Interest.com. July 18, 2012. By Amy Fontinelle: Buying new construction seems like a great way to avoid the hassles and expenses that come with buying a home that’s been around the block. Any older house will have things that need repair or replacement. Brand-new homes are perfect and move-in ready. Right? This is a faulty belief that can leave you battling issues with your home for years to come.

USGBC Green Home Guide. April 5, 2012. By Cassy Aoyagi: Sustainable landscaping saves time and quickly produces both cost savings and health benefits for existing buildings as well as new construction. Of all the tricks of the trade, replacing a thirsty, traditional lawn – or not planting one in the first place – has the most profound total cost benefits.

First, the benefits. Simply swapping a traditional lawn for a native grass can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can adversely effect the health of children and pets.