Some buyers ask if "greening" a kit home is possible. The answer is yes. In fact, the process is standardized to a great degree through building rules. Additionally, many kit homes exceed the minimum standard requirements.

You may not be quite sure what "greening" means. First of all, think kindness to the environment. Going green is all about saving energy and eco-friendliness. Reducing waste and decreasing negative impacts to the environment will lead to a brighter and sustainable future.

Clarification of "Greening"

Because kit homes are manufactured with energy efficiency in mind the homes themselves are environmentally friendly. In 2004 the Aussie Building Rules, BASIX, were implemented. These guidelines resulted in great improvements in the criteria for home building. Builders are now required to include energy and resource preservation into the home-building process.

One of the ways your kit home is "greened" by Oz Kit Homes is through the installation of the insulation. When you operate the heating or cooling system, the insulation and quality construction means your system will operate as efficiently as possible.

In addition, you can customise your home so that windows are placed where you will get the most benefit. For example, windows with a southern exposure can help keep energy costs down by taking advantage of the sun. You can cover the windows with curtains or shades which can be opened or closed to keep the heat out during the summer and in when it’s winter.

The "greening" of a home does not end after the building process. In reality that is only the beginning. There are ways to continue with this focus as each room is furnished and supplies are bought and consumed.

For example, you can choose appliances that are energy efficient. These appliances include the dishwasher, oven, and washing machine. You want to purchase appliances that are water efficient too, because water is becoming a scarce resource in Australia.

Recycling is key to conservation. There will always be a need for some products that are used daily. However, technology has made it possible to recycle elements in order to conserve energy. By reading labels on products we can find out if it was made from recycled products or if it is made from all new materials.

By using recycled products and recycling yourself you are making a difference in the world. The truth is that environmental problems are global and each of us must work toward resolving the issues.

What You Can Do

As you begin adding furniture and other items to your new home you will want to ensure that you are in fact "greening" the home. Let’s consider ways to do this in various rooms and areas of the home. Since your landscaping is a part of the home we will begin there.

A deck or veranda is often used as an extension of living space. They can be enhanced with lighting and furniture to result in a true room feel. For outdoor lighting nothing is better than solar powered lights. True to the name they are powered by the sun and they will provide lighting as the sun drops. Plus, these light sources save you money and conserve our precious resources.

Speaking of landscaping, you can contribute to water conservation by installing a rainwater collection tank for watering your lawn. You should also use plants that are native to Australia because they will require less watering since they are adapted to an arid climate. Well placed bushes and trees can also add to the energy efficiency of your home by providing a natural barrier between the walls of your kit home and the outside air.

Before moving on to the indoors we need to discuss how to handle insects and bugs that can ruin a nice evening out on the deck. Any hardware or home building supply store will offer a wide variety of pesticides. It is up to you to choose one that is environmentally friendly and safe to use around your family. Beautiful outdoor furniture is now available. If you take the time you can find some that is made from recycled plastic. This furniture not only looks good, it is comfortable and very durable.

In the living area of the home you will always want to use furniture and cleaning products that are non-toxic and of a high quality. Purchase as many items possible that have been made from recycled components. That will help to ensure that they are ecologically sound.

When it comes to the kitchen and bathroom your goal will be to use greener alternatives. A kitchen composter can be used to compost kitchen scraps that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

There are organic, sustainable, non-toxic options available for practically anything you could imagine. These products help to decrease waste and improve health. "Greening" a kit home will require conscious effort and planning from the design stage to the finish details. Living a green lifestyle is easy in a kit home.