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WHY WE SHOULD ALL WANT TO LIVE IN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOME

Written by HGR’s Kelly Wilson, REALTOR® and green home designer


People who know me well know that I’m a bit of an eco-nerd.  Specifically, a green building science nerd.  In addition to being a realtor, I have over a decade of experience as an architectural designer, part of which was spent consulting with high-performance (aka ‘green’) home builders.  I’m here today to tell you why green homes are not just for eco-nerds like me - we should all want to live in a high-performance home. 

First of all, what is a high-performance home?  Most high-performance homes are new builds, but the same principles can be applied to a renovation of a resale home.  While there isn’t one standard definition, generally speaking a high-performance home is designed to maximize resources, minimize environmental impact and operate with extreme energy efficiency.  I think we can all agree that energy efficiency is a good thing.  Waste is bad and savings on our utility bills are good.  But the reality is, we live in a time and place where energy is cheap - the energy savings realized in a high-performance home are generally not significant enough to be a key deciding factor in a home purchase decision for most buyers.  So then, why should you care?  I have 4 reasons and I’m going to translate them from “building science speak” into common priorities that are likely to be on every buyer’s wish list for their next home.

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A high-performance home is built with higher levels of insulation throughout.  Unique methods are used to prevent thermal bridging (areas where common construction methods make it difficult to insulate, particularly at corners and eaves).  And close attention is paid to avoiding any unnecessary holes in the building envelope and properly sealing those holes that are unavoidable.  The result? A home with consistent air temperature throughout.  No drafty spots. No areas close to exterior walls or windows that are too cold to use.  Every square foot of the house is equally comfortable and usable.  And as an added bonus, the extra insulation and airtightness make a high-performance home quiet.  Outside noise is significantly muted.  Doesn’t everyone want to live in a quiet, comfortable home?

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A high-performance home is usually built by following an established green building standard – for example, EnergyStar for Homes, LEED for Homes, or Passive House. In order to achieve certification in one of these programs, various inspections and tests are required throughout the build process.  These tests and inspections are completed by unbiased third parties.  It’s like having an extra person watching over the builder’s shoulder throughout the entire process, making sure that the house is being built to the highest standard.  The result is a high-quality build with nothing missed and no corners cut.  Doesn’t everyone want to live in a top quality home? 

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Houses require ventilation. Waste air from the occupants and their activities (cooking, bathing, etc) must be exhausted from the house and fresh air brought in. In the past, this ventilation happened ‘naturally’ via air leakage through gaps and holes in the building envelope. However, along with that outside air comes dirt, dust, pollen and pollutants. A high-performance home has dramatically reduced air leakage, so it ventilates using an ERV – an energy recovery ventilator. The air being brought into a high-performance home is controlled, filtered, and clean. The result is a fresh, healthy home, that also doesn’t require dusting as frequently. Doesn’t everyone want to live in a clean, healthy home?

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The past year has shown us that we live in a world that is unpredictable with many things outside of our control.  Climate resiliency refers to the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related risks, events, or disturbances.  A high-performance home has improved climate resiliency.  For example, imagine a climate event causes a long-term power outage.  A high-performance home will maintain its indoor temperature and comfort much longer than the average house.  Also, because of its dramatically lower energy use, a high-performance home could operate easily on a back-up generator.  For the homeowner, this creates a home that is a truly safe haven, offering security in the face of uncertainty.  Doesn’t everyone want to live in a house that offers safety and peace of mind?

So, there you go – comfort & quiet, a top quality home, healthy clean air, and peace of mind – four non-nerdy reasons why everyone should want to live in a high-performance home.  And the bonus…lower utility bills.  And the extra bonus…that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from doing something to help our planet.  If you want to talk more about high performance homes, whether it’s buying, selling, building or renovating, please reach out.  You could also check out my recent webinar with Chris Ballard from Passive House Canada.  Alternatively, I can often be found in my local community food forest or tending my stormwater-diverting rain garden (eco-nerd, remember?)

 

THE PAST WEEK IN THE GUELPH REAL ESTATE MARKET

Last week in our local market, 50 homes sold. Same week last year, we saw 40 home sales.

The median home last week looked like this: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,498 square feet. This home sold in 6(!) days for $692,500 – that’s $444/sqft and 110% of the original list price.

Same week last year, the median home was slightly smaller, with 3 beds, 2 baths and 1,245 square feet. In contrast, this home sold in 11 days for $494,000 – that’s $393/sqft and 100% of the original list price.

All but 2 of the 50 homes sold last week went at or above list price (that’s 96%), while 25/40 did the same week last year. Even more, 14 of the 50 sales this past week sold at over 115% of list price. The demand for homes clearly persists.

 

 

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