3 Sustainable Ways to Approach Home Renovation

There are many ways to approach home renovations. If sustainability is a priority for your renovation process, there are a variety of things you can consider. From donating and using second-hand materials, to seeking new eco-materials, let’s walk through your options.

Demo with Donation in Mind

Donating or recycling your home remodeling materials is just one of the ways you can be more sustainable while renovating. In fact, Habitat for Humanity finds that donating renovation materials helps to keep functional items out of landfills and allows you to help someone else who may need the materials you wish to discard.

Common household items that can be donated include:

Visit the links below for guidance on donating building materials and to find a local donation center near you:

While some of these household items are accepted by many donation centers, it is good to note that they need to be clean, in good condition, and transport safely without cracks, broken glass or visible nails. Review the policy of the donating center you are taking your materials to confirm what is acceptable.

Purchasing Used Building Materials

Starting your search at a second-hand store can not only help you save an item from going to a landfill, but can also save you money. Here are some other benefits to consider while shopping for second-hand materials:

Selecting Sustainable Building Materials

For new sustainable building materials you can use, here are some materials that last just as long (or even longer) than their traditional counterparts.

Composite Roofing

If it’s time to update your roof, consider replacing your roofing with asphalt shingles, composite shingles, concrete tiles, or even clay tiles. These types of materials are often durable, some able to last up to 100 years because they will not break in the heat or crack during the winter.

Metal roofs are another great alternative due to their durability and can be less expensive compared to other sustainable building material. Consider weather proofing your metal roof to prevent it from rusting.

Adding solar panels to your roof can also help your home become more energy efficient. For more information on how to incorporate solar panels to your home, visit our blog here.

Windows

Upgrading your windows will not only help with insulation, but they can help with the overall look of your home. Consider installing Low-E glass windows to help keep the heat in your home during the winter months and heat out during the summer.

Low-E glass windows can also feature a low or high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to accommodate climates that are cool or warm. The coating on this type of window reflects solar energy to protect you from UV rays, while letting in visible light.

Doors

Much like your windows, it is important to make sure your doors are also helping your home stay insulated. While weather stripping helps to ensure that your doors are properly sealing, selecting the right sustainable door can also help your home be energy efficient.

Consider selecting a door made out of fiberglass or wood and filled with polyurethane.

Kitchen Cabinets

Here are a few ways you can approach revamping your kitchen:

Countertops

Upgrading your kitchen or even bathroom countertop for styling purposes can also be done in an eco-friendly manner. Common materials, such as quartz or granite, are long lasting. However, there are newer approaches that will make your home sustainable.

More Ways to Make Your Home Sustainable

Looking for more ways to make your home sustainable? Visit our blog to see how going green can help increase your home value.

Going Green? Things to Consider for your Eco-Friendly Home