6 Tips For Making Your Remodel More Sustainable
Home remodels involve a lot of planning and mapping out of what you want and how you are going to go about executing it. These days most everyone has a regard for efficiency and sustainability but also for their budget. But what if you could respect both during the process? Here are some helpful tips from architects at Houzz that are both kind to the earth and your wallet.
Size
One easy way to have a lighter footprint is to control the size. Think more of a less is more attitude and go for quality over quantity. Smaller spaces and smaller renovations are going to be cheaper and use less materials. If you are in need of using any materials that are not sustainable, a smaller space will likely require less of them too.
No Demo Reno
Before you start knocking down walls ask yourself if you can get the same or similar results with upgrading what you currently have. Full renovations with demolition can get very expensive and cost nearly as much as new builds. Consider working with as much as you already have to save.
Research
Make sure you do your research so you are fully aware of everything you have before you begin. This will help reduce waste and conserve costs. Specifically, have a regard for your home’s orientation. It can have a significant impact on your home’s utility costs where you can make sure you design with a regard for things like natural light and ventilation.
Reuse
This is ideal if you can reuse or repurpose some elements of your home, but understandably you may not be able to in some instances. For example, keeping appliances may save you initially, but in the long run if they are older and less efficient, it may make more sense to replace them with newer models and either give away or sell your old ones.
Buy Local
Choosing to go with locally sourced and made materials and products is both environmentally responsible and socially responsible. It reduces transportation emissions and helps create jobs and support local economies. Win – win!
Long Term Design and Flexibility
Thinking about “future you,” consider longer term ways your home may be used. For example, a room that you use as a nursery or kids playroom now may make sense later on as a home office or TV room. Or think about flexibility now with maybe a current home office that can double as a guest room.