Energy Efficiency Audit: A Simple way to Reduce Electricity Bills

Energy efficient homes save electricity and money. It comes, therefore, as no surprise that more and more people in the US are turning towards energy efficient homes. By doing this, they are not just saving on their electricity bills but also contributing towards a better planet. National surveys claim that spacious houses that have been built after 2008 consume equivalent to properties half their size, built before 2000. A furor for Energy efficiency in the current generation, is to be credited for this positive change in energy consumption.

Today, houses are designed to save energy at every front which has led to a phenomenal change in construction styles. In the long run, inclusion of energy efficient methods makes a property in demand as well as affordable to stay in. Housing general contractors throughout the country are concentrating on including energy efficient strategies in their new constructions.

Energy Audits: Boosting Energy Efficiency
Energy audits help in boosting the energy efficiency of a property. An energy audit is a process wherein, an energy expert visits a site and makes an assessment of power consumption details such as wall and window insulation, optimum thermostat setting and more. Every homeowner should go for an energy audit because apart from saving money, these also ensure the safety of a property by exposing faults in the structure.

There is a lot of confusion surrounding this process and number of people prefer to conduct an audit themselves. But it is nonetheless better to have an expert do the job, because they know the nuances and can calculate the energy being wasted, down to cents. Nationwide contractors including multifamily housing contractors are concentrating on adding energy efficient quotient to their projects.

The Audit Process
Energy auditors visit a site to calculate its energy consumption and look for opportunities to conserve energy and reduce carbon footprints. These audits are facilitated by professionals from energy companies and are done with technical equipment like blower doors and infrared cameras.

During energy audits, an auditor mainly checks for:
1.    Total energy consumption of a household and how it can be reduced by finding substitutes.
2.   Energy wastage because of structural issues, like inefficient wall insulators, large windows without proper insulation and more.

So, an energy audit consists of these two main processes, where the focus is to curb lavish consumptions and substitute the old ones with modern devices that are energy efficient, while simultaneously checking on unintentional energy wastage.

Small changes such as replacing an old heater with a new 5 star rated one and building insulated well ventilated windows which ensure proper sunlight, saves a lot on heating bills. Similarly, replacing plain walls with tiled designs ensures natural insulation which will curb energy wastage through walls.

Conclusion
Energy saved is energy produced. Americans have now woken up to this concept and are contributing to national economy through their small efforts. Join the brigade and look for an affordable housing general contractor who understands the nuances of energy consumption.

Multifamily Property: a Better Investment Option?

As a new property investor, you need to decide between whether to invest in single-family property or multifamily property. Each property has its pros and cons that as an investor influence your decision. Nationally affordable multifamily housing is popular among tenants as it has various benefits for a tenant and an investor receives a constant flow of income. Here are some factors that you should consider as an investor before investing in any housing property.

Demand in the Market
After the economic downturn, there weren’t many people who were interested for investing in a single family home as owners. This means increase in the demand for multifamily tenant apartments. Now that the economy is improving and there are more jobs in the market people, especially youngsters are looking for apartments to rent rather than own, it is a good sign for multifamily housing investors, and contractors as it means that demand will continue to rise and not slump meaning more work.

Suitable for all Demographics
Youngsters, retired peoples, people with family have their own needs and they want houses that are near to these needs. Youngsters want housing that is near to transport hub or to office or nightlife. People with kids want it near schools and grocery stores. Retired and senior people want near medical facilities. Each group has its own needs and by marketing to each group their needs you can attract tenants to your multifamily property.

Designing as a Single-Family House
Design your multifamily property to give it a look of single family look. Plan with your multifamily housing contractor to give apartments a more personalized look and feel, remember your design needs to incorporate single housing albeit on a smaller scale. You can give a free room that people can design according to their requirements; balconies with small gardens or just some flower pots, landscaping the front yard are some options that you can incorporate in your designing.

Shared Space
Millennials are more open to neighbors than previous generations, they are looking for community centers or areas in the building where they can interact with their neighbors in real life. Similarly, community activities also make a huge impact on millennial. Incorporating these factors in your housing will increase the appeal of the building among prospective tenants.

Amenities
As an investor, if you have five single family housing properties, you will need to look after amenities at five different locations. Hence, reducing the quality of services provided. On the contrary, five houses under one houses greatly reduces the amount spent on amenities and maintenance. It also allows for better amenities for tenants. Better the amenities, better response from tenants. Amenities such as internet speed, clean common areas are a great pull among youngsters. Your multifamily contractor can be your guide in understanding the amenities that are popular among tenants and add them accordingly.

Conclusion
Multifamily is a better investment option as it has higher returns on investment compared to single family housing.