No matter which home renovation project is next on your to-do list, you may want to consider making changes to your plan in order to complete a more sustainable project. Eco-friendly home remodel projects allow you to get the look that you want and the functionality that you need while still protecting the environment.
Here are a few tips that you can consider if you want to complete an eco-friendly remodel:
Regardless of which room you are renovating or which project you are pursuing, there are likely energy-efficient features that you can incorporate into your design. In the kitchen you may want to consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances that will use less energy to operate and ultimately will reduce your utility bills. In the bathroom you may want to look into low-flow toilets and touchless sinks that can help prevent water waste in this high-traffic area. Other energy-efficient features that you should keep in mind include added insulation, solar technology and smart devices that can be automatically programmed to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home.
When completing a home renovation project, it can be tempting to buy everything new in order to get a fresh start. However, it is often more responsible to reuse materials. In many cases you can easily reface or repurpose an existing item because it is still in good condition. Some ideas for materials that you can reuse or repurpose include:
As you are compiling your material list for your next remodel project, you should consider sustainable alternatives that may be available. For example, you can purchase wood for your project that comes from a local farm or was processed at a nearby facility. Shopping local reduces the need for transport, which has a significant impact on the environment. You also can consider purchasing organic products that were created with sustainability in mind.
Low VOC paints are the ideal option for you if you want to complete an eco-friendly home renovation. These paints are created and produced in a way that is less harmful to the environment. In addition, low VOC paints are practically odorless and healthier for everyone in the home as well. The best part is that you can choose a low VOC paint without sacrificing the color or finish that you prefer for your project.
When you plan a green home renovation project you can feel good not only about the results but also about the way in which the project was completed. Sometimes it is a series of small steps that make the biggest difference when it comes to protecting the environment and preserving the world for future generations.
Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.
Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.
With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.