windows and doors can let air inside and allow air to escape, which keeps your home hotter or colder than you want and causes you to use more electricity. The Department of Energy recommends a U-Factor rating of 0.35 and a condensation resistance rating of 51 for homes in Colorado. The same ratings also apply to any skylights in your custom home.

Add Solar Panels

Solar panels are popular in both Denver and other cities in Colorado. These panels attach to the roof of your home and have cells inside. Those cells absorb sunlight during the day and turn that light into power you can use during the day or at night. While you can install solar panels in your backyard, many prefer using their roofs because they want to keep them out of the way. There’s also a chance that you might get money back when you add the panels.

The Denver Solar Co-Op offers rebates of up to $8,000. You need to join the co-op and confirm that your annual income is no more than 100% of the average income in Denver. This program often fills up quickly but has new spots that are available every year. You might qualify for tax rebates for your solar panels, too. Solar panels reduce your home’s dependency on the electrical grid and give you power during outages and storms.

Opt for Smart Features

As you look at sustainable building ideas and materials, think about the smart features that make your life easier. The most common example is a smart thermostat such as those that Honeywell and Nest make. These thermostats learn from your family’s behaviors and can reduce both your environmental impact as well as your energy bills. On a cold day, you can set the thermostat lower than your family likes and tell it to increase the temperature before you get back that night. You can do the same things when you run the AC on a hot day.

Smart features and ideas go beyond thermostats though. With a whole home humidifier, you can reduce the dry air in your home and enjoy all of the benefits of a higher humidity level. Using a smart intercom system helps you stay in touch with your family when you’re all in different rooms without relying on your phone. There are also detection products that alert you of smoke and potential fires as well as water leaks in all areas of your home. You might also love a smart home security system that lets you know about any dangers or threats outside. Building a custom smart home reduces your energy bills and environmental impact.

Building an Environmentally Friendly Home

Building a home that is environmentally friendly is easier than you might think. Denver Urban Builders has a team of talented professionals who can help you create the perfect plan that incorporates all of the features and materials you need. Whether you already have a piece of land or you haven’t yet started looking for a plot, you can reach out and get help as soon as tomorrow. Choose smart features and solar panels at the same time that you opt for energy efficiency and keep in mind that size matters. You can even add solar panels to your new home to use less electricity.

Get started on building the sustainable home of your dreams with Denver Urban Builders. Call (720) 902-5773 to reach the team or use the team’s contact form to reach out today.