Going green isn’t just a topic for an annual Earth Day celebration, it’s an integral part of the home remodeling process. Many of our clients are concerned about ensuring all aspects of home makeovers are eco-friendly, from the products used to the environmental impact of appliances installed. Here are a few options to consider when you embark on an eco-friendly home remodeling project.
Solar Panels
Elon Musk, the Founder of Tesla and an innovator in the renewable energy field, recently announced that his solar roof technology will begin taking orders this month. Through a partnership with Solar City, Musk hopes to engage a new audience of green-energy enthusiasts who previously didn’t install solar panels due to concerns about the appearance and cost. Consumer benefits include reduced electricity costs, potential property value increases, and tax credits and rebates.
Eco-Friendly Flooring
Some carpets contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which can have negative health effects. Installing low-VOC, or eco-friendly carpeting, eliminates this issue. Shaw, FLOR, Company C, and Earth Weave are all eco-friendly carpet options; and there’s even carpet made from corn husk (and it’s stain resistant)!
There are many eco-friendly flooring options besides carpeting, including hardwood, bamboo, and cork. When considering hardwood, look for the Forest Service Stewardship Council stamp, which means the trees have been raised and harvested with minimal damage to the environment. Sustainably harvested bamboo is a more cost-effective option to hardwood; and cork flooring is especially durable and comfortable and thus a popular choice for kitchen remodeling.
Eco-Friendly Paint
Carpet isn’t the only thing that emits VOCs – there are many benefits to choosing a low-VOC paint when remodeling. In addition to low VOC paint, there’s also zero VOC paint and vegetable-based wood stains. Given the rising concerns regarding allergies, toxic chemicals, and environmental impact of traditional paints in the last few years, many name brands offer a variety of options of colors and styles in low VOC, organic, or zero VOC paints for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Energy Efficient Appliances
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to replace old appliances with energy efficient options. Look for the “energy star” sticker on washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and and dishwashers.
Some tax credits and rebates are available for projects to make homes more energy efficient.
Kermit was right: it isn’t always easy being green. That’s why we’re here, to help you as you embark on home renovation projects. Whether you choose to go with eco-friendly home remodeling projects or not, there are many things to consider prior to any home renovations. In preparation for meeting with one of our experts, gather examples of inspiration you’ve found for your project, and consider current trends in home design.
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