The Eco-Friendly New Home Checklist: 8 Steps to Save your Wallet and the Planet

So, you’ve found your dream home—or at least a place with good bones, great light, and a yard that isn’t a total mess. Before you start mentally mapping out where the couch goes, there’s one checklist most buyers never see—and realtors rarely mention: the eco-friendly homebuyer checklist.

In today’s market, energy efficiency and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re smart investments that save money, reduce your footprint, and boost long-term property value. With recent updates to federal incentives for home energy upgrades and increasing climate-related insurance costs, being eco-conscious at closing could mean serious savings later.

This guide breaks down the step-by-step green features to evaluate—and how Pigybak can help you make sustainable upgrades easier (and more affordable) after you move in.

The Eco-Friendly New Home Checklist Realtors Never Tell You About

Step 1: Check the Windows—Energy Drain or Energy Saver?

Look for double or triple-pane windows with low-E glass and insulated frames (like fiberglass or vinyl). Avoid aluminum frames, which conduct heat and lose efficiency fast.

✅ Pro Tip: Condensation between panes = broken seals. That’s money out the window (literally).

💰 Bottom Line: Energy-efficient windows can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 25%, talk about a green home upgrade that packs a punch (Energy.gov).

🔗 Learn about window efficiency ratings

Pigybak Tie-In: Book energy-efficient window replacements as a Pigybak Ride to save big alongside neighbors.

Step 2: Ask About Insulation (But Not Just in the Attic)

Insulation should be present in walls, crawlspaces, ductwork, and rim joists. Spray foam was once the go-to, but new research raises concerns about chemical off-gassing from certain types (Environmental Working Group).

✅ Ask for the R-value and whether any foam insulation used is formaldehyde- and isocyanate-free.

💰 Bottom Line: Good insulation saves 10–15% annually on energy bills (DOE).

🔗 Insulation guide by Energy Star

Pigybak Tie-In: Schedule a professional energy audit through Pigybak to reveal where upgrades make the biggest impact.

Step 3: Evaluate Smart Systems That Actually Save You Money

An often overlooked component of any home inspection, your eco-friendly new home checklist should look beyond the shiny smart speaker and check for:

• Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee)
• ENERGY STAR HVAC systems
• Motion-sensor or daylight-responsive lighting
• Smart plugs with energy tracking

✅ Ask for the model and age of HVAC units and thermostats.

💰 Bottom Line: Smart thermostats can save $131–$145 annually (EPA Energy Star).

Pigybak Tie-In: Bundle your smart upgrades with other homeowners and cut installation costs.

Step 4: Look for Sustainable Landscaping (Not Just Curb Appeal)

Seek out:

• Drought-tolerant plants
• Rain gardens
• Clover or fescue lawns
• Mulched garden beds instead of high-water turf

✅ Red Flag: Sprinkler-dependent lawns with no zoning or timers.

💰 Bottom Line: Replacing turf with native landscaping can reduce irrigation needs by 50–75% (EPA WaterSense).

Pigybak Tie-In: Pigybak makes it easy to organize landscaping upgrades post-move with eco-conscious pros.

Step 5: Inspect the Roof for Solar Potential and Sustainability

Ask if the roof:

• Has south- or southwest-facing orientation
• Was installed in the last 10–15 years
• Is made of solar-compatible materials (asphalt shingle, metal, composite)
• Can support added weight from panels

✅ Watch out: Wood shake, slate, and older clay tile roofs are often problematic for solar.

📍 Cleveland note: Despite cloudy winters, Ohio’s net metering policy and new community solar pilot program are making solar more feasible (PUCO).

💰 Bottom Line: A solar-ready home can add $15,000+ in property value (Lawrence Berkeley Lab).

🔗 Check solar viability with Project Sunroof

Pigybak Tie-In: Team up with neighbors for solar consults and take advantage of group install discounts.

Step 6: Confirm Water-Saving Fixtures Are Installed

Look for:

• Low-flow toilets (1.28 gallons/flush or less)
• Showerheads with a flow rate of 2.0 GPM or less
• Aerated faucets and leak detection systems

✅ WaterSense-labeled fixtures = lower water bill and environmental impact.

💰 Bottom Line: Switching to WaterSense fixtures saves 20%+ on indoor water use (EPA).

Pigybak Tie-In: Schedule a water-saving fixture swap for your whole block and enjoy group savings.

Step 7: Vet Materials for Indoor Air Quality

Ask about past renovations and request specifics on:

• Flooring (look for GreenGuard Gold certified)
• Paints (ensure they’re low- or zero-VOC)
• Cabinets and counters (prefer formaldehyde-free options)

✅ Red Flag: No documentation or vague “builder grade” labels.

💰 Bottom Line: Cleaner air = fewer long-term health issues and better resale appeal.

🔗 GreenGuard Certified Products Database

Pigybak Tie-In: Pigybak connects you with trusted pros who source healthier building materials.

Step 8: Research the Neighborhood’s Efficiency Potential

Choose communities with:

• Walkability and transit options
• Shared amenities or services
• Existing sustainability programs (e.g., compost pickup, solar co-ops)

✅ Use tools like Walk Score or city climate plans to assess long-term livability.

💰 Bottom Line: Less driving = less gas, lower insurance, and higher life quality.

Pigybak Tie-In: Pigybak works best in communities that share resources—fewer trucks, more savings.

Final Thoughts: Make Your First Big Investment Work Harder

A greener home doesn’t just save energy—it adds value, reduces maintenance, and enhances your quality of life. Use this step-by-step new home checklist before you buy—and then use Pigybak to bring your vision to life. For those considering selling your home, consider this a way to stand out in the crowd and add value to your home.