Future Proofing Explained
You have probably already heard about future-proofing, but have probably wondered exactly what it means and how it will benefit you. Future-proofing is about building properties that will meet today’s requirements, and the changing lifestyles of tomorrow. It may cost a little more to build, but the long-term benefits of a future-proofed home should more than outweigh any extra initial costs and will ensure your home maintains and improves its value.
We all want homes that are safe and healthy places for our families to live in. Benchmark Homes invites you to consider the 8 Principles of Future-Proofing. We are always on hand to offer advice on different options and materials available and on how they can be implemented into your new home.
Your home is one the largest investments you will make, so it makes sense to build in as much future value as you possibly can.
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As the costs of energy raises, reducing consumption and making more efficient use of available energy makes good financial sense.
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Choosing efficient ways of heating and insulating your home can reduce long-term energy costs and make better use of the heat generated. This can be as simple as carefully planning the position of your windows to attract solar energy.
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Your health and safety is a priority. By incorporating future-proofed materials and systems into your home you can prevent many common health problems caused by condensation and moisture.
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Choosing efficient systems to keep your home warm and dry, and building materials, paint and floor coverings manufactured to prevent leaching of toxic chemicals, as well as easy-clean surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen can all improve the health and safety of your home.
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It is important to evaluate what a product or service will cost you over its entire life cycle. More expensive materials with a longer life can often work out to be a more cost-effective option than low-cost, short-life alternatives.
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A new home is a big investment; if you are building for the future you want a home that will look just as good in 10 years as it does today.
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The building industry has become increasingly focused on quality assurance. You should always enquire about guarantees and warranties to protect your investment.
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Future-proofing includes insisting on products and materials that carry BIA/BRANZ approvals or are ISO certified, and knowing that professionals are ensuring the proper fabrication and installation of the materials you have choosen.
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A key goal of future-proofing is to have a minimal impact on the planet. Take the time to find out where the materials you are choosing come from, who makes them and what measures those producers take to minimise the environmental impact of their products.
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Environmentally friendly products, recycled materials and renewable resources should be considered over low-cost options that have a negative effect on the environment.
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Resource responsibility includes better waste management through the use of options such as trash compactors, in-sink waste disposal units and recycling.
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From a remote garage door to a centrally controlled computer system for lighting and home entertainment, home automation can increase your quality of life.
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Even if you choose not to install these features now, building your home to enable easy and cost-effective integration of technological developments and security features in the future will increase its value.
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As it becomes increasingly important to protect a home from both external and internal noise pollution, choosing purpose-designed materials and products can help a home maintain its value.
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To provide room to room, or floor to ceiling noise control consider choosing laminated windows or double-glazing systems, specially designed interior wall linings, fixing systems and sound insulation products.
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An essential consideration in the design process, it is important to make the best use of available space to accommodate the present and future needs of your family’s lifestyle.
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To get value out of limited space consider incorporating multi-functional kitchen storage systems, in-built laundry cupboards with bi-fold doors, and efficient doors and accessways into your design.
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Not sure where to start? Contact your Benchmark Homes representative or design consultant to discuss how to best build long-term value into your new home.
