If you plan to build your dream home this year, don’t forget to ask for natural gas, advises a local homebuilder.
Natural gas is in demand by today’s homebuyers. In fact, it’s considered standard in upscale homes in northern Georgia, said Rodney Jones, owner of Athens-based Frameworks Unlimited.
“It’s a luxury people expect, and so we always include it,” said Jones, who has been building custom homes in Georgia for more than 20 years.
A national survey indicates homebuilders around the U.S. are being called on to meet similar expectations. “Customer preference was by far the most important factor for the builder to choose natural gas,” concluded a 2018 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders Economics and Housing Policy Group.
Why gas?
Natural gas is the fuel source chosen by 177 million Americans, according to the National Gas Association.
Buyers like an upscale feel that’s still affordable, and natural gas unlocks countless opportunities to give them more of what they’re looking for. Builders like Jones recognize that affordable, versatile and reliable natural gas is a powerful selling advantage.
“It’s [natural gas] so important that I always include it as a home feature on my marketing materials,” said Jones.
Affordable: Local consumer favorite Walton Gas offers competitive pricing month after month.
Georgia homebuyers chiefly prefer natural gas for
heating, cooking, water heating and outdoor living.
Versatile: Natural gas is versatile enough to be used in nearly any indoor or outdoor application. Georgia homebuyers chiefly prefer natural gas for heating, cooking, water heating and outdoor living.
Reliable: Because natural gas supply pipes are underground, outages are rare, so homeowners can depend on some gas appliances even when their electric power is out.
Natural gas appliances have lower operating costs and use less energy to get the job done.
They also have fewer moving parts, so homebuyers can expect more years of service with less maintenance. And here’s another benefit: Homes with natural gas appliances sell for 6% more on average.
Eco-conscious homebuyers are also attracted to natural gas-fueled homes. Today, most of our nation’s energy needs are met by fossil fuels, and natural gas is one of the cleanest, producing the fewest emissions. It provides an environmentally sound choice since alternative and renewable sources are not readily available and currently meet only 6% of our energy needs.
Gas up
A new construction home offers an exciting opportunity to plan for natural gas appliances you’d like to add immediately or in the future.
Even if you plan to put off adding some amenities — such as an outdoor living space — until later, you’ll want to ask your builder about pre-piping natural gas hook-ups during construction. It is cheaper and easier to install the lines as a part of new construction rather than during a renovation.
Jones lists these amenities as being the most-requested by area homebuyers:
Furnace: Installing an energy-efficient natural gas furnace is job one for any new construction project Jones tackles. “A gas furnace can heat up a large space quickly. That’s important because people want their home to be nice and warm when they come from work in the winter,” he said.
Fireplace: “Ninety-five percent of my clients want a fireplace,” he said. Whether they are found indoors or outdoors, fireplaces and fire features are a definite must-have for 2019, according to Housetrends magazine. These features can serve as a cozy nook or focal point for a large room or outside entertainment area.
Cooktops, ranges and stoves: “Everybody wants a gas cooktop these days,” Jones said. Ninety-seven percent of professional chefs prefer natural gas for its instant response and precise temperature control. Gas ranges last six years longer and cost 30 percent less to operate than other fuel sources, on average.
Outdoor grills: “We almost always run a natural gas line out to the deck for installing a gas grill,” he said. “If you want to cook with gas, natural gas is so much more convenient than having to mess with propane bottles.”
Spa and pool heaters: “Every pool I build includes natural gas heat,” Jones said. In fact, he uses natural gas to warm the water in the spa and pool at his own home. “Natural gas is the fastest way to warm up the water when it’s cold outside,” he added.
Outdoor living spaces: One of the biggest home trends is extending the outdoor-living season via gas-powered equipment. “Half of the screened-in porches we build include a gas fireplace,” Jones said.
When purchasing new products and appliances, Walton Gas reminds you to choose items that are both energy efficient and good for the environment. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
Choose Walton Gas
If you choose natural gas for your new home, don’t forget to shop around for the best customer service and most competitive rates. Visit Walton Gas to learn about our special offers for new residential customers.