Eco-Friendly Home Renovation Tips for Sustainable Living

Do you want to upgrade your home while giving back to the planet?

Sustainable home renovations are no longer a passing trend. They are now becoming the norm as homeowners look to save money and reduce their environmental impact. The best news is that going green does not have to mean compromising on style or quality either.

Here's the thing...

Eco-friendly home renovation is one of the best investments any homeowner can make right now. And it's not just a hunch on our part. Statistics show that 70% of consumers prefer eco-friendly home services when deciding which companies to hire for their projects.

This is a huge shift in the mindset of the typical homeowner.

In this guide, we cover:

• Why You Should Care About Sustainable Renovations
• Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Are Worth The Cost
• Green Building Materials You Should Consider
• Smart Home Technology To Go Green
• Eco Tips That Won't Break The Bank

Why You Should Care About Sustainable Renovations

The world of home renovation is booming.

At the center of this growth are sustainable upgrades. Homeowners across the globe are embracing a greener lifestyle and reaping the benefits. From saving on utility bills to increasing the value of their homes, it is not hard to see why.

So, where does one start?

Finding the right home renovation services can feel like a challenge when it comes to home improvements that are both eco-friendly and stylish. The solution is simple. Hire professionals who know what they are doing. And to get you started on your journey towards a more sustainable home renovation, visit www.areterenovators.com for more.

The demand for environmentally friendly home improvement services is at an all-time high. Energy costs are through the roof. Climate change is becoming a serious issue. And savvy homeowners are taking action by making their homes as efficient as possible.

And that is pretty cool if you ask us.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Are Worth The Cost

Let's look at a few of the most important upgrades first…

When it comes to home renovations, not all are created equal. Some will provide you with a great return on your investment, while others will barely make a dent. These are the energy-efficient upgrades that have been proven to make a real difference.

Windows and Doors

Replace old windows because they suck all your energy.

Meaning, that they let heat out during the colder months and cool air out during summer. Swapping them with energy-efficient alternatives can save homeowners 13% on heating and cooling costs.

Talk about putting money back into your pocket each month.

Modern windows with energy-efficient coatings and proper insulation do the job for you. Keep your home comfortable during both winter and summer while not having to overwork your heating and cooling system.

Solar Panels

Solar energy is all the rage these days.

Why? Well, because solar panels added an average of 4.1% to the resale value of a property according to the research done by Zillow. This means that a home worth $400,000 could see a $16,400 bump in value simply because of the solar panels.

Granted, installing a solar system is quite expensive, but there are federal tax credits available that could reduce the installation costs by as much as 30%.

Insulation

Let's talk about something that most homeowners seem to forget…

Bad insulation causes you to lose between 10% and 20% of your annual energy bill. In other words, that means you are literally throwing money out of the window through the walls and your ceiling.

Insulation upgrades are some of the most cost-effective home green renovations. The simple task of making your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer without having to turn your thermostat on full blast.

Green Building Materials You Should Consider

The materials used matter just as much as the upgrades themselves.

Sustainable building materials have improved greatly in recent years. They are no longer the overpriced and hard-to-source alternatives they once used to be. In fact, eco-friendly materials these days are as durable and attractive as they are easily available.

Our top picks for sustainable building materials include:

• Bamboo flooring - bamboo is fast-growing, beautiful, and an excellent eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood floors.
• Recycled steel - much stronger than traditional materials. Fully recyclable as well.
• Reclaimed wood - zero new tree cutting required. Plus, unique character.
• Low-VOC paints - improves air quality inside the home and contain fewer harmful chemicals.

These building materials help to reduce waste while also creating healthier indoor spaces. What many homeowners don't realise is that furnishing a home with recycled and repurposed materials can end up saving you a good chunk of change while simultaneously having a lower impact on the environment.

The key here is to work with renovation contractors that know how to source and work with these materials.

Smart Home Technology To Go Green

Smart technology is not just a luxury these days. It is an actual powerful tool you can use to achieve greater sustainability.

Smart home systems are now a dime a dozen. The best part is that by now they have become very good at what they do, which is helping homeowners track and decrease their energy consumption in real-time. The icing on the cake is that most of these systems pay for themselves through utility savings.

Let's take a look at some of these technologies now…

Essential Smart Tech Upgrades

• Smart thermostats that learn your schedule and adjust temperatures for you. No need to overheat or overcool your home while nobody is there.
• LED lighting systems that use far less energy than traditional bulbs. When used in tandem with smart controls you can set the lights to turn off when the room is empty.
• Smart energy monitors that track where your electricity goes. This data allows you to pinpoint energy wasters and opportunities for improvement.
• Tankless water heaters that only heat water when needed instead of continuously heating a 50-gallon tank.

These technologies combine to make for a comfortable and efficient home while also adding substantial value for resale.

Eco Tips That Won't Break The Bank

Do not have a high budget for renovations?

Don't worry. There are ways to live a more sustainable life without spending loads of money. In fact, it all starts with making small changes that over time will have a big impact.

Consider these low-cost and simple improvements first:

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping.
• Swap all your bulbs for LED lighting.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Add a programmable thermostat to control the HVAC.
• Improve attic insulation with DIY kits.

Each one of the above projects can be accomplished for relatively low cost but will yield ongoing savings. They also work as a perfect starting point before you dig into more expensive renovations.

Another smart thing to do would be to time any bigger projects accordingly. Many utility companies offer rebates for making your home more energy-efficient. You can also find all sorts of federal and state tax credits that can further reduce costs for qualifying upgrades.