Homebuyers Go Green To Cut Bills

In an attempt to boost sales in a dismal market, homebuilders are turning to what has been one of the most overlooked aspects of a house: improving the way it uses energy.

While the sales results are mixed so far, industry experts say the move could eventually boost business as more cost-conscious consumers seek to save on rising power bills by having a more efficient home. Already, builder Kevin Enyeart, in Lee Springs, Mo., says he has picked up two contracts and possibly a third over the past six months to sell homes to buyers who specifically requested energy-saving features, such as better insulation and tighter-fitting windows. That's rare good news in a market Mr. Enyeart says is so bad that he has had to cut the number of homes he builds to about 20 a year from 40.

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Comments

[CR46]

My husband and I, on building a new home 6 yrs ago. (We built it ourselves as we lived in our RV) Didn't go totally green(I don't know the %) but we did our best, including investing in "wind power". If you are in a rural area the investment into your own windmill to generate electricity pays off BIG TIME. While still connected to the grid the meter goes both ways, we have figured out that in 2 more yrs it will have paid for itself,( no elec bills for our house, shop building, barn) and we will be here many yrs after that.