Founded by the Calgary University Professor of Architecture, John Brown, “Slow Home” is an international movement that provides design information and empowers homeowners to take more control and improve the quality of their home environments. Inspired by the clear lessons of “slow food” versus “fast food”, here are Professor Brown’s 10 steps to embrace a higher quality home and lifestyle and SW Florida area real estate expert, Lisa Farina-Lopez’s responses and local advice.
1) “GO INDEPENDENT” Find independent designers and contractors who design for you and not just profit. We have right here in the greater Fort Myers-Bonita Springs- Naples area, a number of local architects, designers and various service contractors who understand the desire for unique combined with the concerns for finances, preservation and conservation.
2) “GO LOCAL” Use local craftsmen, manufacturers and retailers to get a local response to your needs rather than relying on the standard “Big Box” companies who often do not understand your unique home conditions. Think how great it would be to create a network of service professionals who are a “stones-throw-away” from your doorstep and how that makes for pleasant neighbors who are happy to know you and work for you. Supporting the local economy is essential to keeping your community alive and well.
3) “GO GREEN”
Help stop the new suburban sprawl by investing in existing communities and using sustainable materials to help reduce one’s "environmental footprint". There is an abundance of resale homes available here in our SW Florida area. Rather than clearing more land to build, consider revitalizing a pre-existing home and neighborhood. And while doing so, you can choose to use, for example, phosphate free cleaning supplies, less toxic paints and lawn care companies who use organic fertilizers.
4) “GO NEAR”
With the cost of gasoline and the general cost of living rising, it is more important than ever to live as close to where you work, shop and play. It is not just the wasted time and resources driving to work, grocery store, post office, gym etc. but the continued need for new roads and infrastructure services that play a huge role in negatively impacting your beautiful SW Florida environment. Even larger developers are beginning to understand this need as Rappallo, Coconut Pointe and the Mercado are three local communities that promote a multi-use, lifestyle where one walks to work, shop, eat or play.
5) “GO SMALL”
Bigger is not always better. Any properly designed home can feel bigger and live easier than the biggest yet poorly designed one. With the economy pinching most people’s wallets it is so important to spend your money wisely on quality instead of quantity. And think about the money to be saved on less space to air condition or clean. There are many lovely smaller and moderately sized condos, townhouses, cottages or single family homes in the Bonita Springs area just waiting for the ”slow home” owner!
6) “GO OPEN”
Many homes were built to keep the house dark in Florida with the thinking that less light equals less heat, but it often created small, closed up rooms that require more electricity for lighting and don’t really work with the flow of daily lives. How many homeowners have to walk around the house looking for tv’s or lights left on? Choose to build or renovate to create an open space that flows with your daily life, reduces electricity use and offers great light to lift your spirits and remind you of the beautiful SW Florida nature right outside your window. Courtyard homes and homes with “great-rooms” are very popular here in Florida for this reason.
7) “GO SIMPLE”
Buy or renovate a home that has space you will use and things you need. How many homeowners have rooms they never use or worse yet, become interior dumping grounds? And to think that space is costing you money in air conditioning, insurance and real estate taxes. Good design reduces waste, clutter and saves you money. Buy or redesign a home that fits the lifestyle you really want. Homebuyers are becoming more attracted to open floor plans and great rooms.
8) “GO REAL”
Create a home that reflects your own quality of character and high ideals by avoiding fake materials or inaccurate historical styles. You can enhance a home's character with the use of space, natural light, the placement of personal possessions and the use of sustainable materials. Florida is known for it’s Cypress wood and many older homes were entirely or partially built from it. Cypress wood is a super hard wood that is termite resistant and very durable. If your Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs, or Naples home is older with wood floors, walls or main structure, make sure you learn the type of wood it is as you may already have the “go real” you would want as a “slow home” owner. Coral rock is another indigenous element you can use to enhance your home area. If you have questions about authenticity ask your local experts.
9) “GO HEALTHY”
It is commonly known that houses built with cheap materials can emit noxious chemicals. So be money conscious but wise and use as natural as possible of materials and techniques in your building and/or renovating. Consider adding a fresh air ventilator system to your air conditioner to keep fresh air diluting any gases. And it doesn’t take but one “Today Show” episode to know that suburban living which demands driving for all one’s needs can support obesity. This goes back to Prof. Brown’s “GO NEAR” step to not only save money and resources but to promote a healthier you by living where you can walk or bicycle to work or shop.
10) “GO FOR IT”
The more you get informed and involved with your home, the better for everyone and everything! It’s time to slow down Mr. or Ms. Homeowner to understand and create what it is you really want and know that every big or small change made is so important. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy your home more fully but reconnect with and support your community and natural environment, save money, enhance your properties value and be proud of your efforts and the changes.
Look for my upcoming GO GREEN articles!
Lisa Farina-Lopez, Realtor
239-287-6005
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