Are you thinking about converting your home to be environmentally friendly but not sure how to start?
Here is a handy list of some of the things to consider and consider when deciding on the next step towards an environmentally friendly remodel.
1. Hire a green contractor
The first step in starting a green remodel is to hire the right contractor. This is someone who is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. They know the best way to help with eco-friendly remodeling, including finding eco-friendly materials, and can offer suggestions on how to make your remodel environmentally friendly. Even if they are not certified, you can still work with a conventional contractor. However, this means that you have to accept some of the slack in terms of eco-friendly materials and design. If they are not ready to work with you on your sustainable home idea, the best thing to do is to find someone who is willing to be more flexible. If you're having trouble finding a contractor near you, you can use a national database of green contractors, designers and builders. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations to find local professionals, or you can visit green buildings in your area and get recommendations.
2. Determine how green you want to be
A green remodel can range from replacing your old equipment with more energy efficient ones to installing solar panels, rainwater collection, water protection systems or a completely new wing made from environmentally friendly materials. Remember that something is better than nothing. You may not have the budget or the desire to go completely green, but just a few steps are worth taking.
3. Use green materials
There are several things to consider when choosing your materials, such as:
- Where are you from? Try to find local materials for your remodel. This will make a huge difference in carbon footprint as your goods will not generate transportation costs or waste.
- What are they made of? The type of material is just as important as the location. Some eco-friendly materials that you can incorporate into your home are bamboo and cork. Bamboo is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and cork can be harvested without killing the tree. When replacing insulation, try to use straw clay, which is highly insulating and sustainable.
- Are they recycled? Instead, can you use recycled items instead of using new materials? Try using reclaimed wood for floors and counters in place of new material. And use used furniture instead of buying new pieces.
- What is their environmental impact? Use non-toxic versions of paint, sealant, insulation, and adhesives to reduce the amount of VOCs and chemicals you bring into your home.
4. Make a budget
Green materials and highly efficient devices are often more expensive than the alternative. Note that a green tag may need to be of a more limited scope than a non-green one. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Reducing the size and impact of your remodeling is a very environmentally friendly approach. It saves how much material is needed for the conversion, which in turn saves fuel and transportation. It also reduces energy consumption as you no longer have to worry about heating, cooling or powering the new areas of your home.
If you are planning your remodeling on a budget, you can save money by using rooms for multiple purposes. A home office can also be a guest room, or a laundry room can serve as a pantry. If you are on a relatively small budget, first fix the little things and make them energy efficient. Then you can move on to the bigger things as your budget expands. By following these tips, you can help fuel the eco-friendly remodeling of your dreams. Good luck!
