Kitchens and bathrooms are the most frequently requested remodel projects. Consider remodeling to create an eco-friendly kitchen.
Over time, most homeowners who are living in their homes for an extended time will consider remodeling their kitchen. Whether for a new home design or a remodel, why not make that all-important part of the home as energy-efficient and eco-friendly as possible? After all, energy costs are not likely to come down.
Designing Your Eco-Friendly New or Remodeled Kitchen
New kitchen designs can offer infinite options for eco-friendliness and responsible energy management. Homeowners have a vast amount of options for all aspects of kitchen design. They can choose renewable and recyclable materials and select Energy Star® rated appliances to help lower their energy costs.
Remodeling and improving an existing kitchen can require considerable imagination. After all, you must find room for new energy-efficient appliances and extra storage. One option is to expand into an adjacent area or “bump out” to create additional space.
An experienced design build expert can help homeowners visualize the possibilities to make the kitchens more ergonomic, energy efficient, and decidedly more appealing.
To keep your kitchen remodel eco-friendly, here are a few suggestions:
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodel
Reface Cabinetry
Where possible, refacing existing cabinets saves money and consumes far less material and energy than building and installing new cabinets. However, if the design calls for dramatic repositioning and style changes, you may consider purchasing new doors and reusing the old cabinet frames.
Choose Quartz or Corian Countertops
While granite countertops have been hugely popular in the past, they require immense amounts of energy to extract and transport. Quartz and Corian use less energy to produce and are equally attractive. Plus, they will last a lifetime without chipping and scratching.
Energy Efficient Lighting and Fixtures
Reduce those electric and water bills substantially with the latest appliances and lighting. The Energy Star label assures homeowners that their energy costs will decrease. Do your research and find the best-rated appliances to keep energy use down. Installing induction cooktops and convection ovens can reduce cook times while using less energy and releasing less heat into the home.
Strategic, low-energy LED lighting with easily controlled dimmer switches can dramatically impact the appearance of a newly remodeled kitchen. LED bulbs also last much longer than traditional lightbulbs.
Replace those old sink faucets with “touch-free” systems that automatically shut off to eliminate water wastage.
Energy Efficient Dishwasher
A highly efficient dishwasher can help to reduce water usage substantially. In fact, it could save up to 3,870 gallons per year on average. Newer dishwashers can also reduce electric consumption substantially.
Sustainable Flooring
Consider an eco-friendly flooring material. The current options are attractive while reducing energy usage. Renewable and recyclable materials such as cork and bamboo are great options. Or consider renewable wooden flooring or tiles made from recycled materials.
Update the Windows
Windows can be a primary culprit of energy loss during the heat of summer and frigid days and nights of winter. Replacing older windows with the new couple of glazed window units can generate significant energy consumption reductions. These savings can eventually pay for the replacements. At the very least, homeowners should install tight, secure weather stripping around all windows.
Use Only Low- to No-VOC Finishes
Many paints and stains contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that will release into the atmosphere during and after application. Newer finishes are more eco-friendly and should be requested for any new construction or remodel project.
Make Room for Your Recycle Bin
So many products and packaging today are recyclable. Responsible homeowners can reduce the volume of material heading to the landfill substantially by recycling.
Contact Master’s Design Build Group in Hatfield, Pennsylvania
As a leading design, build and remodel company in Eastern Pennsylvania, Master’s Design Build Group helps homeowners in Bucks and Montgomery Counties achieve their goals of greater sustainability, responsibility, and reduced energy consumption in kitchens and other parts of their homes.
Whether the project is new construction or a remodel, the Master’s professionals can help homeowners visualize, then realize their dream of a beautiful, eco-friendly home.
To view some of Master’s Design Build Group’s past finished projects, visit their Gallery of past projects.
Homeowners can schedule an initial no-obligation consultation to discuss ideas and objectives by completing the brief Let’s Talk form on the Master’s Design Build Group website.
Or you may call the Master’s office to schedule your consultation at (215)-723-6162.
