Before you begin a remodel, you carefully plan what you want to get out of your space. You dream of floorplans, color schemes, and what new furniture and decor you’ll use to complement the design. But, have you thought about changes to the sustainability of your home?
When considering a remodel, use this as an opportunity to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly home. Below are some tips for getting the most out of your remodel when it comes to aesthetics and sustainability.
Energy Audit
Identify the current problem areas in your home where energy is being wasted. An energy audit consists of:
- HVAC analysis
- Insulation efficiency
- Window and door seals
- Appliance performance
Monitoring energy consumption and waste can help you see what changes you could make to increase your home’s efficiency and comfort levels. If you’re already going to replace your windows, why not take the extra step to pick ones that are Energy-Star rated to enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior as well as how well it insulates?
Here are some more sustainable remodeling tips, whether or not you complete an energy audit in your home.
Invest in Windows and Doors
Protect your home and give it a facelift with new exterior doors. But which to choose? Look for ones that offer insulation, such as windows with double or even triple panes of glass. If you’re worried about sustainability, opt for wood- or fiberglass-framed windows vs vinyl.
As for doors, look for salvaged options that you can upgrade with a fresh coat of paint. Aluminum is a great material for front doors, and it’s one of the most eco-friendly metals. Reinforce the seals around all your doors and windows so they’re able to do their job to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Low VOC Paint
Chances are, you’re going to include painting in any remodeling. Whether it’s walls, cabinetry, or even the floor, look into switching to low VOC paint.
Most paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are chemicals that evaporate from the paint and dwell in the air around us. These petroleum-based solvents are problematic. Switching to water-based paints means fewer VOCs, or none at all, evaporate and enter the air. They’re better for you and better for the environment. You can purchase low or no VOC paint for both interior and exterior projects. Popular options include:
- AFM SafeCoat
- Benjamin Moore Natura
- Behr Pro i300
- Clare Paint
- ECOS Paint
- Glidden Premium
- Sherwin-Williams Harmony
- Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Tintable Interior
Solar Considerations
No, we’re not suggesting you have to cover your roof with solar panels to harvest the energy of the sun. We are, however, suggesting that you consider which direction your sun faces and how you can best utilize space inside your home to that advantage.
For example, if you want to reconfigure your home to minimize morning sun exposure where you sit for breakfast, don’t put your dining area on the east side. If you want your living room to be a warm and cozy spot on winter evenings, position it with west-facing windows to capture as much afternoon sunlight as possible.
Being mindful of your layout in relation to the sun can help reduce your energy consumption and maximize each room’s potential. Here are some other ways you can include passive solar design in your remodel:
- Smart blinds that raise and lower based on temperature and light
- Solar chimneys that improve heating and ventilation
- Extend roof eaves to block excessive sunlight through windows
Shop Local
Shopping local helps with sustainability because you’re using up fewer resources to get products to your remodel site. When products are fabricated and sold locally, carbon emissions and air pollution are reduced because the materials don’t have to be shipped anywhere.
Upcycled and Sustainable Materials
When you’re remodeling, be mindful of materials that you can reuse throughout your home. Salvage bricks, wood, or light fixtures and repurpose them elsewhere. It’s not only a way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it can preserve some of the history and character of your home.
Another sustainable remodeling tip is to purchase used appliances, building materials, or fixtures from within your community. It can take a little longer than going to a big box store and purchasing new, but combing online classifieds can be worth the effort. You’ll probably be surprised at the quality items you can find for a steal, and you can set up online alerts so you’re notified when something you’re looking for becomes available near you.
Also, when purchasing new supplies (hopefully locally!) look for those that are sustainably sourced and made from recycled materials.
Popular sustainable materials for remodeling include:
- Adobe Brick
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Glass
- Stone
Did you know glass is 100% recyclable, and never loses integrity? If you’re removing glass from your home during a remodel, you can recycle it and know it’s going to be processed and made into something new. Learn more about glass being the eco-friendly choice from Smitty’s Quality Glass HERE.
When it comes to insulation, ditch itchy fiberglass and opt for something just as effective, but more sustainable:
- Cellulose
- Cotton
- Icynene
- Polystyrene
- Sheep’s Wool
- ThermaCork
If you’re upgrading countertops, look at salvage yards for remnant pieces that fit your remodel. It’s a great way to get a deal on what you need and avoid letting good materials from another project go to waste.
Sometimes eco-friendly building materials cost more upfront, but they end up saving you money over time. Plus, they’re one way you can preserve the environment for future generations.
Construction Waste Management
When renting a dumpster for construction waste, look for a company that has pickers to remove recyclable materials from trash. Western Elite, based in Nevada, puts a lot of effort into not only making it convenient to rent a dumpster for any remodeling project but into sorting out recyclables as well.
It may take some time, but consider selling your old appliances, cabinetry, lighting, or bathroom fixtures after your remodel. It will keep them out of the dump, and put a little extra cash in your wallet.
There are myriad ways you can factor sustainability into your remodel, and every little bit helps. From locally sourced and recycled materials to energy-efficient appliances and low VOC paint, you can increase your home’s visual impact without increasing its environmental one.
