Eco-friendly and Stylish: Home Renovation Specialists’ Top Tips
For a more eco-friendly kitchen renovation, consider installing energy-efficient appliances.
Eco-homes, homes that have been designed or renovated in an environmentally low-impact way, are not just a passing trend. With increased talk of climate change and environmental sustainability, homeowners are looking for ways to do their part to contribute. When planning a kitchen renovation, a basement renovation, an addition, or any other type of work, homeowners are keen to find ways to incorporate greener practices.
We asked our home renovation specialists for their top tips and tricks, and here’s what they’ve come up with:
1. Low-VOC Paint
When cruising through the paint section of your local hardware store, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find a paint that isn’t low- or zero-VOC, but some do still exist. “VOC” is stands for “volatile organic compounds”, and they can produce harmful molecules that can cause long-term health effects. They’re also pretty bad for the environment too.
2. Solar Panels
With the rising cost of electricity, many homeowners are looking for ways to save a little money while incorporating more sustainable ways of living. Solar panels have become hugely popular in recent years, especially in the sun-soaked Okanagan. Plus they’re easy to add to your home at any time, not just during remodels and renovations.
3. Low-flow Toilets
While we don’t typically have water shortage issues here in the Okanagan, installing a low-flow toilet can help conserve water anyway. These toilets use 4.8 litres or less per flush, while a standard toilet is guilty of flushing 6 or more litres of water. Like relying on solar panels, swapping to these types of toilets can mean a little extra cash in your pocket after the monthly bills are paid.
4. Energy-efficient Appliances
If you’ve got a kitchen renovation coming up, ask your general contractor to install energy-efficient appliances. These will help save energy and the environment. And be sure to choose a properly-sized appliance for your family and your needs. Large appliances are nice to have but can be costly and wasteful if they’re too large.
5. Pre-owned Furniture
With websites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, it’s so easy to find pre-owned treasures. Instead of buying everything new, choose a few used pieces to give your home a more unique and eclectic feel. You couple potentially save these items from landing in the overcrowded landfill. It’ll also help reduce the demand for heavily manufactured goods.
6. Reuse, Don’t Replace
If your home is dated, consider giving it a facelift instead of rebuilding. The same goes with renovations. If possible, repaint those kitchen cabinets or repurpose your furniture. A popular trend is decorating with salvaged windows, doors, and materials. Try incorporating these items into your home instead of opting for new.
7. Bamboo Flooring
Installing more sustainable bamboo flooring instead of hardwood is much better for the environment. Bamboo grows much faster than trees, and it can be harvested without destroying the root. It also requires fewer pesticides. All of these little details make bamboo an environmentally friendly flooring option.
When asking your house contractors about eco-friendly options, be sure to ask them about these: Things to Discuss With Your General Contractors.
When looking for ways to incorporate sustainable practices in your home, reach out to the home renovation specialists at Rafter 4K Contracting. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, we can help. Contact us today for a complimentary quote.
