When it comes to how to build an eco-friendly home, you may first want to look at the materials that are used to complete various aspects of the project. One thing to keep in mind is using healthy building materials. Many products that are used in traditional builds, such as particleboard, wall paint, and adhesives, can contain chemicals. As a result, continued exposure to these substances may result in irritations, headaches, or allergic reactions. Therefore, choosing other materials may prove to be beneficial.

If you have decided to consider alternate avenues, being mindful of VOCs is a great place to start. Products with low to no VOC content, which stands for volatile organic compounds, can make a noticeable difference throughout the project. If you are hoping to find guidance regarding which materials you should or should not use, your contractor can share helpful information that can shine a light on the dos and don'ts. As you start to discover more about how to build an eco-friendly home, consider asking about caulks, primers, and paints.

Another thing that you may want to learn more about as you research how to build an eco-friendly home is the specific types of wood used. If you are buying lumber, plywood, or other similar products, look for the FSC trademark label. The presence of this label indicates that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) supports the methods used to obtain the wood.

In 1993, the FSC established a certificate program that promoted socially beneficial practices and management of the world's forest, which included 10 principles and 57 criteria. This includes respective native cultures, protecting fragile ecosystems, preventing illegal logging, and more. This set also includes ensuring that the wood you are purchasing came from the specific forest that was certified. As you can see, there are many things to discover when learning more about how to build an eco-friendly home.

Of course, where you are building your new home can also play a role in the overall environment. Therefore, being informed about the piece of land that is being used is crucial. Zoning will determine where you build but being mindful of "critical areas" is important as well. Proximity to streams, certain habitats, and various features, such as a nearby eagle's nest, can all impact your upcoming project. At Ecosmith Architecture and Consulting, we understand that learning about how to build an eco-friendly home extends beyond the materials used, and we can certainly help you find out more about the overall process.

To start the conversation about how to build an eco-friendly home, feel free to reach out. We are located at 353 Wallace Way NE #5 in Bainbridge Island, WA. Our phone number is 206-380-4910, but we can also be reached by email at chris@ecosmithdesign.com. Our service area includes Bainbridge Island, Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bremerton, Shoreline, WA. Contact us today to begin.