Location

In real estate, location has always been number one.  When looking for a new home to last you well into the future, it is still very much all about location, location, location.  There are however a few aspects you should be taking greater note of in today’s market.  These include the location of the property in relation to  public transport, shops, your place of work, pre-schools, schools and universities.  It can save you loads of money, save you time in transporting family members, you can do your bit for the environment and you can keep fit at the same time if you consider location carefully.

Good Design

Ideally the best way for a home to be orientated is with the larger windows on the northern side of the home and smaller windows on the southern side.  This is the most significant eco-friendly feature to look for when buying a home and will ensure your home stays warmer and more comfortable in the winter.  In the summer months the sun is higher, therefore reducing the amount of indoor sun to mainly the east and west angles of the home.   For more information click here.

Building Envelope/Insulation

Has the home been insulated?  This is something that can be remedied if not.  The envelope of the home is one of the most important aspects of a home.  If a home’s building envelope is well appointed  it will keep you healthier and save you money on energy bills.  If you can think of your home as your body – you want to have the appropriate clothing on to keep you comfortable.  If you can imagine your home in the same manner, it needs to have the right envelope or clothing to keep you well protected.

Thermal mass

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb heat.  When the air temperature is lower than that of the material, the heat is released.  This is an effective and efficient way to maintain comfortable and stable temperatures, plus it’s a low energy solution with reduced environmental impact.   Hard materials such as concrete, rocks, tiles are ideal materials to use.    By effectively using thermal mass in the home, you gain a free heat source.  This goes hand in hand with the home being orientated to the north for maximum solar gain.    The effective use of thermal mass in a home also allows you to have more even internal air temperatures.

Hot Water

The location of the hot water cylinder to the kitchen and bathroom areas can be quite significant when it comes to saving on heating water.  Water heating typically accounts for around a third of your home energy costs.   Ideally the hot water cylinder should be located nearer to the kitchen as it is in the kitchen that the hot tap is run most of all.   You may want to check how the water is heated i.e. electricity, gas, solar, heat pump, and you can always ask to see a power bill to give you some idea of water heating costs.

Indoor Air Quality & Moisture Control

It is wise to check the home for signs of moisture.   One of the largest problem areas we face in Auckland is dealing with the high humidity and moisture content within our homes – this leads to mould and fungi.  Humidity levels within a house vary depending on the temperature, but levels between 20–70% relative humidity are generally classed as acceptable.  Looking for features that will help with moisture control include;  double glazing, rangehood, extractor fans flued to the outside, windows positioned well to allow for cross ventilation and good air flow and mechanical ventilation systems.

More advice on buying right from Sustainable NZ.  Buying Right – some tips