Are you a homeowner who’s dreaming of a bathroom or kitchen remodel, but you’re not sure where to start? If you want long-term value, making sure your new addition is green and eco-friendly can be a great place to start. And did you know, environmentally friendly remodeling is more popular today than before and has been proven to be the ultimate decision for various homeowners?
Getting the Most Out of Your Eco-Friendly Renovation
Green construction materials are usually recycled or produced using special processes to minimize waste. They can cost less than traditional building materials, helping you stay within your budget during construction. More importantly, they conserve water and electricity, saving you money on utilities.
1. During Demolition – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In the excitement of environmentally friendly remodeling, it can be tempting to demolish everything and start from scratch. However, every item you discard must be replaced, which can be costly.
For a green remodel, keep the most important structures and only replace what you need. If you have wooden cabinets; try sanding, staining, or painting to provide a fresh new look. You could also try resurfacing your existing cabinets, which would allow you to keep the framework and only replace the doors.
If you do need to discard something, try to find an organization that accepts donations of unused building material. Habitat for Humanity has opened stores all over the country that recycle home improvement products. You may even get a tax credit for making a charitable donation.
Note: These charitable organizations are not only great to drop off unwanted items, but homeowners can pick up new stuff too! Reclaimed wood can be an eco-friendly flooring option and every bathroom remodel needs a steady supply of primers, sealants, and caulk for tight corners. Secondhand stores are a great way to go green and cut costs.
2. Choosing New Materials
Luxury items like hardwood floors and granite countertops may be trendy now, but these items can be expensive to install and maintain. They may also contain harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause health problems over time.
Luckily, non-VOC options are now available for paints, caulks, sealers and other products. Eco-friendly flooring options like bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and laminate can be healthier and safer for the residents of the home.
3. Conserve Water and Energy
The goal of every environmentally friendly remodeling should be long-term energy efficiency. LED and energy efficient lighting choices help you minimize your power usage while sealing doors and windows helps keep air conditioning indoors, where it belongs.
In Las Vegas, water conservation is incredibly important. When choosing your “water heavy” appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, make sure to check out the Energy Star ratings. These will indicate which appliances conserve the most water and electricity. Low-flow toilets are a popular option to reduce water use, in addition to flow reducers on sinks and showers.
4. Choose Your Green Team
Environmentally friendly remodeling can be extremely rewarding, but must be done right the first time. The most important part of any renovation is choosing the right contractor to guide you through the process; saving you time and helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Environmentally Friendly Remodeling Contractors
The professionals at Copper Creek Construction are dedicated to helping homeowners make healthy, responsible choices while remodeling their home. Our experienced contractors will know where to find the right materials, and help structure your eco-friendly renovation project for maximum efficiency.
We are the only company in Las Vegas with a remodeler certified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, meaning our commitment to excellence and experience are unparalleled. Don’t wait to have the beautiful, efficient home you’ve been waiting for! Give us a call today at (702) 898-7873, for more information.