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8 Tips For Environmentally Friendly Home Renovations

8 Tips For Environmentally Friendly Home Renovations

As the world has finally started to take note of the environmental issues is faces, so has the renovation industry. Many of today's homeowners are considering environmentally friendly home renovations instead of building a new home. If you're considering doing the same, the following 8 earth conscious tips will help you put together your renovation things to do list.

1. Buy reclaimed building materials. Instead of getting caught up in the newest (and more expensive) options, consider materials like reclaimed wood that's not only environmentally sound, but attractive and growing in popularity for uses in a wide variety home renovation projects like flooring, counter tops and walls.

2. Various types of flooring contribute to air contamination inside the home attributed to the volatile organic compounds (VOC) that are part of the manufacturing process. Natural fiber carpets and linoleum are durable and come from renewable resources. The cork used in linoleum is collected from the cork tree and without damaging it. Carpet like flooring that's made from reeds and grasses are also available today along with hardwood, stone, bamboo and ceramic tile which are also good choices. Low VOC paints are earth-friendly as well, practically odorless and better for you and your family. When shopping for low VOC paints, look for the “Green to Promise” designation.

3. Always think "energy efficient" when it comes to environmentally friendly home renovations. If you’re shopping around for new appliances like dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators, look for the Energy Star logo. Most upscale appliances use a lot of electricity which, for a lot of people, makes them cost prohibitive (not only to buy but use).

4. Think about buying pre-owned materials. Retailers like Habitat for Humanity carry pre-owned materials and some specialize in higher end products. Buying pre-owned is a more cost effective way to go and by purchasing appliances like a Sub-Zero refrigerator that's only a couple of years old, you could save a significant amount of money. Cabinets are always a huge expense when it comes to kitchen renovations, but you'll find that most salvage retailer's carry high quality cabinets, in fantastic condition at a great savings.

5. Install a Water filtration system. Urban expansion is threatening clean water source availability. You can add in your own added precautions against pollutants by investing in a point of use, faucet mount or under the counter filtration equipment, or you can take it a step further and adding a whole house filtration system.

6. Opt for high quality insulation. Basically, the better you insulate your home, the better it will be protected from the elements. In addition, your home will stay cooler during the summer months and warmer in the winter months, allowing you to set your thermostat at a low setting.

7. Take advantage of solar heating by harnessing the power of the sun, winter or summer. Key aspects to solar heating include the appropriate solar orientation and the correct window placement and ventilation. 8. Last but not least, environmentally friendly home renovations should include installing Vapor barriers that, when fitted appropriately and combined with the right mechanical ventilation equipment, will help promote indoor air quality by keeping pollutants and moisture from seeping in, reduce drafts, and cut energy consumption.

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Erin Smith is a seasoned home improvement blogger with a passion for renovations and interior design, especially DIY projects that are easy to do for everyone. She’s currently working with Absolute Fabrication and Metal Works in Langley, BC..

Atlanta Real Estate

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