When people think of green homes, they usually think of things like solar panels and smart thermostats that adjust themselves automatically. However, a home doesn’t need the latest smart technology to be more environmentally friendly—in fact, even choosing flooring options made with renewable resources can help make a home just that much more green. Here are some different eco-friendly flooring options homeowners can consider for their own green homes, whether they install it themselves or hire a professional.
Bamboo Flooring
A highly versatile wood, Bamboo can be seen everywhere from tableware to decorations for the garden and beyond. However, it’s also an alternative to hardwood floors because of its durability and ease of installation. Unlike trees which take 20 years to reach maturity before they can be cut down, it takes bamboo just three to five years to reach maturity.
Bamboo floors cost around $5-7 per square foot.
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
For homeowners who love the look of hardwood floors but are concerned about deforestation, reclaimed hardwood can be a great alternative. Reclaimed wood can come from any number of sources such as old barns and decks that were taken down, and reusing this wood keeps other trees from being cut down.
Reclaimed hardwood...
When it comes to renovating or improving a home, owners are supposed to complete all work within the letter of the law. This means they may need official permits granted by the city in order to add on a new bathroom, break ground on a pool, or install a skylight in the ceiling. Because different neighborhoods have different rulings and homes can frequently change hands, it's not uncommon for homes to have unpermitted work. Learn more about what constitutes unpermitted work, how it affects the buyer's decision, and what sellers can do about it.
The Nature of Permits
No matter how skilled a contractor a homeowner might be, a local official has no way of verifying just how safe their work is. Permits are designed to ensure the stability of the home isn't compromised during a renovation or repair, and the specific rules about which jobs need them and which jobs don't are determined at the local level. In certain cases, owners may be required to hire professionals, regardless of their own expertise when it comes to the work.
The Nature of Homes
Homeowners, in Cherry Grove or elsewhere, may choose to complete renovations without a permit for any number of reason. They may be trying to skirt property taxes or just save money on hiring contractors. Some owners don't know that they need to get permits, and some...
Typically mortgage lenders require 20% of the home value as a down payment in order to buy a new home. For many buyers, especially first time home owners, this can take considerable time to save. In a perfect world everyone would wait to purchase with this cash in hand, however life factors such as the hot market we are experiencing now, relocations, separations and more can leave buyers looking at alternative mortgage products that may require private mortgage insurance or PMI.
Our team works with buyers at all phases of the home buying process including all financial levels. Our experience helps guide you to making the right decision, at the right time for you! Here’s a few basics on PMI and some pros and cons to help you weigh the decision. In the end, your Realtor and Mortgage Lender are a great team to help you navigate the process so while this information is a guide, each situation is unique so be sure to talk to your Realtor or Lender before getting started.
What is PMI?
When a home buyer needs to make a down payment of less than 20 percent, they may be required to pay private mortgage insurance or PMI. PMI is also often required when there is less than 20 percent of home equity in a home and the owner needs to refinance a mortgage. With rates at unprecedented lows, this might still be beneficial to your overall bottom line!
Why Is PMI Necessary?
Simply put, Private Mortgage Insurance...
