Joshua Pierce
Architect
When many people hear the term “go green,” they tend to roll their eyes. There are a lot of theories about going green, but most people avoid the project because it can be pricey, plus they do not feel like they are making much of a difference if everyone else is not going green themselves. Choosing to remodel or upgrade your home in order to be more environmentally conscious is important and can be done on a budget. Here are some reasons to choose to remodel or upgrade your home in order to go green.
Benefits of going green
The pros of an environmentally friendly home way outnumber the cons. Some of those benefits include lower utility bills, increased home values, and healthier lifestyles. While some green upgrades such as solar panels might be costly upfront, they will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on your electricity bills, and it is a change you will notice right away, making them worth the cost. More and more people are looking to go green as information about harmful materials arises, so if you are looking to increase the value of your home, going green is a great way to make your home more desirable to potential buyers as well as raise its price.
Safe materials to use when remodeling
There are several home materials that are made specifically for people who want an environmentally friendly home. Believe it or not, there is paint that is considered healthy as opposed to the more common forms of paint which contain toxic chemicals. “Green” paint does not contain any toxic materials, and should always be used, especially if children or pets are involved. Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are emitted by traditional paints and can be harmful. Exterior Design Today suggests that when painting your home, you make sure the paint you choose is low VOC or does not have and VOCs as well as make sure that it is free of formaldehyde to make your home as safe as possible.
Green upgrades to keep you healthy
You do not necessarily need to install solar panels to have an environmentally conscious home. There are several types of lightbulbs that are energy efficient and work for light fixtures of all types. When upgrading your home, use materials that can be recycled or that do not damage the environment when thrown away. Use natural products like stone, brick or wood that are not just safe for you and your family, but they also look better than other products. Avoid materials such as metal or vinyl which are made with toxic materials that can be harmful to your health as well as the environment. These materials also have a tendency to rust or mold which is obviously also harmful.
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Source: exteriordesigntoday.com/2014/10/10/green-home-remodeling/
