Going Green is Easy with William Ryan Homes

Many homeowners begin their search with a fervent interest in green, even if what they mean by “green” is vague and yet to be well defined. 

William Ryan Homes understands this passion for the environment, becoming one of the top homebuilders of National Green Building Standard (NGBS) green-certified homes in Tampa by having either completed or in the process of finishing nearly 500 green homes since May 2016. 

WRH can work with you to not only build your dream home, but also make it an eco-friendly dwelling that enhances your living comfort.

Top reasons homeowners want green homes

The top reason homeowners want to go green is for energy efficiency with windows, insulation and appliances. Some may also desire a green home for personal health reasons so the use of nontoxic materials is important. Many also want their homes to be an extension of their personal beliefs in a sustainable future, which starts with their domiciles. 

Smart landscaping is vital for an NGBS green-certified home in Tampa, where water often is a serious issue. Use of non-native plants and excessive use of grass can dramatically increase maintenance costs like water usage, as well as add to your gardening work, to keep your landscaping looking beautiful.

Green homes can have higher resale value

The decision to build an NGBS green-certified home in Tampa also should include the possibility of a higher resale value than a conventionally built home. A recent study in Texas showed that green-certified homes can boost a home’s value by as much as 8 percent and are worth an average of $25,000 more in resale value than conventional homes. "Our research shows there is a 'green premium' in the Texas single-family home market," said The University of Texas at Austin's Dr. Greg Hallman. While no such research has been conducted in Florida, the study is generally applicable to other states that green homes are starting to equal more green in resales. Study at https://prn.to/2SPjWJo.

William Ryan Homes green homes are more energy efficient

A great way to determine a home’s energy efficiency is the HERS index, which helps you understand that heating, cooling and water heating are the largest costs of homeownership outside of the mortgage loan. The HERS Index Score will tell you how well the home performs energy-wise.

With an average HERS rating of 55, William Ryan Homes green homes are 30 percent more energy efficient than a standard new home; and 45 percent more energy efficient than the average used home.

The financial savings, such as up to 15 percent lower utility bills, from an energy efficient green home by William Ryan Homes makes it easy to afford comfort.

NGBS green-certification

To comply with Green Certification to the National Green Building Standard, all buildings must incorporate sustainable lot development techniques, as well as address energy, water & material resource efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

For single- or multifamily homes to earn certification to the National Green Building Standard, a home must meet rigorous criteria in six categories – Lot & Site Development; Resource Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Homeowner Education. There also are mandatory practices in each category that every NGBS Green Certified home must meet.

An NGBS green-certified home is designed to enhance the living experience for homeowners through:

1. Improved indoor environment and air quality
2. More efficient energy and water use
3. Added thermal, air and moisture barriers
4. Increased natural resource conservation

For more information on NGBS certification, visit https://www.homeinnovation.com/green.