What do these phrases mean to you?
- High ROI (or return on your investment)
- More bang for your buck
- Price/performance ratio
- Value proposition
- More bounce for the ounce
- Cost-effective
It’s likely, you thought of financial portfolios or investment strategies.
But these phrases refer to ALL purchases—especially significant ones like a home. And if you’re in the process of BUILDING a dream home, you’re in the “driver’s seat” when it comes to ensuring you get a high level of return for your investment. Here are three areas to focus on.
1) Building Envelope
Simply put, the “building envelope” is every part of your home that provides a barrier between you and the outdoors. And the goal is to make sure your home has a TIGHT envelope.
Energy savings are your day-to-day ROI, but it doesn’t end there. Here are other reasons to pay attention to every aspect of your home that involves the envelope.
- Comfort, thanks to improved temperature control
- Secure better air quality, keeping dirt and allergens out
- Healthier breathing thanks to minimal outside pollutants
- Reduction of mold, especially in the attic
Pro-Tips:
- Purchase quality windows and doors.
- Use spray-foam insulation to create a sealed attic environment.
- Install materials according to manufacturer specifications.
- Inspect your home after extreme weather conditions—like hurricanes & floods—to make sure nothing is compromised.
2) Durable Goods
HVAC units do more than their share of work in the steamy state of Florida. Upgrading to a higher SEER unit—one that is above the minimum SEER of 14—will give you a unit that operates more efficiently and has a longer life.
Along the same lines, all of your appliances should be Energy Star rated. The rating program encompasses a wide array of products but only goes to the specific ones that are the MOST energy-efficient.
Pro-Tips:
- Talk with your builder about the level of HVAC SEER that makes sense for your home. Be open to going a level or two above the minimum.
- The label of “energy-efficient” is not the same as being Energy Star rated, so pay close attention to the products you choose.
3) Lower Maintenance
A white shag rug might look beautiful when first installed, but everyone knows that maintaining that look will take work, money—and in short order, it will probably need to be replaced.
There’s no denying that certain products require lower maintenance. The best scenario is to find a balance between the aesthetic appeal you’re after, and minimal upkeep.
A tile or metal roof will typically be a lifetime installation, compared to an asphalt shingle roof, which usually needs replacing after 15 years. And the maintenance for tile is almost non-existent.
The added benefit of a METAL roof in Florida is that it reflects the sunlight, sending heat away from your home—improving your energy savings.
Tile FLOORING has lower-upkeep than that white shag rug in our example above. And thanks to the world of vinyl plank flooring, you have countless options that give you a look you desire, with lower maintenance involved.
James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim are more great examples of the perfect balance between aesthetics, function, and low maintenance. This product stands up to Mother Nature better than vinyl siding, protecting your home against extreme heat damage, and the effects of mold and moisture.
Pro-Tips:
- Metal roofs are not recommended for homes near the coast since the salty air can add to corrosion.
- Tile flooring with minimal grout lines is trending and requires less maintenance since there’s less grout to keep clean.
- James Hardie siding is over 5 times the thickness of vinyl which gives it a more authentic wood-look.
At Westmont…
Jim and his team want your new home to be a DREAM for the long haul.
With over 20 years of building custom homes in Central Florida, he knows that giving special attention to your building envelope, and buying durable & lower-maintenance products add up to an investment with the highest return for you and your family.
Give us a call today, and let’s start a conversation about your dream home.