Homes | Farms | Land | Estates | Seasonal Rentals | Commercial
Lakeville | Salisbury | Sharon | Cornwall | Falls Village | Norfolk | North Canaan
and other towns in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts
GREEN BUILDING-WHAT IS IT? (Part I)
08.07.08
Primarily, it is the construction of homes using materials least dependent on non-renewable components, much of those petroleum based. It also maximizes operational efficiencies of a home through components also chosen for their contribution to "green" results. Almost everything in a house can be chosen to enhance this type of construction: Exterior siding, windows, insulation, appliances, and mechanical systems to mention a few areas.
Land, or the home site, can also be an important factor. Which way does the face for setting the house , especially during the Winter sun path? Is there good exposure to the sun between sunrise and sun-set? Is there enough room between you and an abutter’s (southern & western) lines so trees, not on your property, don't block out the lower winter sun? The same can go for the "affect" a nearby hill or mountain might have. When does the sun rise, to "hit" your home, and set, leaving you in a (colder) afternoon/evening shadow? I factor these elements when evaluating the value of a land parcel. It is becoming more important than ever as we watch energy prices rise.
Multiple zone heating and air conditioning, coupled with computer controlled thermostats, is most important in aiding the conservation of energy use; compact fluorescent lighting, though too bright for some with its glaring white light, helps too. Properly sized components, such as 2 "zone" located (and smaller) hot water tanks with circulation capabilities, can be much better than one large centralized unit. Tightly sealed windows, up-to-date storm windows, encapsulating insulation all add to a home's energy efficiency. (to be continued next week).
11.20.08 REVISITING MOLD
Older homes with (porous) stone foundations and dirt/earth floors, or even cement floors, are particularly vulnerable to dampness and odors associated with this condition.
10.30.08 SMOKEY VALLEYS - WOOD FIRED FURNACES
As the weather has cooled the night, and early morning air has become aromatized with the smell of wood smoke, noted most in the valleys around the area.
10.23.08 ON HOLD-BUYERS
As buyers sit "on hold", potential deals are waiting in the wings.
10.6.08 UNCERTAIN TIMES
The last couple of weeks have wreaked havoc for the real estate markets, nationally and locally.
10.02.08 CRAZINESS CONTINUES, BUT...
...all the talk about limited credit availability that might otherwise hamper real estate purchases really is not much of a problem around here, as far as I have seen.
09.25.08 WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?
Interest rates should remain very affordable which will help, but unless long term operational/travel costs come down, and stay down, only real estate purchased as a primary home is likely to dominate a key part of our market.
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