Upgrading your home can make it more enjoyable to live in or increase its property value before a sale. But if you really want to renovate your house, you should consider the impact that such changes have on the environment and your lifestyle. As people become more aware of their carbon footprints, green home upgrades are becoming more popular. In fact, buyers are more interested in eco-friendly technology than they are in traditional luxury amenities. As you get ready to give your house a new look, here are some options that will take the environment into account. In addition, you'll be able to reap the rewards of these investments, which include reduced pollution, less waste and lower utility bills.
Think About Your Amenities
If you're planning to install any high-end amenities, like a home elevator, then you should consider how it’s made and operates. You may not think a home elevator and the environment have anything in common. While residential elevators are luxury investments, they can still be developed and implemented using organic and green materials. With eco-friendly green residential elevators, they help you conserve energy and feature control options that put the elevator into low energy mode after a certain period of time. These elevators are also more protected against power surges and feature machinery that can use up to 80 percent less energy than traditional counterparts.
Use Reclaimed Lumber
Material is the number one factor that determines how environmentally-conscious your home renovation is. For expansion projects, look for contractors or vendors that sell reclaimed lumber. This wood has been taken from old buildings to be repurposed into new designs. This saves trees as well as prevents pollution from the burning of construction materials. This type of lumber can also be used for other purposes, such as craftsmanship or custom wood furniture. Make use of a skip hire to contain your construction trash.
Install a Rainwater Collection System
If you live in a climate with frequent rain, then a harvesting system for rainwater can be a valuable addition to your current plumbing system. Residential rainwater collection tanks help you conserve water and be applied in many ways, including personal plumbing and landscaping irrigation. This type of system is also easily incorporated into your existing hardware and able to be modified, relocated or expanded as you desire. For those who see eco-friendly renovations as a step toward living off the grid and being more self-sufficient, this is a fantastic investment. A built-in purification system will ensure you always have access to free, clean drinking water that can even be recycled and reused for laundry and bathing.
Only Use Nontoxic Materials
Regardless of the scale of your upgrade, make sure you are aware of every material component. Reducing waste is just as important as only using the right products; for example, many types of glue, paint and other construction materials contain chemicals and toxins that are not only bad for the environment but also jeopardize your health. Avoid anything with VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Choose products that are solvent-free, nontoxic and organic whenever possible. You should also speak to any contractors you work with about the materials they use. Are they up to date with the best practices for eco building, or do they fall behind the curve when it comes to green practices? You can find eco-friendly home renovation companies that will only use the safest products for you and your family.
