6 minute read
Simple Tips for Greening Your Remodel
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPSTONE SOLAR
Simple Suggestions for Greening Your Remodel
Advertisement
There are many benefits to making your home more energy-efficient. Whether you are looking to lessen your impact on the planet, live a healthier lifestyle, or merely just save on energy and utility bills, there is no better time to integrate sustainable features in your home than during your remodel. Outside of the usual list of “greening” options like heating, cooling, insulation, and use of sustainable materials, we have curated a list of not-soobvious options that will help your home become more energy-efficient and lessen your carbon footprint.
Deconstruct – Don’t Demolish
In the current climate where it is becoming common for folks to ask about LEED or GREEN certified construction and express the desire for more sustainable and healthy homes, you might be surprised to learn that simply renovating your existing home rather than constructing new, is your first step toward eco-friendly living. In a study released by Trust for Historic Preservation, reused buildings on average have fewer environmental impacts than buildings that are constructed new – even new “green” construction. Even with the new “green” trends, like building passive and net-zero homes to help save the planet, the most efficient first step you can take is to work with the home you are already in rather than starting new.
Going solar during your remodel is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s long-term value. We are seeing more and more demand for electricity with significant cost increases in the near-future. Investing in a home solar system protects you from inflation and saves you thousands of dollars.
- John Canfield of Capstone Solar
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOME RESOURCE CO. Salvaged materials are building materials that have been recycled specifically for reuse. In a perfect world, these building materials would be carefully deconstructed from your home and reused during your remodel. But, there are also a number of local businesses out there that will resell materials deconstructed from other sites. Not only does reusing building materials lessen the impact on your wallet, it also lessens the overall impact on the planet, while adding a unique look and feel that is hard (and sometimes impossible) to replicate.
Maddy Cantrell of Lifespan Construction adds, “We’ve done a lot of reusing of perfectly good materials in other places of the home. For example, if we remove kitchen cabinets that are in good condition, we might take them to the homeowners’ garage or basement where they can continue using them. Or reusing perfectly good kitchen granite in the bathrooms. Of course, there’s Habitat for Humanity that we donate to frequently as well.”
Some of the more popular salvaged materials include reclaimed wood for counter-tops, flooring, and walls as well as salvaged fixtures, faucets, sinks, tubs, etc. And remember, vintage is in. This inclusion of clawfoot tubs, wash bins, and sinks will give your remodel that extra touch of flair.
Green Roofs
When the time comes to reroof your home the benefits of a green roof retrofit are a smart option to consider. Green roofs can last two to three times longer than conventional roofs, they provide an extra layer of insulation which reduces heating and cooling costs, and a green roof protects your structure from the impact of hails storms and other extreme weather events. From an environmental perspective, green roofs capture and hold stormwater preventing it from entering our streets and sensitive waterways, they provide habitat for birds, and they measurably reduce the Urban Heat Island effect. According to Jana Raines, owner of Olympia Green Roofs, “Green Roofs are also beautiful and add a unique element to your property that will both draw attention to and increase the value of your home.”
Of course, a green roof may not be right for every structure. A qualified green roof professional (GRP) should always be consulted to ensure that the slope and weight bearing capacity of your home are appropriate for a green roof installation.
PHOTO COURTESY OF POPPI PHOTOGRAPHY & ARTISANS GROUP
Natural Lighting Options
While energy-efficient lighting is a simple and effective alternative for your home and your carbon footprint, it is important to consider the cheapest and most renewable source of healthy light...the sun. The challenge is to find ways to utilize the sun’s light inside your home throughout the day.
An intentionally well-designed remodel can produce ample amounts of natural light. Well-placed windows, skylights, doors, and new products like Solatubes allow in the sun’s light, even in your home’s darkest of spaces. Letting in natural light will lower your energy bills and contribute to happier and healthier lives.
Go Solar or Solar Ready
While the cost of electricity is going up and the cost of solar is going down, more and more people are looking into solar options for their home. Up until recently, solar was viewed as radical and assumed to be too expensive to install. Fortunately, for the planet, that narrative has changed. John Canfield of Capstone Solar advises, “Going solar during your remodel is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s long-term value. We are seeing more and more demand for electricity with significant cost increases in the near-future. Investing in a home solar system protects you from inflation and saves you thousands of dollars.”
There are also a number of programs available to help make the transition to solar a breeze. Options like the federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), another is a Washington State incentive that includes no sales tax for all systems under 100kW, and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for small businesses.
Re-face Instead of Replace
Once you meet with your designer and/or remodeler, you will quickly find that the largest expense of any kitchen remodel is usually replacing your cabinets. To save money and to make a sustainably sound choice, we suggest you repaint or reface your existing cabinets instead of replacing them altogether. Many times, the cabinets being replaced in a standard remodel are
PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE COURTESY OF ET3 PAINT & DESIGN
in great condition. Adding a few updates, like replacing the drawer and cabinet pulls and hinges and a fresh coat of colorful paint, and your old cabinets will look as good as new!
Emily Torres, owner of ET3 Paint & Design says, “Updating your kitchen cabinets is one of the quickest and most effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift. There are three options when it comes to redoing your cabinets. You can replace, reface, or paint. Painting is the most inexpensive option. Plus, you can choose from an endless option of colors. You can even get creative by choosing two assorted colors for uppers and lowers, or a bold color for your island! The possibilities are endless with paint.”
Think energy-efficient!
During the early stages of your kitchen remodel, shopping for energy-efficient appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, and ovens is easier than ever. Simply look for products that have the Energy Star logo right on them. And when choosing what style of oven and stove, make sure to do your research on gas vs. electric.
Making just a few eco-friendly choices during your remodel is the perfect way to provide a happy and healthy home for you, your family, and your pets! And, market trends show that homes that have integrated “green” and energy-efficient features see a better return on investment when it’s time to sell. It’s a win-win all the way around.
