Building Green in Lakeway, Texas

Green building is a trend that's been picking up steam around the country in recent years, and it's especially evident in many new, luxury homes in Austin, Texas. Some of today's finest Lakeway homes are designed and constructed with eco-friendliness in mind. From green building materials to energy-efficient designs, these homes represent major advancements in terms of environmental friendliness. Some of the best examples of green homes can be found in luxury communities in Austin, where people demand more than stylish, comfortable, spacious places to live. More people are environmentally conscious than ever, and local builders are responding in kind. Homes at Spanish Oaks and other popular communities feature energy-efficient designs and are often made out of eco-friendly materials that reduce our impact on the environment.

Green Materials

In years past, no thought was given to the total life cycle of the materials that were used to build a home. As a result, they often ended up in local landfills. What's even worse is that they often contained chemicals that could harm the environment and people's health. That's changing rapidly because people are more aware of the benefits of green building materials than ever. Eco-friendly building materials are recyclable, reusable, renewable and/or non-toxic. Although new homes are built to last, nothing truly lasts forever. When these materials are no longer needed, they can be reused or repurposed. In turn, local landfills take on less waste.

Another popular trend in green building involves reclaimed materials. Reclaimed wood is especially popular. In addition to being good for the environment, reclaimed wood is aesthetically pleasing. People love the naturally worn style of reclaimed wood, and they feel good about using materials that would have otherwise been placed in landfills. Some of the finest luxury homes in Austin feature reclaimed wood panels, beams and flooring. The days of demanding brand-new materials for high-quality homes are rapidly fading as people discover the many exciting benefits of environmentally friendly designs.

Energy-Efficient Homes Help the Environment

By using reclaimed materials and engaging in eco-friendly construction practices, builders can dramatically reduce their impact on the environment while building new homes in Lakeway and surrounding areas. The positive benefits don't have to stop there. Discerning home buyers are highly aware of the importance of energy-efficient designs. While some people are strictly concerned with energy efficiency because of the cost savings, others strive for it because of its positive impact on the environment. Builders can take several steps to enhance the energy efficiency of new homes, and many local builders are following suit. Today's new homes are dramatically more efficient than homes that were built just a decade ago, and things just keep getting better.

A few of the ways in which today's new homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind include:

• Radiant Energy Barriers - Summers are hot in central Texas. Even the most energy-efficient air conditioners have to work hard to keep homes cool. Radiant barriers reflect heat from the sun to keep it from warming up attics. This lessens the strain on air conditioning systems, which results in lower energy bills and cooler, more comfortable homes.
• Top-Notch Insulation - The right insulation keeps a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. New homes in luxury communities in Austin feature first-rate insulation that is strategically placed to ensure the best possible energy efficiency. From the very start, homeowners enjoy the benefits of this insulation in the form of more comfortable homes and more affordable energy bills.
• Tight Building Envelopes - The envelope of a home refers to the overall way in which it is sealed from the outside world. A high-quality envelope prevents drafts that can reduce the efficiency of a home's heating and cooling system. It also keeps impurities from the air outside from getting into the home, which keeps those who live there healthier and happier.
• Programmable Thermostats - It's difficult to remember to turn down the heat at night or at different times of day, but doing so consistently can result in a lot less wasted energy. Programmable thermostats solve this problem, and new homes in communities like Spanish Oaks include these useful components.
• Tankless Water Heaters - Traditional water heaters continually heat the water in their tanks so that it's ready to use at any time. Continual heating requires a lot of energy, so these are not efficient options. Green homes in Lakeway and the surrounding areas increasingly have tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand. As an added bonus, they are mounted on walls, so they take up a lot less space.

Modern building codes ensure that new homes meet minimum requirements in terms of energy efficiency. However, there aren't strict laws in place concerning green building materials and practices. If green building matters to you, make sure to buy a home that has been built with environmental friendliness in mind. The best home builders in the Austin area are committed to green building practices and to using green materials like reclaimed wood. If you want a green home, buying a new one is the best option.