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Energy-efficient : How to build one for yourself

Underground house

Introduction

Underground houses are the latest trends in the housing sector. Apart from the numerous benefits you are being totally different from the entire crowd. You can enjoy the uniqueness, make a lot of savings in the long run and protect yourself from various natural disasters. Building underground homes are more expensive when compared to the traditional homes. If you have any future plans of building one, then here is some information about energy-efficient underground houses: how to build one for yourself.

Underground houses are environmentally conscious and energy efficient. Such houses are perfect for those who are looking for green houses. The houses can be built completely or partially underground. The houses can be built in such a way that you can enjoy a lot of natural lighting from the sun and get the insulation from the ground. You can also escape from many types of maintenance like re-roofing, painting and cleaning etc. Given below are the steps involved in building underground houses.

1. Research

A lot of research should be involved before you plan the house. Try to gather a lot of information about your project. If possible it is a good idea to visit some underground homes and speak to the owners. The best resource you can use is the American Underground Construction Association. They will help to find out the best underground homes to visit. You can also visit the website of U.S. Department of Energy for getting some information. Books and magazines on underground homes are available. Read them and get the latest information.

2. Plan

When you are equipped with a lot of information you will be able to decide what kind of house you need. Whether you need a house that is completely underground or should it be partially exposed. Completely sunken houses are built around a sunken courtyard or atrium. The entry to the home is by means of a stairway. A house that is partially underground is called a berm.

3. Location

Once you decide the kind of house you have to find an apt location. For partially underground house you can choose hillside. If you need one completely underground then choose a flat location with soil that drains properly. The Department of Energy feels that the best types of soil for the underground homes are sand and gravel. Do not consider areas that have permafrost or clay soil.

4. Hire a builder

The most crucial part of building an underground home is to find an efficient and reputable builder. He should have good experience and knowledge about underground homes. There are many resources that will help you to find the best builders. You can also speak to the underground homeowners and gather some information. The best place to look for good builders is the American Underground Construction Association. You can come across a lot of skillful and efficient builders.

5. Floor plan

You need to have an excellent floor plan to make your dream come true. The plan should contain all the elements you want inside your new home. The fact is that most parts of the plan will be similar to the plan of the traditional homes. They may be slightly different if the house is going to be completely underground. Certain things to consider are a living roof that can be used for planting your favorite plants and vegetables, use solar heaters and utilize rainwater harvest. Take care of things like lighting, ventilation and drainage or else you may face serious problems later.

6. Budget

You cannot take your dream forward without a budget. So the first thing you have to be sure of is the availability of the budget to cover all the expenses. So set a practical budget and a little more. At certain points you may have to spend some extra amount due to hike in price, labor charge or even the transportation charges. Other aspects that can increase your expenditure include the heating and cooling systems, insulation, roof garden, etc. Consider these aspects and set your budget before executing your plan. According to most of the homeowners, the money spent on the underground homes is worth the effort because they are able to make considerable amount of energy savings.

Systematic planning and execution is required to make your dream of an underground house come true. Ensure that you abide by all the rules and regulations of the locality while building the house to save other troubles later on.

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