12 September 2017, 09:57
What we used to call a “Green Home Remodel” is now better known as sustainable design. Owing to the increasing concerns about contributing to a green environment for the next generation, the residential remodelling industry is undergoing a massive transformation making green designs more attainable and affordable than ever before.
So if you too are jumping onto the green bandwagon with your home remodel, here are 8 eco-friendly ways to help you renovate your home:
1. Don’t Demolish – Deconstruct!
If you plan to bring down a few walls or redo an entire room, see what can be salvaged and refurbished. Not only will this reduce your environmental impact but also help you save money. So, if your existing cabinets, flooring tiles, light fixtures, and molding are not broke, don’t fix them! If you plan on replacing the chandelier in your living room, don’t toss it – maybe you can install it in the bathroom and give it a grand look.
2. Buy Reclaimed and Locally Sourced Materials that are Low Maintenance
Instead of installing the newest and the shiniest, you can consider using reclaimed, locally sourced materials and make an environmentally sound choice. These materials are growing in popularity and make a great option for rustic flooring, stylish wall cladding, and attractive kitchen counter tops. You can also mix the old and the new for a shabby-chic vibe. Pre-owned materials that are in good condition make a cost-effective remodel, helping you save big as you give your green home a whole new look!
3. Use Your Space Judiciously
You can reduce your carbon footprint and still make your kitchen space look bigger by installing a pull-out pantry, glass-front cabinets, and cool floating shelves. Enhance the feeling of space further by keeping the ceiling higher and the surfaces bright white. You can free up more counter space in your teeny kitchen by installing stylish bars and hooks that keep appliances wall-mounted.
4. Give Away the Unwanted
If there is anything that you really don’t want – like that living room sofa, don’t toss it. Instead, you can give it away at a salvage shop where it can be repurposed and reused. With this step, you are not only being eco-friendly but also giving back to the community.
5. Light it Up with LED
Recessed LED lights not only add opulence to a space but are also energy-efficient. Most LED lights pay for themselves in a year so if you are considering new light fixtures, make sure they are LED.
6. Don’t Replace – Instead Refurbish
A kitchen remodel is the biggest expense in any home renovation project but it can be made affordable if you re-face instead of replacing your old cabinets and shelves. You can repaint and repurpose everything from the kitchen countertops and cabinets to doors and drawers. Giving your kitchen a whole new life does not have to cost you a fortune if you can get the dining area to do double duty like maximizing a bench seat to accommodate drawers underneath.
7. Go Energy-Efficient with your Environmental Impact
Solar energy can help you save big on your energy bills so when you are renovating your home, consider making the most of renewable sources of energy. Solar panels can keep energy costs down when used to power HVAC systems, water heaters, lights, and fountains. When shopping for new appliances, you can look for energy-efficient ratings as these appliances are not only cost prohibitive but also reduce energy consumption and thereby, your carbon footprint. Take advantage of the sun’s heat to keep your home warm in winter by strategically placing windows and overhangs. Install blinds that reduce the impact of direct sunlight during summer so that the HVAC unit runs at peak efficiency with less effort. You can also install radiant-heat flooring and ceaserstone kitchen countertops which are both eco-friendly and sustainable. Insulate the walls and the attic to prevent the transfer of heat and take advantage of natural light with skylights, sun tunnels and well-placed windows.
8. Pest-Proof Your Home – The Organic Way
Pest-proof your home without using any toxic chemicals and get rid of spiders, roaches, stink bugs, ants, mice and more. No one likes a pest infested home but opting for chemical pest control sprays during the remodel can put you and your family at the risk of various health problems. If you can’t set aside the time to seal all the entry points, fix leaky faucets, and clear the clutter, you can hire a residential pest control agency to pest-proof your home. Hiring an eco-conscious pest control service provider who uses organic, effective and humane pest exclusion treatments is a sound investment you make in keeping your green home bug-free and actually save money on termite repairs.
In the end, a green home remodel will not only help you conserve the environment but in doing so you will also save money and reduce your carbon footprint. So if you are renovating your home, why not make an eco-conscious decision and go natural wherever you can.
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Author Bio: When people find their homes and offices infested with pests, it is not uncommon for them to panic. Raymond Web has taken upon him the task to educate people on pest prevention and control strategies helping them keep their surroundings healthy, safe and pest-free. Being the digital marketing manager for Take Care Termite and Pest Control, in Tracy, CA, he has in-depth understanding of people and their pain points due to pests, which he efficiently uses in his content to educate people and add value to their lives.
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