Green living tips for a more sustainable home

20 Mar Green living tips for a more sustainable home

Posted at 09:56h in home ownership by
0 Likes

Below are a few green living tips that could yield plenty of benefits, including lowering the cost of monthly utilities.

Although load-shedding and water-shedding are local issues, extreme weather conditions are a result of climate change. This is driving the trends toward alternative utility solutions. As communities become more committed to reducing their carbon footprint, homeowners have plenty of opportunities to reduce their reliance on the national grid and be proactive about power and water generation. Thanks to South Africa’s socio-economic climate, ‘going green’ could yield plenty of benefits, including lowering the cost of monthly utilities.

Make your property water-wise

One of the green living tips to consider is being water wise. South Africa experiences alternating flooding and water shortages, depending on the area you reside in. However, a low swimming pool level or a dehydrated garden can harm your home’s value and its appeal to potential buyers. So, what are some of your options?

  • Consider a borehole

Although it might not be top on the list for buyers, they are more likely to respond positively to a lush and well-maintained garden. Whether you intend to put your home on the market or stay put, a borehole is an excellent investment.

Boreholes can be expensive, but they can be beneficial for properties with low water tables. What if accessing groundwater from your property is not an option?

  • Think about automated irrigation

Modern irrigation systems can integrate with fertilizers, soil moisture sensors, and rain sensors. They can be programmed to schedule irrigation when evaporation is minimal.

  • Invest in alternative power sources

Solar energy systems are receiving increased attention due to the availability of rebates for private homes that install new rooftop solar systems. Whether you choose to go solar, invest in an inverter, or acquire a generator, alternative power solutions could enhance the appeal of your property to potential buyers.

Remember: if you decide to switch to solar, you still need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance.

You may not have the budget or inclination to invest in a turnkey alternative energy solution for your property, but there are also small changes you can make to boost your property’s appeal to potential buyers:

  • Go for gas

A gas stove provides instant heat and quick cooking, which is a major benefit for potential buyers. If you’re still unsure, consider a dual stove with a gas cooktop and electric oven. It’s essential to prioritize safety by following these basic guidelines:

  • Ensure that you use an accredited, licensed installer.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Conformity after installation, as you will need to present a valid certificate when you sell the stove. These certificates remain valid for five years.

Gas geysers are a cost-effective option for buyers to consider. Unlike electric geysers, which need to run constantly to keep water warm, gas geysers provide hot water on demand. Additionally, they do not rely on the sun to generate heat, unlike solar geysers.

  • Rethink your lighting

If you’re not going to use a full rooftop solar system, consider using solar security lights to illuminate your home at night. You can also decrease your electricity usage with motion-sensor lighting that turns on when someone enters a room.

These green living tips  can also help sell your house faster and increase the value of your home.

Do you want to proceed? It’s important to seek professional property advice before finalizing your Offer to Purchase.

 

While many individuals may not have the means to design an eco-friendly residence from scratch, some alterations can be implemented to existing structures and land.

Kindly be advised that AWD Law does not enter into litigation on behalf of clients. Our conveyancers specialise exclusively in the development of vacant land, property transfers, bond registrations, administration of deceased estates and notarial practice. Should you require assistance with a litigation, kindly contact The Legal Practice Council.

Contact AWD Law For Professional Property Advice before signing your Offer to Purchase.

All fields marked by an asterisk are required for form submission.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • Dear Andre, I hereby want to thank you, Laetitia Dekker and all involved at your Firm, for your excellent services rendered to us with the purchase of our house in Bethlehem. Since we made the decision to purchase a house in another Province, we were bombarded by scammers. You, Laetitia and your Firm renewed our experience that trust and being professional, is at the forefront of your business and the continued communication throughout the process is superb. All the documentation and our personal information that you handled and sent to for example ABSA involved, was handled with care and respect. We moved from Centurion to Bethlehem on Saturday, 14 December 2024 and when we got here, I was so grateful for your assistance in the process and that our home registered in our names on 12 December 2024 without any delays or misrepresentation. We will definitely be in contact with your Firm if in the future we decide to buy a property in Pretoria for rental purposes. Thank you once again for your excellent assistance and services rendered.

  • Hi Bronwen, Dankie, ons bewys van betaling volg. Ons sluit eers die 20ste, nog so baie om af te handel vir die jaar! Dis ‘n plesier en dankie vir julle spoedige en vriendelike diens, altyd ‘n plesier om saam met julle te werk. Mag julle ‘n geseende feesseisoen geniet en lekker uitrus vir die nuwe jaar! Groete,

  • Hallo Bronwen, Baie dankie bankbesonderhede. Ons sal beslis nog vir julle stuur. Baie dankie vir jul goeie diens en hulp met die transaksie. Groete,

  • Dear Laetitia, Thank you for a wonderful service you provided. Yourself, Andre and Annelize. We appreciate the support and we are now proud owners. God bless you all. Regards.

  • Dear Annalize, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your confirmation of the registration of the property at 939 Thermesco Street. Navigating this transaction was not without its challenges, and your expertise and perseverance were invaluable in overcoming them. I truly appreciate your dedication and professionalism throughout the process. Thank you for your hard work and support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future. If there's anything further needed on my end, please feel free to reach out. Kind regards,

  • Dear Annalize, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your confirmation of the registration of the property. Navigating this transaction was not without its challenges, and your expertise and perseverance were invaluable in overcoming them. I truly appreciate your dedication and professionalism throughout the process. Thank you for your hard work and support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future. If there's anything further needed on my end, please feel free to reach out. Kind regards,

  • Baie dankie vir u e-pos hierin. Ons kry alreeds uitstekende diens van Bronwen. Ons het al vantevore van u firma gebruik gemaak om Investec verbande vir ons in te dien en het ons toe verwysing gekry by ander prokureur wat gebruik gemaak het van julle en was hul baie tevrede. Baie dankie vir u diens. Groete

  • Annalize Baie baie dankie vir puik diens. Ek klink dalk maar moeilik maar dan moet jy weet ek is raadop ek is naby handoek ingooi en alles loop net verkeerd. Maar met julle diens is ek baie tevrede en julle is baie na aan my hart. Groete

  • "Hi Bronwen Hiermee bewys van betaling, vir jou vriendelike aandag. Weereens baie dankie vir die uitstekende diens hierin. Lekker dag verder"

    Eleanor

  • Thank you so much for such an amazing service and the great effort. Greatly appreciated. Thank you all again.

    Claire

  • Hi Bronwen Hoop jy het ‘n goeie dag gehad. Dankie vir jou goeie diens en vriendelikheid 😊 Jy is awesome.

  • Thank u so much guys..u are the best guys...ur service is superb

    NL

  • Hi Annalize Baie, baie dankie vir al jul moeite en puik diens. Ek maak definitief weer gebruik van julle. Lekker dag

    SDP

  • Dankie. Eks baie dankbaar ons paaie het gekruis. Dis lekker om op n vriendskap basis maar tog profesioneel besigheid te bedryf. My vorige prok ( vriende al vir 35jaar) het n groot chip op sy skouer en as gevolg van sy arogansie al my besighied verloor. Dankie vir die mens wat jy is Andre Groete

    MN

  • Goeie môre Graag wil ek hierdie "wonderlike" nuus met julle deel. Bogemelde transaksie is vandag GEREGISTREER!!! Sonder jul hulp sou dit nie nou gebeur het nie. Baie baie dankie vir jul altyd vriendelike hulp en ondersteuning, ek waardeer dit verskriklik baie. Een nagmerrie agter die rug. Vriendelike groete

    SJN

  • Hallo Bronwen, Baie dankie vir jou puik bestand met die registratie. Ek heg hierby aan bewys van betaling van julle kostes. Lekker naweek vir jou.

    Petra Pretorius

  • Beste Andre en personeel. Dankie vir julle uitstekende diens met die verkoop van die geboue Klein Drakenstein en Cape Coral Die opvolg van e pos instruksies, versoeke en vrae was in elke geval dieselfde dag hanteer of minstens opgevolg. Dit was asof julle 24/7 beskikbaar was en gereageer het. Julle het selfs in meer as een geval die gemoedere tot bedaring gebring en `n modder gooiery voorkom. Dankie vir deeglikheid en die afhandeling van die hele proses in rekord tyd. Julle is 5ster! Dit sal vir my `n voorreg wees om julle aan te beveel by enige iemand anders.

    JB

  • Beste Bronwen, aangeheg bewys van betaling. Baie dankie vir jul altyd vriendelike diens.

    PB

  • Thank you so much for your excellent service. Looking forward to working with you in the future 😊

    TV

  • Awesome great thank you guys really appreciate the amount of effort that everyone put into this deal , please tell Andre I really appreciate the effort.

    CR

  • Good Day Bronwen Thank you, that is brilliant news!!! We appreciate your offices assistance and excellent service herein 😉 Have a great day.

    GD

  • Baie dankie vir die goeie nuus en die puik diens wat ons deurlopend by julle ontvang het tydens die duur van die transaksie. Ons waardeer opreg. Mooi dag vir julle."

  • Vind asb aangeheg ons registrasieskrywe en bewys van betaling van die kommissie hierin. Ons vertrou dit is in orde en bedank jou vir die vriendelike instruksie en samewerking hierin. Ons hoop ons kan gou weer saamwerk.

    Groete

  • "Beste Annalize, Baie dankie vir jul goeie werk. Andre dankie vir jou ook! Vriendelike groete"

  • Nog ‘n goeie verwysing hier!

    Laetitia Dekker

  • Net 'n opregte dankie vir jul puik, professionele en vriendelike diens. Ek kan julle regtig aanbeveel! Vriendelike groete

  • Graag dankie se vir jul flinke diens. Hartlike Groete

    Fred Geyer

  • vreeslik baie dankie en vir julle uitmundende en professionene werk!!!

  • Good day Pertunia I really cannot thank you enough for your promptness and constant feedback you always provide, much appreciated.

    Masego Motshel

  • Dear Pertunia, I trust that you are well. Thank you for your email, content duly noted. Once again thank you for your kind and professional assistance throughout the process. We highly appreciate everything you did. Yours faithfully

    Anami Martinson

  • Dear Andre, I want to bring to your attention how appreciative I am of the service I received from Patricia Erasmus throughout my dealings with her. She has been professional, courteous and often went over and beyond one can expect, to keep me updated and informed, on the status of my sales transaction. She was prompt, throughout my dealings with her and she would often contact me with feedback before I could ask about it first. It is not often that one experiences this dedicated work ethic and please note that her service is a positive contribution to your business.

    Helene Barnard

  • Vir Aandag - Mnr Andre Germishuizen Baie dankie vir proffesionele en uitstekende hantering van ons eiendomstransaksies - wees verseker ons waardeer dit opreg en ons beveel jou en jou span aan kliente wie met vertroue jou kan ondersteun. Seenwense

    Martin/Marie Beylefeld

  • Good day Andre Thank you for your patience in this matter. We have received feedback yesterday afternoon.

    Sampson, Ronel R

  • Thank you for your wonderful service. It’s refreshing to receive such service honestly. Thank your boss for us as well, we really appreciate the professional service we received. Because of you I was able to take the transferring attorneys to task. Be blessed

    Serrah Vilane

  • Wow !! Dit was baie vinnig ! Lekker aand Groete

    Jan van Deventer

  • Wow...Thank you so much, I'm so impressed by the swift service I'm receiving. Blessed regards

    Pauline Kgopa

  • THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS TRANSACTION. IT HAS BEEN A JOURNEY SECOND TO NONE. WELL DONE AWD LAW

    Pierre Mouton

  • Fantasties, baie baie dankie Magda en Andre!! Lekker dag vir julle!

    Julle

  • Goeie dag Andre Ek hoop dit gaan nog goed. Weereens dankie dat jy ons so vroeg kon sien Woensdagoggend. Dit is so lekker dat ons die kontrak voor werk kon doen en nie ‘n halwe dag verlof te moes insit nie. Aangeheg die bewys van betaling vir die rekening soos aan ons gegee is Woensdag. Hou ons asb op hoogte van wat alles gebeur en laat weet asb indien daar nog enige iets is wat jy van ons benodig. Groete

    Jean du Toit

  • Good afternoon Pertunia. I would first off like to thank you for your very efficient and professional service and making the process of buying our first home as seamless and stress free as possible.

    Franco Combrinck