4 Tips For An Environmentally Friendly Home Renovation

Do you want to remodel your bathroom or kitchen but aren’t sure where to begin? A green, eco-friendly addition to your home can make a huge difference in the long term. Did you know that environmentally-friendly remodeling is becoming more popular than ever and has been proven to be the best choice for many homeowners?

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR ECO-FRIENDLY RENOVATION

Most green construction materials can be recycled or made using special processes to reduce waste. These materials are typically cheaper than traditional building materials, which helps you keep within your construction budget. They also conserve water and electricity, which can help you save money on your utilities.

1. DURING DEMOLITION: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE

It can be tempting to throw everything away and start over when you are interested in eco-friendly remodeling. It can be expensive to replace every item that you throw away.

Keep the most important structures intact and replace only what is necessary for a green remodel. You can sand, stain, or paint wooden cabinets to give them a new look. Resurfacing existing cabinets could be an option. This would allow you to keep your framework intact and replace only the doors.

You can donate any unused building materials to an organization that will accept them if you have to throw it out. Habitat For Humanity opened stores across the country that sell home improvement products. A charitable donation may qualify you for a tax credit.

Not only are these organizations great for dropping off unwanted items but they also allow homeowners to pick up new stuff! Reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly option for flooring. Every bathroom remodel requires a steady supply primers, sealants and caulk to fit tight corners. A great way to save money and go green is to shop at secondhand stores.

2. HOW TO CHOOSE NEW MATERIALS
Although luxury items such as granite countertops and hardwood floors are trendy, they can be costly to install and maintain. These items may contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can lead to health problems.

There are many non-VOC options available for paints and caulks as well as sealers. Bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood are all eco-friendly flooring options that can make your home healthier and more comfortable.

3. CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY
Every environmentally-friendly remodeling project should aim to improve long-term energy efficiency. Energy-efficient lighting options such as LEDs and energy-efficient lighting can help reduce power consumption and seal doors and windows to keep the air conditioner indoors.

Las Vegas is known for its water conservation. Make sure you check the Energy Star ratings when choosing “water-intensive” appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. These ratings will show you which appliances are the most efficient in terms of water and electricity. Low-flow toilets, which are also available in flow reducers for sinks and showers, are popular options to reduce water consumption.

4. CHOOSE YOUR GREEN TEAM
It is possible to make a very positive impact on the environment by remodeling. However, it must be done correctly the first time. Choosing the right contractor is the most important aspect of any renovation. This will save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.