When building a new home , luxury or otherwise , there are some areas where it pays to invest in the best quality and materials . Here are just three examples of investments I recommend to homeowners that can help save them from costly maintenance and expensive utility bills down the line !
In-floor heating is a luxury that can actually save you money over time ! Savings will vary from home to home , but industrial statistics show estimates in the 20 - 50 % savings range , pending upon geographical area lived in , efficiency of windows and furnace , quality of system installed , and of course the quality of insulation !
When choosing finishes and materials , consider both upfront and lifetime costs ! For example , stone , brick , limestone may be more costly upfront but stucco will fade or crack over time and require maintenance , which will eventually cost more money in the long run .
Today ’ s windows are better designed and more insulated than products manufactured 25 years ago . New technologies such as foam-filled vinyl or fiberglass frames and sashes , low emissivity ( low-e ) glass , inert gas in sealed insulated glass units and improved hardware have made windows more airtight and much more efficient . Investing in quality made , Energy Star certified windows can make a huge difference in both the cost of maintenance and the environment within your home . Keep in mind , not all Energy Star ratings are equal . It is important to ensure your windows are Energy Star rated for your climate zone or colder ! - Ambassador Fine Custom Homes Inc , www . ambassadorfinecustomhomesinc . com