Many people these days are taking the environment into considerations when planning their next home renovation. Not only is it a great way to be kinder to the world around you, but it also usually means a little extra money in your pocket, as green options generally mean you're using and paying for less energy. From spacious condos to small bungalows, every home style can incorporate some green home designs. Here are some options you may want to consider adding to your home.
Build with the LEED standards in mind. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and many homeowners to large construction companies are taking their recommendations very seriously. Some of the criteria for a LEED building include using recycled walls, solar panels, installing a grey water system, and designing spaces to make full use of natural light. If you're going big with a home renovation for your real estate then you should definitely check out if any of the LEED suggestions would work for you. And you don't need to adopt the whole list. One change is enough to make a difference.
Improve the insulation and outside air that is coming into your home. It's estimated that more than thirty percent of the energy the average home consumes is related to heating. And you definitely don't want to be upping those costs if your heat is all going through your insulation or out cracks in the window frames. You can get an assessment done to see how much energy is being lost within your home. This could be a great start to your eco-friendly renovations that could pay for themselves in just a few years time.
Choose energy-efficient appliances. This is a simple change that can make a huge impact in your home. You can replace your washer and dryer, dishwasher and fridge with Energy Star certified appliances. A real estate agent will also tell you that energy-efficient appliances are a great selling point if you're planning to put your home on the market in the future.
Always try to choose green products over the standard designs. When it comes to building materials there are now hundreds of green options that promote sustainability and an organic lifestyle. When you're painting a room or redoing the cabinets in the kitchen consider going green. Choosing organic paint over the standard latex or acrylic even means that you are improving the air quality in your home.
Visit your local hardware and building supplies stores are full of affordable green options. So, maybe it's time to jump onto the latest home reno trend and think of how your home is affecting what is going on outside.
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