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When buying or designing a new house, it’s always a great idea to have the future in mind. The chances are, you already have been thinking a lot about what lies ahead; houses are usually bought as a long-term investment. Nonetheless, in order to have a long and happy life, and one that also considers how houses interact with the wider world around them, it’s essential to have a home that already has made several steps towards the future. This doesn’t mean flying cars and robot assistants, but a house that will age with you in a clever way as well as thinking about the future of the planet. Read on for ten great ways to truly make your house feel like a home of the future.
Carbon Neutral
Having a carbon-neutral house basically means that it creates as much energy as it uses, meaning that it is totally sustainable. This is something that far more people are conscious of in the future as we rise to meet the challenges of the climate crisis. This is something that should be thought of at every level of the planning and construction phase, and covers topics such as energy sources, the size of the house, and how it has been designed. This is becoming far more common across the world, with London planning to become carbon-neutral by 2050! One very clever way to approach carbon neutrality is to build a solar roof.
A solar roof is a particularly great idea if you live in a hot area as it will allow you to easily create an energy source that can power your whole house. While many people may be put off by the cost of creating and implementing a solar roof you may find yourself saving a lot more money in the long run, due to how it generates heat for your own house for you. A fine business that can help make this dream a reality, we recommend the services of the solar panels Tucson company Custom Solar and Leisure, who will offer you a truly reasonable price.
Efficient Design
Efficient design is the means by which your house is created in a way to truly last. That means having items that are less likely to break down and need replacing, as well as ones that don’t emit so much energy, thus making it easier for your house to achieve carbon neutrality. Make sure to have a proper look and think about the type of materials being used in the house, especially with regards to fireproofing and waterproofing, and make sure that they meet all the standards set on both a national and federal level.
Smart Systems
Can’t remember if you locked the door? Back in the day, you would’ve had to walk all the way home in a paranoiac flux. Nowadays, there are apps on your phone for smart locks that can check whether your door is locked or not and secure it for you at just the touch of a button. Smart systems can do a whole lot more than that, however, including checking your energy levels, turning on or off any lights or electrical appliances, ordering groceries for you, and even playing your favorite music as you walk through the door. While there are currently many different companies vying for control over different parts of the house, it’s likely that in the future it will all run on one amazing integrated system, truly transforming the way that you interact with your house.
Wheelchair Friendly Access
When buying your first home, the last consideration on your mind will be getting old and infirm. Nonetheless, it is something that will happen to all of us, so it’s definitely worth bearing in mind. One way that you can prepare for the inevitable is by investing in a house that is completely wheelchair accessible. Not only is this a great gesture for anyone who is handicapped who comes to your house, but it will set you up nicely if you do find yourself using a wheelchair much later in life.
Home Lifts
Having a lift in your home is not only a great way to get around, especially if you live in a house with multiple floors, but is an essential tool for the elderly and infirm. You may barely use it when moving in for the first time, but it will likely become an invaluable tool as you get older.
Livestock and Gardening
Think sustainably by growing your veg and farming your own animals. This will inevitably vary on the size of your garden and your finances, but if it is possible, you can use animals to provide your own meat and dairy while growing vegetables through gardening. Together you will find yourself saving heaps on the grocery bill while inevitably cutting down on emissions.
Usable Cellar Space
Cellars are often a neglected part of any house, but if given a chance to shine, they can thrive, becoming a cool and fun space to hang out in. If you don’t have children yet, a clever way to think about the well-being of your future kids is to plan in advance for the cellar to later become a den for them to play in!
Make The Most of Natural Light
To save on electricity costs and to also make your home feel like a light and breezy place, boosting your mental health in the process, it is worth making the most out of natural light that you can. The best way to achieve this is to place as many windows as possible throughout your home, timed to shine in at the correct hours of the day.
Open-Living Design
A light and airy house should be complemented by an open-design plan. There is no need in the 21st century to be constantly opening and closing doors whenever you want to move from one space to another. The trend for the future is large interlocking spaces that give your house a true sense of both freedom and flow, perfect for couples and families.
