You’ve done you’re part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, but don’t let your green efforts end there. There are plenty opportunities to make your home more eco-friendly during your next remodeling project. Whether you have a remodel already planned or you just want to make your space more sustainable, honor the month of Earth Day and let Mother Nature be your project guide.
Lending a helping hand to the planet is a big benefit for the environment, but don’t think the payoff is only one-sided. By taking an eco-conscious approach with your home project, you too can come out ahead.
Save money: When talking building materials, many people hear “eco” or “green” and immediately think higher price. While some materials may cost more, many are reasonably priced or lower than their more traditional counterparts. But new isn’t the only option. Reusing materials can dramatically reduce the budget you’ll need. And don’t forget about money savings over the life of the product. Sustainable products are often times more efficient, requiring less home energy and water use, while at the same time boosting your home value.
Better health: Your home should be a nurturing space, not one that makes you sick. Eco-friendly building materials can help with this by eliminating the use of known carcinogens, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are often more prevalent in conventional building materials, especially, plastics and paints. Additionally, traditional materials tend to hold more moisture, which can lead to mold. Green products can help you and your family breathe easier when you seek out non-VOC and mold-resistant materials.
Ready to partner with Mother Earth for your next remodel? Here a few ways to reduce the impact your project will have on the planet.
There are plenty of places offering recycled construction materials to use in your next project. Counter tops, tiles, drywall, insulation, and more are available to help you avoid buying new while reducing waste that could end up in a landfill.
Purchase new, but still recycled.
If you aren’t able to meet your needs with previously owned construction items, seek out new products that are manufactured from recycled materials. For example, skip granite counter tops, and instead look for recycled-content options made with glass, paper, or cork.
When replacing appliances or things like toilets and faucets, consider Energy Star rated items or low-flow features. These items are usually similar in price to their conventional counterparts, but can reduce the cost of how much you pay in utility bills over the course of their lifetime.
Bigger isn’t always better, especially in terms of the environment footprint left behind. If you’re building onto your existing home, factor in how much extra square footage you actually need instead of what would just be nice to have. A larger space not only requires more materials but also more energy to maintain.
Install windows in locations that allow for more natural light, including skylights in ceilings. It creates a beautiful feature in your home, while reducing the amount of indoor lighting–and electricity to run it–needed to brighten your space.
Since energy efficiency is a key component to green remodeling, consider replacing old, inefficient windows. No matter if the windows are considered green or traditional, this kind of upgrade can make you home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, without all the wear and tear on your HVAC to keep up with air leaking in or out.
You don’t have to turn your home into a 100 percent green building to make a positive effect on the environment. Even small projects can have a big impact. We can keep green efforts a priority with any construction project you want to tackle. Let us help you come up with a plan that’s best for your place and the planet.
DRS Remodeling is a certified member of NARI, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a network of experienced, well-trained remodeling professionals. As a member, DRS observes NARI’s strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. At DRS, we help you identify exactly what you’re looking for as you plan your remodeling project. By thoroughly discussing and planning out what your intentions are, we are better able to reach a decision that reflects your expectations.