10 Ways to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Renovation

Homeowners must evaluate their home renovation plans and choose alternatives that aren’t damaging to the environment. Many projects require new wood and metals to complete, and natural resources are becoming scarcer every day. Many homeowners can make subtle changes and create a healthier environment in their homes for the family and pets. They don’t have to go overboard with their renovations to get everything they want in a home.

Many homeowners may want to go green and change the way they live each day. These changes could require new installations that protect the environment. Some chemicals that are used for preserving products could also prove harmful and require a different choice. By reviewing ways to reduce their environmental impact, homeowners could do their part to protect the environment.

1. Use Recyclable Materials

When renovating the home, the homeowner has many options when it comes to materials they use for the new changes, and they will need to find materials that meet their expectations. Luckily for some homeowners who are on a budget, suppliers will allow them to purchase siding that has previously been used on a different home. When choosing used siding, the homeowner decreases their costs significantly and could do their part to save the environment.

Repurposed siding is repaired and will not have any flaws that could compromise the property and cause damage. The suppliers will complete all steps to refurbish the materials and provide homeowners with a high-quality product.

The homeowners will just get to the siding at a reduced price and save a lot more money than buying new siding for their homes. Property owners that want to learn more about refurbished or previously used siding start by visiting SuperiorPro for more information now.

2. Choose Cabinets That Aren’t Treated With Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde is bad for the environment and while it is used to preserve wood, it can have a damaging effect on the environment if it is used too often. When building cabinets, the property owner won’t need to add the substance to their wood to preserve it.

They can find new and unique ways to create beautiful cabinets without having a damaging impact on the environment. The cabinets can be treated with a stain or painted to provide adequate protection against the elements. The homeowner can also get beautiful cabinets created from a variety of wood options that don’t contain the harsh substance.

3. Choose Solar Backup Power

Solar backup power could reduce the homeowner’s impact on their environment, and they could use the solar power at any time they want. The solar panels are installed on the roofing or around the property to absorb solar energy and store it inside batteries.

When the homeowner is ready to use the solar power, all they need to do is flip a switch to convert from public utilities to their backup solar power. It is better for the environment than gas generators that could emit higher volumes of toxic fumes and cause more pollution.

4. Choose a Low-Flow Toilet 

A low-flow toilet will not use as much water as traditional toilets, and when the tank fills, it doesn’t require several gallons of water. This could help save water and lower the environmental impact of new renovations for the home.

The new installation could decrease the amount of water the property owner uses and lower their expenses, too. The new toilet could give them a great way to preserve a natural resource and ensure they do their part to save the environment.

5. Install Bamboo Flooring 

Bamboo flooring is a better choice than wood, and it could cost less overall. Many homeowners are choosing bamboo because it reduce the number of trees that are cut down each year. Unlike other wood choices, bamboo is not as susceptible to rot, and it can last a lot longer than many competing products.

Homeowners are adding bamboo to their homes because it is a more attractive solution for flooring, and many homeowners appreciate the flexibility of the product. They can find the flooring in a variety of colors and stains that accommodate their style preferences and make a living space attractive.

6. Use Salvaged Wood 

By choosing salvaged or recycled wood, the property owner can save a lot of money on the wood products they use for the renovation project. New wood has become more costly these days, and it may be harder for the homeowner to find at a reasonable price.

By visiting wood recyclers, they can get a better supply of wood for a renovation project without overspending, and they won’t sacrifice any more trees to remodel the home. They can lessen the environmental impact of the project by choosing wood that was used previously for other projects or homes. The wood will be older and stronger, too.

7. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances 

By choosing more energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems, the property owner can cut down on their carbon footprint. They can replace their stove, washing machine, refrigerator, and their heating and cooling systems if they are old and outdated. The new changes can give them many years of dedicated services that cut down on how much they spend each year to operate the appliances and systems.

When considering energy efficiency, the property owner may also replace elements such as their windows or doors that reduce their energy consumption. These products are likely to increase utility costs if they are allowing heat into the property and aren’t protecting against ultraviolet sun rays. When inspecting the area for the new changes, the property owner must consider if they need to complete additional upgrades for these products, too.

8. Use Environmentally-Friendly Paints

Environmentally-friendly paints could decrease the negative impact on the environment that is caused by renovating a property, and the homeowner can review the chemicals in the paint to find more natural selections. Some paints contain harsh chemicals that are toxic and could damage the environment. By reviewing the products more thoroughly, the property owner cuts down on toxins and avoids paints that could have a lasting and negative effect on the environment.

9. Choose Household Items From Thrift Stores 

Household items and decorative touches that are purchased from thrift stores could provide the homeowner with a wide assortment of options that are not readily available everywhere, and they could make necessary changes while helping other people.

Many of the thrift stores are charities and offer proceeds to charities such as orphanages and children’s hospitals. The money that is generated from the sales is sent to the charity. Instead of buying new items that are incredibly costly, the property owner can choose items from a thrift store and make them useful again.

Many residents in local areas donate their household items to the stores to make it possible for the stores to generate money for their charity, and if the homeowner has items they don’t want anymore, they can donate to the charity instead of placing items in dumpsters and throwing them away.

10. Repaint Dull Looking Paint 

By repainting dull-looking areas, the property owner can enhance the look of a space and make them look fresh, and they don’t have to remove wallboard, siding, or any other materials to achieve the new look. They can review different types of paint and find products that seal tiny holes where nails were once hammered into the wallboard and cover the walls with a higher-quality product. The homeowner won’t need to follow any additional steps after painting the room, and they can renovate their home on a budget.

A new paint color could transform a living space and allow the homeowner to make several unique changes without buying expensive products. Paint colors can change the overall color scheme of the room and give the room a new look altogether. A simple change can go a long way when renovating, and the owner can make these changes in less than one day.

Homeowners can complete major changes to their homes and renovate spaces without causing a detrimental effect on the environment. When choosing products and suppliers for their renovation projects, the homeowners must consider alternative supplies such as recycled materials like siding or wood, and they could cut down the cost of the project and make it far more affordable.

For many homeowners, renovations can allow them to create their dream home and all the spaces they’ve always wanted, but this doesn’t mean that everything installed into the home must be new or treated with chemicals that are harmful.

Many homeowners are going green and installing new fixtures in their homes that aren’t bad for the environment. The fewer chemicals they use the healthier the home will be for their families. A reduction in the environmental effects could make the home a better environment and avoid health risks. They won’t deplete the ozone layer or make natural resources scarcer by making vital changes in their homes. By reviewing how renovations can affect the environment, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment.