By now, you've heard enough about being green and sustainable home design that you've begun to accept that it's not a passing trend. It makes sense both on paper and in practice. But it doesn't necessarily apply to you. Or does it? You might be surprised to learn that green renovations are a worthwhile investment for just about everyone.
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If you rent your home or apartment, you might have thought you were exempt from green practices, aside from maybe recycling. However, there are several inexpensive upgrades you can make to your apartment that don't just benefit the landlord. And speaking of the landlord, have you ever asked him or her to make energy efficient upgrades to the building? You never know 'til you ask!
Be a Green Renter
Tips for Decorating Green
It's no secret that old homes are often drafty and leak energy like it's going out of style. All the more reason to tighten that envelope and make a few green upgrades! However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice those historic details that make your home unique, and it's always possible to find replacements in salvage yards (a practice that is inherently green). Many green renovations occur behind the scenes, such as adding insulation, replacing old systems with energy efficient models, and upgrading your windows.
Insulating Your Walls
Architectural Salvage Basics
Energy Efficient Window Replacement
Green homes are appealing to potential buyers. Think about it; people make cosmetic improvements all the time in order to make their homes stand out when they are on the market. Making your home's interior environment healthier and reducing future heating and cooling bills could prove a worthy investment that you will more than recoup when your home does sell.
Green Home Resale Value
Realtor's Top 9 Green Home Improvement Suggestions
Although some green improvements—particularly those related to advanced technologies like photovoltaics—are best left to the pros, there are plenty of projects that weekend warriors can handle. Whether you enjoy redecorating your home, working in the yard or woodworking, there is a project for you can can take on a green slant.
8 Green Do It Yourself Projects
Green Painting Guide
Reinvent Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you plan to build a brand new home, then starting with a blank slate offers you the opportunity to work with a green architect, contractor and LEED consultant to ensure your home is as green as possible. Use green building materials and finishes, select the most efficient appliances and systems, and recycle as much construction waste as possible.
Alternative Building Methods
Eco-Friendly Building Materials
Hiring a LEED Consultant
By the same token, if you plan to expand your home with an addition, then you should take advantage of the opportunity to build it in a green way—even if you've never made improvements to your existing home. Don't let it go to your head, but adding on is already more green than building a new home!
Adding on Sustainably
Shipping Container Home Additions
Those a tight budget might assume that any type of home remodeling project is out of reach. However, making energy efficiency upgrades to your home can mean saving a lot more in the future. Like the idea of cutting a few hundred dollars out of your annual utility bills? If you don't have money available upfront, don't forget that it is possible to obtain green home loans and take advantage of tax incentives.
Green Remodeling on a Budget
10 Green Home Improvements Under $50
Home Energy Tax Credits
Resources for Green Loans
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1. Green Renters
If you rent your home or apartment, you might have thought you were exempt from green practices, aside from maybe recycling. However, there are several inexpensive upgrades you can make to your apartment that don't just benefit the landlord. And speaking of the landlord, have you ever asked him or her to make energy efficient upgrades to the building? You never know 'til you ask!
Be a Green Renter
Tips for Decorating Green
2. Historic Home Owners
It's no secret that old homes are often drafty and leak energy like it's going out of style. All the more reason to tighten that envelope and make a few green upgrades! However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice those historic details that make your home unique, and it's always possible to find replacements in salvage yards (a practice that is inherently green). Many green renovations occur behind the scenes, such as adding insulation, replacing old systems with energy efficient models, and upgrading your windows.
Insulating Your Walls
Architectural Salvage Basics
Energy Efficient Window Replacement
3. Home Sellers
Green homes are appealing to potential buyers. Think about it; people make cosmetic improvements all the time in order to make their homes stand out when they are on the market. Making your home's interior environment healthier and reducing future heating and cooling bills could prove a worthy investment that you will more than recoup when your home does sell.
Green Home Resale Value
Realtor's Top 9 Green Home Improvement Suggestions
4. Do-It-Yourself Enthusiasts
Although some green improvements—particularly those related to advanced technologies like photovoltaics—are best left to the pros, there are plenty of projects that weekend warriors can handle. Whether you enjoy redecorating your home, working in the yard or woodworking, there is a project for you can can take on a green slant.
8 Green Do It Yourself Projects
Green Painting Guide
Reinvent Your Kitchen Cabinets
5. New Home Builders
If you plan to build a brand new home, then starting with a blank slate offers you the opportunity to work with a green architect, contractor and LEED consultant to ensure your home is as green as possible. Use green building materials and finishes, select the most efficient appliances and systems, and recycle as much construction waste as possible.
Alternative Building Methods
Eco-Friendly Building Materials
Hiring a LEED Consultant
6. Those Who Need More Space
By the same token, if you plan to expand your home with an addition, then you should take advantage of the opportunity to build it in a green way—even if you've never made improvements to your existing home. Don't let it go to your head, but adding on is already more green than building a new home!
Adding on Sustainably
Shipping Container Home Additions
7. Frugal Families
Those a tight budget might assume that any type of home remodeling project is out of reach. However, making energy efficiency upgrades to your home can mean saving a lot more in the future. Like the idea of cutting a few hundred dollars out of your annual utility bills? If you don't have money available upfront, don't forget that it is possible to obtain green home loans and take advantage of tax incentives.
Green Remodeling on a Budget
10 Green Home Improvements Under $50
Home Energy Tax Credits
Resources for Green Loans
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