Between June 2021 and June 2022, there were an estimated 180,820 new build dwelling developments in England, whilst research from independent inspection body RISA predicted UK homeowners would spend £40.2bn on property renovation last year. On ManoManoPro, the most popular categories are Bathroom, Tools and Heating & Plumbing. The housing industry is constantly evolving, which has led to revolutionary changes over the years, from triple-glazed windows to a reduction in fossil-fuel energy.
For the 2020s, the modern home looks set to be shaped by two key focuses – value and sustainability. As the nation continues to feel the effects of rising costs, people are starting to search for energy saving appliances and solutions that will help cut costs in the long run. The younger generation of first-time buyers and renters are also much more inclined to seek sustainable solutions that will reduce energy and waste.
Research published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has revealed that new build houses will save owners an average of over £3,000 in annual energy costs as a result of modern building techniques such as the use of timber frames, recyclable material, and modern-day appliances installed such as photovoltaic panels, whilst recent government regulations state that CO2 emissions from new build homes must be around 30% lower than current standards.
For property developers, it is therefore essential to prepare for the sustainable home of the future.
Before beginning a new project, it is important for developers to understand and educate themselves on sustainability laws and legislation in the UK, specifically the 2021 Environment Act which outlines some clear guidelines that need to be followed for new builds.
During the development process, builders must identify the best materials and appliances to design a home that will help save money and energy for the homeowner. Renewable energy sources such as solar power are becoming increasingly popular, with solar panel sales on ManoManoPro increasing by 109% between January and May 2023 compared to the previous five months.
As well as assembling a strong selection of energy-saving appliances, developers should also look at sourcing sustainable material to build with. Investing in strong insulation will help lower heating and cooling costs, but some material such as natural sheep’s wool and recycled cellulose, both of which can be purchased on ManoManoPro, is more environmentally friendly.
Renewable resources such as timber and wood are also popular materials used for building an environmentally friendly home.
By having access to an online platform such as ManoManoPro, developers gain access to an unrivalled choice of +1.5M products from trade-quality brands, with a huge array of energy-saving appliances including rainwater tanks, heat pumps and more. This product access is available anytime, anywhere via the online catalogue with 24h delivery on key items.
Perhaps the biggest priority for developers in 2023 and beyond is incorporating smart home technology into future builds. By providing homeowners with greater control of their energy usage, they are not only able to save money through monitoring their expenditure, but also automate appliances such as adjusting temperature, turning off lights, and even adjusting irrigation based on the weather, helping reduce energy waste in the long term.
The smart home industry has boomed over the last few years as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and with ManoManoPro, developers can stock up on a wide selection of smart home appliances, from smart thermostats, LED lights, showers, and plugs.
For builders who are uncertain about which material they require for a sustainable development, ManoManoPro offers a dedicated team at the service of every customer, providing a personalised experience and expert advice through a team of specialists available by telephone, email, or online chat who can help make decisions and provide information on products according to each project or challenge they face.
The marketplace also offers a dedicated advice page which provides customers with top tips and tricks for trade professionals and DIYers, including an insulation buying guide, guidance on how to insulate internal walls, and a building tools buying guide. The page also provides a detailed overview on how to save money on your energy bills, with guidance on how to identify sources of heat loss and recommendations of popular energy-efficient appliances such as LED and CFL bulbs.
