Buying A House With Healthy Living In Mind

Buying the perfect home is an exciting endeavour! Making sure it has enough space, a great floor plan, and is within budget are the basics that most of us look for when house shopping. However, it’s also a good idea to make sure that your new property can accommodate a healthy lifestyle.

What options are important for buying a house with healthy living in mind? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Safety First

Before considering features that support a healthy lifestyle, potential home buyers need to make sure the property they are buying is safe. For example, older homes are often more affordable and appeal to our sense of simplicity; however, they are fraught with problems that modern homes do not have. They may even contain dangerous materials like asbestos, which can cause serious health problems, as well as mould or radon, and other toxins that are destructive to your health.

It’s a good idea to bring a house inspector with you before buying so that they can spot clues to these and other health hazards. You should learn the telltale clues of these hidden dangers for yourself as well. The more eyes scouting for potential problems, the better you can be sure your new home is safe.

Sustainability Features

Part of living a healthy lifestyle is making sure that your home is equipped with environmentally friendly features. Energy conserving appliances, water-conserving methods like low-flow taps and toilets, and even solar panels not only help you to live a greener life, they can save you money!

For a more sustainable home, use eco-friendly paint that is low in or free of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) or heavy dyes. VOCs can leak out toxins like formaldehyde or heavy metals long after the paint dries so the greener paint choice is also the healthy choice.

Outdoor Property Features

Next, you want to choose features that support a healthy lifestyle. One of the key things to look for when buying a house is its outdoor space. Front and back yards are two of the most attractive features of buying any home but especially valuable as a way to help your family get outside almost every day.

Yards also provide an excellent space for gardening. Whether you are interested in growing your food, planting serenity-inducing plants, or just having nearby nature as a way to refresh your mind, easy access to flora is excellent for your mental and physical health. We recommend growing a bee-friendly garden, which helps you avoid toxic gardening chemicals that are bad for the ecosystem and your health.

A backyard also provides an exclusive area for doing sports at home. Whether you are putting in a pool, setting up a trampoline, or just pinning up a volleyball net, your family can enjoy these activities without annual fees or distant travel. Choose a home with a yard that can accommodate the things you love to do.

You can even get inspired daily by creating an outdoor office. There are a few practicalities to consider: Does your wi-fi reach? Can you ensure you get protection from the sun’s rays? If you are in a climate with cold seasons, can you provide enough heat to work? Backyards provide endless opportunities to commune with nature!

Location, Location, Location!

The location of your new home can impact your health as well as the price. Getting away from urban centres means you can breathe free from pollutants and smog. You may also be closer to healthy places to visit, like hiking trails or bike paths, or even the local gym!

However, even if you choose a home in a suburban or rural setting, there can still be dangers to your health. Be sure to do your due diligence in any town or county you are considering by checking the following:

  • What kind of water supply does the home have? How safe is it?
  • Is the area downstream from any industrial suppliers that may have waste runoff?
  • Is there a power plant nearby?
  • Scour the local news over the last year for any stories of other pollution crises the town may have suffered that can still impact your home.

A little investigation can help prevent you from purchasing a health hazard you have no power to control.

A Healthy Indoor Environment

Your indoor tour of the home should be in person and should make you feel comfortable. Homes are often designed with “flow” in mind, that is, the layout just feels right and natural. Houses without flow feel awkward and may induce stress, as well as being difficult to furnish.

Be sure to carefully walk through the rooms that have the most hygiene problems, like kitchens and bathrooms. Look for telltale signs of bug infestations, mildew, decay, and damp spots. Check out the inside of all the appliances for dirt as well.

An important tool to use when house hunting is your sense of smell. You can smell dampness, pet odour, and household toxins, like ammonia, during your tour. These are also things your inspector should spot.

Finally, make sure that you have enough space so that you can relax in your home. Do you need a bedroom with a reading nook? Do you need a large bathtub for relaxing soaks? Is there a small room that can double a prayer closet or meditation room? Your home is your castle, and making sure there is room to unwind is just as important as having enough space for your family.

Buying a house is a deep investment. It should allow your health and wellness to flourish. Use these tips to select a home ideal for healthy living.

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