Healthy Homes for Healthy Living – How to Buy Peace of Mind

Home Trends by Melissa Birdsong

RISMEDIA, July 8, 2008-Homeowners are looking for a quality of life that promotes health, safety and well-being-and it all begins with the home.

If someone were to ask you to describe the most important things about achieving the “good life,” what would you say?

Last month, I referenced the top three things noted in a recent study-good health, financial security and having a home of your own-and noted that even in these challenging economic times, being a homeowner is still the dream of most people. With so many things in play that they can’t control-gas and food prices, home values, the global economy and more-homeowners are paying very close attention to the things they can control by making better, more thoughtful choices about what they look for in a home. And today, that often means discovering what it takes to have a healthy home to support good health and well-being.

Today’s home buyers are seeking safe and secure homes with systems and materials that offer protection in the broadest sense of the word. Home security systems, stout locks on doors and windows, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can deliver peace of mind.

Having a home that is designed to promote accessibility and comfort for all family members is another way for a home to support good health. But a third and complementary perspective is all about having a home that promotes wellness through clean air, pure water and clean surfaces.

Consumers are keenly interested in a home’s air and water quality and the systems and materials that are in place-or not-to ensure a healthy interior environment. As a result, they’re likely to evaluate finish materials, such as carpet or hard-surface flooring, countertops, and tub and shower surrounds not only from an aesthetic perspective, but also from a “cleanability,” livability and maintenance perspective aligned with supporting their family’s wellness-from general prevention to addressing the special needs of the allergy-prone, the odor-sensitive and the pet owner.

Understanding the rising importance and broader definition of having a home that supports good health can provide meaningful insight for many potential homeowners. Helping your clients find a home that addresses their specific needs is another way to demonstrate your professionalism and your desire to go above and beyond.

Melissa Birdsong is vice president for Trend, Design & Brand, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

For more information, please visit www.lowes.com.