As a Certified EcoBroker, I often find myself working with clients to incorporate that “green” aspect in their homes–providing affordability and comfort to my clients as well as making for a healthier, more sustainable environment. Here is a great article from HGTV’s FrontDoor Real Estate that brings up the fact that — whether you buy a new home or an older home — chances are that you will still have a lot of work to do yourself if you want that home to be a “green” home. Read on below to see some of the pros and cons from an eco-friendly perspective to buying a new home or an existing home…

New Homes

Pros

  • Since 1994, federal standards have required toilets, showerheads and faucets to use less water than their older counterparts. A new home will automatically be more energy-efficient than one that has an ancient toilet, so you wouldn’t need to update the space right away.
  • Newer homes are typically built with efficient windows, so you probably won’t need to make that investment.
  • Today’s homes come equipped with very effective insulation.
  • It’s debatable how “green” it is to tear out brand-new materials, even if you are replacing them with eco-friendly supplies.

Cons

  • You know that new car (or new home) smell? That’s the sweet smell of chemicals seeping into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside conventional new homes can be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.
  • New homes are often filled with formaldehyde-containing particleboard.
  • Base models of just-built homes come with low-end features, like wood laminate flooring and vinyl countertops.

Older Homes

Pros

  • You get real wood floors, quality craftsmanship and architectural details that is not as common in newer homes.
  • If parts of the home haven’t been replaced for years or even decades, a remodel seems justified and will greatly increase the home’s energy efficiency.

Cons

  • Older homes usually aren’t very energy-efficient. They rarely have energy-efficient windows or appliances.
  • Historic homes may contain asbestos, a serious health hazard, especially during a remodeling job.

via Eco-Friendly Features in New and Older Homes : HGTV FrontDoor Real Estate.