Remodeling a green home is practically a win-win, both for your family and the environment. By being responsible enough to consider the greater picture, a home remodeling project will make your abode more pleasant and cost-efficient in the coming months. One of the best advantages of a green home design is that it incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly elements, usually drawing from developments in intelligent technology and recycling principles.
Green home remodeling can be implemented on any kind of house. Depending on the amount of time and effort that you can commit, an environmentally-aware house rehaul will not only make your home look better, it can actually improve your family’s health and add value to your property.
Key Aspects of a Green Home Remodeling Project
One of the most common misconceptions about a green home or building is that it lacks in aesthetics what it gains in sustainability and efficiency. However, this is not necessarily true. There is, in fact, no particular reason why a green home has to look different from a conventional house. However, some of the elements that are typically found in a green remodel would include the following:
- Recycled insulation or wallboard materials
- Low toxic finish and paints
- Features which ensure proper ventilation all throughout the structure
- Water efficient plumbing fixtures
- Ample natural light sources
- Recycled plastic and metal fixtures
- Appliances which are energy- and water-efficient to operate
Pre-Green remodeling reminders
Any kind of home remodeling can be somewhat overwhelming and stressful, but the special demands on an eco-friendly remodel can make it even more so. Prepare yourself by doing a lot of research ahead of time. Some homeowners choose to go the DIY route, while others enlist the help of contractors. Whichever route you take, you can avoid a lot of costly mistakes if you lay out a comprehensive plan of action first rather than go at it haphazardly.
Second, be prepared to spend more than you would on a conventional remodel. The materials and other equipment that you will be using (such as energy-efficient air cooling systems, for instance) are bound to cost more than ordinary ones. Still, think of the long-term when making your investment: a washing machine or dryer may cost a few hundred dollars more than most models, but if it helps you save as much as 30% off energy consumption, it is going to be worth it to shell out the extra money.
One area at a time
If you are going to DIY route for a green home remodel, we would definitely recommend tackling one area at a time. This will help you stay on track with the remodel, and also give you an opportunity to salvage and reuse certain materials in other areas of the house. For example, remodeling the bathrooms first will allow you to reuse those Italian tiles in the patio or balcony.
Here are a few reminders on the various aspects of green home remodeling:
Bath and Laundry areas – bath and laundry areas are important in a home, especially since these are the areas which consume a lot of energy and water. Your choice of fixtures, flooring, etc. can slash off as much as 1/3 off your entire household’s gas and electricity bills.
Kitchen and Pantry – Food is prepared or stored in these areas, so the primary consideration for kitchen and pantries is efficiency and safety. Because most kitchen gadgets and furniture are subject to daily use, you have to look for options that are durable and comfortable as well.
Salvaging and Reuse – remodeling projects often yield a lot of building materials that can be incorporated in your home or in someone else’s green remodeling project. Architectural salvage gathered from other projects may be available in your area, so try to search for local resources when doing your pre-remodeling research. Most of these projects will ask for nothing more than just to pay it forward—you can sign up so that the next people looking for salvaged materials can use the ones that you got from your own home.
Author Bio : Patric Seeley is a Global Brand Manager at Mattressnextday.co.uk/. Mattressnextday.co.uk- Massive range of Silentnight pocket sprung, memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses as well as a huge range of cheap double 4ft beds at the lowest prices-Free 24hr delivery – Make it a better day.
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