bet·ter·ment
1. a making or becoming better.
2. improvements and enhancements made to a home that increase its value, functionality, and overall quality.
These enhancements can significantly impact the environmental, the community, home, and wellbeing.
Environmental Betterment
Betterment in home construction, when focused on environmental impact, refers to the improvement of construction processes and outcomes in ways that are beneficial to the environment.
- Sustainability: Betterments often include the use of sustainable materials and eco-friendly construction practices. This reduces the carbon footprint of the construction process and the home itself.
- Energy Efficiency: Improvements such as better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and solar panels can reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water Conservation: Installing low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient irrigation systems can conserve water resources.
Community Betterment
Community betterment related to home construction refers to the process of placemaking and outcomes of building or renovating homes in a manner that enhances the overall attractiveness, well-being, livability, and sustainability of a community.
- Aesthetic Value: Betterments can enhance the visual appeal of a neighborhood, contributing to community pride and cohesion.
- Property Values: Upgrades can increase property values in the area, benefiting homeowners and the local economy.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Environmentally friendly home improvements contribute to the overall health of the community by reducing pollution and conserving resources.
- Universal Design: These homes aim to support independent living, accommodate aging populations, and provide inclusive environments for people with disabilities.
Home Betterment
Livable home design focuses on creating homes that meet the evolving needs of occupants without requiring significant customization or remodeling. This design philosophy includes features that enhance accessibility and adaptability, such as step-free pathways, wider doorways, ground-level toilets, and reinforced bathroom walls for future modifications. Enhancements can also contribute to aspects of home comfort, function, usability, and longevity.
- Comfort: Enhancements like improved HVAC systems, better insulation, and high-quality windows and doors can make a home more comfortable.
- Functionality: Renovations can optimize the layout and usability of a home, making it more functional for daily living.
- Technology Integration: Incorporating smart home technologies can improve the convenience, efficiency, and security of a home.
- Maintenance and Longevity: High-quality materials and construction techniques can reduce the need for frequent repairs and extend the lifespan of the home.
Wellbeing Betterment
When it comes to contributing to a healthier living environment, betterment can encompass a range of modifications and enhancements designed to improve air quality, reduce exposure to harmful substances, and promote physical and mental well-being.
- Indoor Air Quality: The use of non-toxic materials, proper ventilation, and air purification systems can improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems.
- Natural Lighting: Betterments that increase natural lighting can enhance mental health and well-being.
- Safety: Improvements such as removing hazardous materials (like asbestos), installing smoke detectors, and ensuring structural integrity can significantly increase the safety of a home.
- Kitchen Betterment: The pandemic challenged us globally to find better solutions for the health and wellbeing of our bodies as well as the planet. Innovative kitchen betterment ideas can encourage healthy and mindful eating habits while combating both over-consumption and waste.
- Color Psychology: As the home becomes a space for living, working, parenting, and leisure, applying color research and turning to color psychology can enhance spaces with a betterment intention.
Community Partners
