Instead of building a house from scratch, remodeling is a wise decision. It saves cost and has many eco-friendly benefits. Unfortunately, only a few of us consider sustainability in remodeling. This results in loss of energy, inappropriate disposal of waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.
If you do not want the planet to bear your remodeling cost, follow the below tips:
Reuse Existing Material
Waste contributes to landfills. Therefore, reduce waste by reusing items. For instance, you can reuse old doors, cabinets, and furniture after giving it a polished look. Similarly, reuse all home-décor items with the help of DIY videos.
How to Reuse Old Items?
Some great ideas are listed below:
- Use old plastic bottles as plant containers
- Use old wooden boxes for keeping stationery, jewelry, or kitchen items.
- Use an existing floor by giving it a fresh polish
- Do not throw extra wooden pieces. Use them for making book racks, shoe racks, décor stands, etc.
- Replace the sink’s faucet rather than buying a new sink
Invest in Energy-Saving Windows and Doors
If the condition of doors and windows is not good and reusing is not an option, invest in energy-saving options. You can easily find windows that help in keeping the house cool. Here are a few options:
Heat Blocking Shades
Putting heat-blocking shades is a quick solution to reduce heat. Thankfully, installing them is easier, and there is no need for an expert, but remember to place them near the glass.
Commonly, honeycomb design is ideal for heat reduction. If you are still not satisfied with the result, try putting sidetracks. Furthermore, you can put drapes if the color is not going well with the interior. However, drapes along with sidetracks will increase the cost. So, it will no longer be a cost-effective option.
Panel Blinds
High-quality panel blinds can make some difference, but they are opaque. So, be prepared to sacrifice natural light.
Bubble Wrap Window
It is one of the cheapest insulation methods. All you need is to wrap the window with the bubble sheet tightly, but do not expect a huge difference. It is an ideal option when you do not want to spend much on insulation.
External Shade
You can also place an external shade on top of your exterior window. Also, place some plants near the shade. If you are not an expert in DIYs, call an expert.
Heat Reducing Film
It is a plastic film, and you can attach it to your window. Though not completely, it can reduce some heat and you can still enjoy the natural light.
Conduct a Gas Audit
Gas leakage is a common problem. Besides being harmful to the environment, it can have adverse health impacts. Therefore, going for a gas audit is necessary. Apart from it, staying with the gas appliances and not replacing them with electrical ones is a cost-saving option, but do not hesitate to bear the gas safety certificate cost during your remodeling process as the value outweighs the cost.
How to get A Gas Safety Certificate?
A certified professional inspect the gas appliances and pipelines in detail. Mainly, there is a risk of carbon monoxide leakage that can be fatal. If the professional is satisfied, you get a safety certificate. Even if you are planning to give your house on rent, you need to get this certificate.
Never Throw Trash
Undoubtedly, you will gather a lot of trash in a renovation, but do not make it a burden for the planet. Instead, donate, or send it to someone who can reuse it.
Donate
You can contact donation centers and send the items. They sell them to the right recycling centers.
Gift
If some items are new, but you no longer need them, send them as gifts. It can be a new wardrobe, chair, door, or anything else.
Trash Collection Center
As a last option, search for the nearest trash collection center. Call them, and they will pick up the stuff from your place.
Design Water-Saving Bathrooms
Thankfully, we have multiple water-saving options in designing a bathroom. From faucets and showers to highly-efficient taps, we can use the right fixtures for saving water. Here are some best options:
Hands-free faucet
It works through a motion sensor and releases water only when the hand is present. However, potfilling is a bit difficult without hand presence. Repair and maintenance are also costly.
Pull-out faucet
Here you have the option of pulling out the faucet’s head. You can save water by controlling the water flow. Furthermore, plenty of designs are available in this type.
Single-handle faucet
In this design, you push the handle up for getting water and down for closing. The stream is straightforward, and there are fewer complaints. Besides this, adjusting temperature is easy.
Investing in Solar Panels
Though solar panels are initially costly, they are cheap in the longrun. They can reduce utility bills in no time. Since they generate energy directly from the sun, the impact on the environment is great. Similarly, there are no carbon emissions.
Use VOC Free Paint
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. These chemicals are present in the paint. Unfortunately, they contribute to ozone production by mixing with oxygen. Even for the homeresidents, the paint is equally harmful. Therefore, always go for VOC-free paint.
Bonus Tip:
Renovating your home in an eco-friendly manner might look like a tough undertaking, but the benefits are endless. Take the first step, and you will successfully inspire others.
Sustainable Home Remodeling Helps Conserve the Environment
In short, considering sustainability in home renovation is our prime responsibility. Besides saving the environment, it helps us save our hard-earned money. Apart from it, it enables us to give back to the community.
Thus, we should reduce trash, use VOC-free paint, invest in energy-efficient items, and install solar panels for eco-friendly remodeling. Furthermore, reusing existing items and getting a gas safety certificate is essential. So, if you are planning to remodel your house, do not forget to follow the above tips.
Author Bio: