Building a new home can be quite an undertaking, and building a new green home even more so. There are many things to keep in mind, from where you should build to which building materials to use. But it's not an impossible task. By planning ahead, you can build your own green home. Here is a list of the five of the most common mistakes in green home construction, so you can avoid these familiar pratfalls and build the eco-friendly abode of your dreams.

Choosing The Wrong Site

If you don't select the correct building site, your project can be doomed from the start. Be careful building too far from "the beaten path." While an idyllic country manor may sound charming, building far away from local roads and utility lines can mean major headaches, as well as excessive costs and energy use. Also, building in a previously undeveloped area may disrupt the local flora and fauna.

Another thing to keep in mind about site-selection is your potential home's exposure to sunlight. Harnessing solar energy is essential to the upkeep of a green home. A good site will have sunlight from roughly 9 AM to 3 PM. Your home should also face south, in order to maximize solar exposure.

Building Too Big

The larger the home, the more difficult and expensive. A green home should be built with practical needs kept in mind and grandiose plans kept in check. If you are building a house to live in for a long time, be sure to plan for not only your present needs, but any future needs which might arise.

Inadequate Insulation

Sufficient insulation will keep your heating costs reasonable. A well-insulated roof is essential to conserve heat and maintain cool. A specialist from Golden Windows Ltd says that eco-efficient windows and doors are essential to keeping both energy use and heating costs down in a green home. Unfortunately, home builders too often overlook the necessity of having efficient windows and homeowners are often stuck with the bill.

Using the Wrong Materials

In this case, "wrong" means materials that are not environmentally friendly. A green builder should use sustainable, non-toxic, recycled building materials, such as recycled lumber, natural products like bamboo and granite, and recycled glass.

Choosing the Wrong Equipment and Appliances

What's the point of building an eco-friendly home if you don't fill it with eco-friendly appliances? Anyone interested in maintaining a green home should research and buy the most eco-friendly products and appliances they can find.

While building a green home may present unique challenges, it also offers unique advantages. As long as you plan ahead, and remember to avoid these common mistakes, your fantasy home could be your new, green home soon.