Environmental friendliness is not simply a fad in the building and remodeling industry. Eco-friendly remodeling is a dominant trend. Architects and homeowners are requesting more sustainable materials, methods, and energy-saving appliances for most projects. While some choices involve recycled and reusable materials, other installations reduce long-term energy consumption significantly. Eco-friendly remodeling is So how can you ensure you add eco-friendly details during your remodel?
Plan with Sustainability in Mind
Commitment to eco-friendly remodeling begins during the planning process. Choose a design build team that values eco-friendliness and whose past projects reflect this approach.
Make sure you research details and features supporting your sustainable goals and include many in your overall remodeling plan.
Perform an Audit
There is a lot of discussion surrounding sustainability in construction and home remodeling. However, the first step on your eco-friendly quest is to identify energy-wasting features within your home. These are often things that use more water or power.
Use an audit to determine where you may be wasting energy. This could be through leaky windows, poor insulation, an inefficient furnace, aging appliances, or lighting fixtures. If you are unsure of what exactly to look for, consider hiring a professional to perform a complete audit. They can do a walkthrough with you to identify which elements should be part of your remodel project.
Consult with a Remodel Expert
You should identify a design build firm that demonstrates a credible commitment to sustainability in their previous projects. Check their website to see how past projects address energy and water conservation while reducing homeowner utility costs overall. Also, consider asking for references and examples directly from your chosen company.
Design build companies are perfect for eco-friendly remodeling projects. The designer helps you to understand which materials, features, and appliances to incorporate. They can also specify which brands and appliances will continue to save energy long-term. Since your design build company will also manage the construction process, you can be confident that the project will be flawlessly executed with all the required changes.
Typical Eco-Friendly Remodeling Improvements
The extent of your remodel will determine what kinds of environmental improvements you can make. Below are a few of the most common eco-friendly upgrades:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Use only non-toxic materials in your paints, countertops, and cabinets to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider incorporating new, more energy-efficient appliances and water fixtures. These changes can help you to make your kitchen or bathroom a key feature in your home. Additionally, you can save enough energy and water over time to reimburse you for the price of a tankless water heater.
Upgrading the Rest of the Home
Check and replace windows. Older windows develop gaps and cracks that allow energy to escape throughout the year, costing you plenty in energy costs. However, upgrading your windows to double glazing can save you money on heating for years to come.
Consider upgrading your energy supply by adding solar panels. Many states also offer significant rebates for those using solar power. “Smart” thermostats can adapt your energy consumption to your lifestyle. These are compatible with your smartphone, allowing you to adjust temperature settings remotely. By adjusting your interior climate to your preferred level while you drive home from work or vacation you are saving on heating an empty home.
Upgrade your heating and air conditioning with an Energy Star-rated furnace or geothermal heat pump system. These systems may cost more now, but they will save you money in the long term.
Energy-efficient lighting systems and additional natural light can also reduce your electric bill substantially. Strategic placement and brightness control for your artificial lighting using LED lighting will save energy and improve the ambiance of your home. Also, consider a redesign that admits more natural light through skylights or larger energy-efficient windows to further reduce your carbon footprint.
Take Advantage of Energy Saving Rebates
Some states, municipalities, and even utility companies offer generous rebates for specific categories of installations that reduce energy usage. Consumers should know that keeping maximum consumption levels from growing eliminates the need for future expansion that will demand massive capital investments. Offering incentives to reduce is a benefit for both the consumer and the energy provider.
Consult with Master’s Design Build
Make your home eco-friendly and reduce energy costs while improving your home’s style and functionality by working with Master’s Design Build of Hatfield, PA. Knowledgeable and experienced, the award-winning Master’s Design Build professionals have enhanced the homes and lifestyles of hundreds of Montgomery and Bucks County homeowners.
Working closely with each client from the initial plan to completion, the Master’s Team will help each homeowner achieve their dreams of a newly remodeled, energy-efficient home.
View and learn more about some of Master’s completed projects by visiting the Master’s Gallery on their website.
To schedule an initial consultation and discuss your remodeling dreams and ideas, complete the simple let’s talk form or call Master’s Design Build at +1-215-723-6162.
