Sustainable home improvement is gaining popularity due to increased awareness of how homes impact the environment. Yet, many people think eco-friendly renovations are way too costly to be within reach. In reality, there are many options for sustainable home improvement, many of which are equally as affordable as traditional remodels. Eco-friendly home renovations also have the added value of helping you save money over time.
Learning more about the different ways you can incorporate sustainability into your remodel can help you plan for your upcoming home renovations. In this article, we’ll cover green building materials, energy-saving upgrades, and how eco-friendly remodels help you save long-term.
Green Building Materials
The materials you use in building your home or the elements that go into a remodel can have a significant impact on the environment. Choosing green building materials reduces waste and minimizes ecological impact. Some of the most common green building materials used in home renovations include:
- Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable resource that is strong and versatile (used in paneling, flooring, and structural elements)
- Recycled glass: Used in countertops, tiles, and insulation to repurpose waste
- Low-VOC paints: Reduce harmful chemical emissions and improve indoor air quality
- Reclaimed wood: Wood salvaged from local barns and buildings can be reused in new building projects
- Recycled plastic: Composite lumber, insulation, and other home-building materials composed with recycled plastics instead of new materials
Energy Saving Upgrades
Energy efficiency plays a major role in sustainability. Upgrading your home with new appliances or other energy-saving renovations is an excellent way to make updates that contribute to a healthy environment. These home improvement ideas reduce energy use, helping you decrease your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Update Your Appliances
Modern appliances use less water and energy than older models. Replacing your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, water heater, or HVAC system with ENERGY STAR-rated models can dramatically reduce energy use.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Replacing your existing insulation with high R-value insulation enables you to rely less on heating and air conditioning systems, thereby reducing your annual energy consumption. Choosing greener insulation materials, like cellulose crafted from recycled materials, decreases the production of harmful insulators like fiberglass.
Install Water Saving Fixtures
Saving water is crucial, especially in drought-prone areas. Installing water-conserving shower heads, faucets, and toilets can help you save thousands of gallons of water without sacrificing pressure.
Additional energy-saving upgrades include air sealing, installing energy-efficient windows, and choosing a floor plan that maximizes natural light and airflow.
How Sustainable Upgrades Fit into Real-World Renovations
It’s not always easy to see how the renovations you want align with your sustainability goals. With a little creativity, eco-friendly upgrades can be incorporated into most types of home renovations. For example, you can get a show-stopping kitchen renovation using recycled countertops and ENERGY STAR appliances. Home additions or living area, or bedroom renovations, can feature energy-efficient window installations, passive design, skylights, and air sealing.
The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We have decades of experience helping homeowners blend style, function, and sustainability, and our reputation speaks for itself. We’ve been named “Best of Naperville” for Best of Remodeling an impressive 8 times, a reflection of the trust local homeowners place in our quality craftsmanship and innovative approach.
Long-Term Savings of Eco-Remodels
Concerns about the cost of eco-friendly renovations are one of the biggest reasons homeowners avoid them. While eco-friendly home renovations can be more expensive upfront, they help you save over the long term. Sustainable home improvements conserve water and energy. These reductions convert to cost savings for homeowners in the form of decreased energy costs.
Go Green with Your Remodel for Style and Sustainability
If you’re planning a remodel, eco-friendly updates can help you create a greener, healthier home. From green building materials to energy-efficient appliances and carefully planned layouts, there are many options for sustainable home remodels.
Ready to update your Illinois home with sustainable renovations? Trust the award-winning team at Reliable Home Improvement, recognized 8 times as Best of Naperville for Best of Remodeling. Our experts can bring your vision to life with eco-friendly choices that help protect the environment and your wallet. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or visit our showroom to explore products and possibilities.