by Michael Fulkerson
(Brisbane)
Kit homes are a great idea for those bursting with creativity because you can help design it from the ground up. I wanted to take things to the next level by making my new home as environmentally-friendly as possible. This meant doing lots of research to find the best tricks in the business to achieve my goals. Lots of people are interested in helping the planet these days, so you might feel the same way as me. If you are, take a look at the most important things I discovered.
The Frame Of Your Home
I knew I wasn't going to contribute to deforestation by choosing a kit home with a wooden frame. I found that steel is the one of the best options available. It's likely going to be recycled steel, plus it will be recycled again once the home comes down. It's also going to stay standing and remain in good condition longer, which means less energy will be required on repair work.
Insulating Your Kit Home
My energy bills used to be a lot, so I decided I would need to find insulation that worked extremely well while still being environmentally-friendly. In the end I think sheep wool is the ultimate choice, because sheep need to be sheared anyway and their wool will always grow back. Don't neglect good insulation, because a home without it can lose a third of its heat through the walls and a quarter through the roof.
Install Low-E Windows
A few years ago I installed low-E film on my old windows. For most people it's cheaper than replacing their windows, but when
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