More and more people are concerned with their eco footprint. That mindset has now reached the remodeling and home construction industry, meaning there are a lot of ways for eco-minded homeowners to stay true to their beliefs during the home remodeling process. If that describes you, keep reading for some expert tips on how to keep your remodel “green”:
#1 Get Energy Star Appliances in Your Kitchen. When you’re shopping for new appliances for your kitchen remodeling project, look for ones that have an Energy Star rating. These appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and ranges, microwaves, and trash compactors, all use less electricity, lowering both your energy consumption and monthly utility bills. As well, some Energy Star appliances can handle more in each load, which means you won’t need to use them as often. This can save you even more water and electricity, not to mention time and money. And who doesn’t want to spend less money each month on their water bill?
#2 Put Down Bamboo Flooring. We’ve been saying for a while that popular species of hardwood flooring is not the only great option out there. Look beyond Cherry Wood and Oak to Bamboo flooring, one of the most eco-friendly types of flooring available. It looks absolutely gorgeous! Bamboo renews rapidly, unlike hardwood forests, which can take decades to mature. Additionally, if Bamboo isn’t harvested after five years of growing, it falls over and dies. It actually makes sense to harvest Bamboo because it will die anyway. Bamboo flooring is particularly popular here in Southwest Florida because it naturally lends itself to light, tropical and beachy decor. With so many options, it’s possible to use eco-friendly Bamboo flooring throughout your entire home.
#3 Choose a paint that has no VOCs. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries. No one wants to think about their walls being covered in dangerous chemicals. VOCs can cause health symptoms like headaches and dizziness. VOCs are also what cause that paint smell no one really likes, so this green choice will also make a newly-painted room a little more enjoyable to be in. Not only is going VOC-free better for you, it’s better for the environment as well.
#4 Use Low-Flow Toilets And Water Saving Shower Heads. An old toilet is more than just ugly; it is inefficient. An older model can actually use up to five gallons of water per flush! Consider how many times you or your family members flush each day and you could be flushing hundreds of gallons. That is why low-flow toilets are a great idea if you’re planning for a remodeled bathroom. These toilets use fewer gallons of water for each flush, which means you could be saving thousands of gallons of water each month. And don’t forget about the shower! Water-saving shower heads are also excellent to include in your bathroom remodeling project, because an old shower head can use two and a half gallons of water per minute. That’s a lot of water down the drain!
#5 Don’t Forget Your Old Stuff. Being eco-friendly during your remodel means more than just what new stuff you want included; it also involves the old things you are getting rid of. Donating old furniture and making sure that construction materials are disposed of properly is a big part of a green remodel. Gently used furniture can be sold in a yard sale or donated to charity. Don’t just throw it all out!
Beattie Development’s Remodeling Team would love to put some or all of these eco-friendly remodeling options into place while we do your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Our Remodel Manager, Kenneth, would love to discuss these creative and eco-friendly options with you, or any ideas you have of your own. You can call him directly at (239) 980-3801 or email Kenneth@beattiedev.com. After an initial conversation, he and his team will provide you with a free estimate. Let’s work together to make your house exactly what you want it to be.