Exploring Smart and Sustainable Luxury Homes in Austin, Texas

Austin homeowners, particularly those in the luxury market, are interested in smart, sustainable homes. Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, is home to more than 200 music venues, with shows and opportunities happening around the city on a regular basis. As the area continues to grow at a rapid pace, more homes appear on the market, including new construction that focuses on sustainability and smart technology that will enhance owners' living experience. Sustainable luxury homes in Austin, Texas, offer a number of advantages to interested buyers.

Smart, sustainable luxury homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may have different features depending on what the builders imagined and the current needs of buyers. However, there are several things that these homes do have in common.

Smart homes are known for their smart, connected technology. A central hub device may control them, which helps govern all interactions with the property through a connected smartphone, or they may have individual elements that are controlled through apps. These technological advancements can make it much easier for homeowners to control key elements of their homes, from security features to temperature.

Sustainable homes, on the other hand, focus heavily on materials and amenities that will stand the test of time. Sustainable luxury homes are built to last, often of local materials.

While smart, sustainable homes can have a variety of features depending on the needs of the homeowner or the preferences of the architect and builder, there are several common features you can expect as you explore properties throughout Austin.

Energy Star appliances can encompass every appliance in your home, from the HVAC unit to your washer and dryer. These appliances must meet key rating requirements, including greater efficiency than the minimum federal efficiency standard for most appliances. These ratings not only mean lower energy usage, but they may also mean that buyers can expect lower energy costs.

Using sustainable building materials means several key things. First, it often means that those materials are ethically sourced from wood and other materials that can be easily replaced rather than using materials that are in short supply. Furthermore, sustainable materials often come directly from the local area. For example, builders in Austin may choose from oak or ash woods for many of their projects since those trees thrive in the hot climate throughout the area.

Sustainable building may also mean that construction companies choose to employ local workers or that they offer ethical, sustainable working conditions. Furthermore, some contractors may choose to use recycled materials, which can further cut costs and waste during the construction process. 

Solar energy has continued to expand exponentially over the past several years as more homebuyers are looking for ways to decrease their energy footprint. Austin homebuyers are able to experience the advantages of solar energy in their luxury homes, including producing much of their own energy directly on the property. In cases where energy production exceeds what the property owner can use, solar panel owners can work with local power companies to sell the additional energy.

Smart thermostats aren't just about ensuring that the home is at an ideal temperature all the time, though that is certainly a benefit. With smart thermostats, Austin luxury homeowners can set the temperature in their homes at their preferred level at any time of the day, no matter where they are. For homeowners who work away from home, that may mean allowing the temperature in the house to rise during the day, decreasing energy usage during the hottest part of the day, and then bringing the temperature down as family members return from work and school.

Having adequate insulation is the most effective way to ensure that Austin homes remain cool during the height of a hot summer without substantially increasing overall energy usage. Sustainable luxury homes include vital insulation, including enhanced windows and doors that will let less heat inside throughout the day.

As part of living in a sustainable home, many buyers choose to focus on sustainable designs that will stand the test of time and allow them to make the most of their homes over time. Instead of decor that is replaced regularly, including some elements that end up getting replaced every year, sustainable home designs focus on timeless, classic elements that buyers will be less likely to need to update.

Smart, sustainable luxury homes may offer a number of benefits.

Sustainable homes are designed to reduce overall environmental impact. Many of today's buyers are aware of the challenges of climate change, and they want to reduce their impact as much as possible.

When you choose a sustainable luxury home, you'll find that, in many cases, it means decreased costs over time. Not only will you end up with lower energy costs, but you may also end up with lower maintenance costs and fewer replacement issues.

Sustainable luxury homes are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. While smart technology delivers ultimate convenience, sustainable options keep your home running smoothly, which means you can feel more confident about your everyday life.

With more buyers focused on eco-friendly, sustainable prices, some homeowners find that home value increases significantly when they choose to invest in sustainability.

If you are looking for a smart, sustainable luxury home in Austin, Jeannie Garr Roddy can help you find the home of your dreams. Get in touch to learn more about the Austin real estate market and the sustainable properties available.

Browsing homes for sale in Pasadena, CA? Jeannie can help with your Southern California home search, too. Visit JeannieGarrRoddy.com for Southern California listings.