Home Interior Remodeling Projects that Are Environmentally Friendly
There is a wide array of projects to choose from when you’re remodeling the interior of your home with sustainability in mind. These projects, both big and small, will reduce your environmental impact and likely save you money and add to your home’s value along the way.
Below, we’ll discuss some of our favorites!
Purchase Reclaimed or Locally sourced materials
When it comes to choosing materials for your new countertops, flooring, or walls, reclaimed wood or granite are beautiful options that’ll save you both time and money. A great countertop option can be acrylic countertops which are sustainably sourced, renewable, and durable. There are a variety of reclaimed materials to choose from, so you’re sure to find a style that suits your space without having to have a slab produced for you from scratch.
“Locally-sourced materials will help you support local small businesses as well, and make it more likely that you’re buying from a professional who’s acclimated with your location’s climate, leading you to the most efficient materials for your particular region. “ – Jeff Guthrie, Phoenix Roofing Contractors
Energy Star Appliances
When you’re ready to remodel your kitchen or other appliances, opting for products with Energy Star efficiency will save you money in the long run and make your home more attractive to prospective home buyers.
Use Low VOC Paints
VOCs are chemicals in paints that’ll enter your home’s air circulation and can be harmful to your health. Low- VOC paints are odorless, acrylic, and splatter resistant. They’re healthier for both you and the environment, as they minimize petroleum consumption and harmful emissions, making them the best choice if you’re repainting plywood shelves and cabinets, walls, or a backsplash.
Improve Insulation
Improving the insulation in your home is a simple way to save money on heating and cooling energy usage (therefore saving you money). This project can begin with attic insulation and then you can start working downwards, and in many cases, you’ll be able to do this project yourself. Blowing cellulose is a fairly eco friendly and simple project.
Install Solar Energy
Solar energy is becoming a very popular request from homeowners who are looking to both reduce their heating bills and operate more sustainably. If you’re not ready to make the jump into investing in solar panels, you can still harness the sun’s energy to save/ For example, heat reducing film on the windows, smart blinds, or a solar chimney will improve heating and ventilation to save you on heating and cooling costs.
Add Skylights
Adding skylights to your interior can help you avoid having to turn lights on during the day, leading to serious savings. They’re best in the kitchen or living room and should be fitted with automated blinds to block light whenever you need to.
Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Windows
Double and triple-pane windows will insulate your home more effectively and save you money. Fiberglass window frames are very sustainable, as are harvested wooden frames.
Install a Smart Home Thermostat
Smart appliances are slowly making their way into many aspects of our homes, and installing a smart thermostat is the best way to make sure you aren’t wasting energy and spending unnecessarily when you’re out of the home. An app-controlled system will allow you to adjust the thermostat once you’ve left your home, and many devices can even tell when you’ve left the house on its own and adjust accordingly to prevent waste.
All of these projects will greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and save you money while making your home more attractive to prospective buyers!