| More and more homeowners, not only in New York | | | | home remodeling that more and more people are |
| but the whole country as well, have been talking and | | | | implementing into their homes. So if the concept of |
| thinking green. Though no national standards yet | | | | enhanced quality of living and increased savings |
| states what a green home remodeling constitutes, it | | | | without causing harm to the environment got you |
| all boils down to social and environmental | | | | interested, here are several green ideas for your |
| consciousness that promotes maximized energy | | | | next project: |
| efficiency. | | | | Home Additions are great solutions that add |
| One misconception that commonly arises when | | | | considerably to the living space of your home and |
| thinking green construction is having to build houses | | | | superb opportunities to implement every green |
| of mud bricks or straw bale and living solely on solar | | | | building ideas there is. For sunrooms, decks, and |
| panels. Though solar panels are among the examples | | | | patios to be ideal for multi-seasonal use; build them |
| of eco-friendly home improvements, it is just one | | | | facing the south for optimal use of natural light. |
| among the many things that you can do. So to clear | | | | Insulation should be adequate to enjoy cooler |
| any more wrong ideas, here are several factors that | | | | summers, warmer winters and lesser energy |
| make any home remodeling project green: | | | | consumption thus a cutback on monthly bills. Have |
| - make use of recycled or easily renewable | | | | your home evaluated for possible leaks and have |
| resources, | | | | these areas looked into and have the rest of your |
| - apply non-toxic products, | | | | home's insulation upgraded. Structural insulated panels |
| - utilize low maintenance and long lasting materials, | | | | (SIPs) are green building insulators that considerably |
| - enhance the quality of air inside the house | | | | heighten energy efficiency, reduce noise pollution, |
| promoting healthier indoor living, | | | | while saving on materials and labor cost as it uses |
| - features economical use of water and energy, and | | | | lesser wood and can be installed faster. Other home |
| - results to less waste along the completion of the | | | | features to look into to enhance insulation include: |
| home remodeling project. | | | | - Windows and doors- opt for energy-efficient |
| To sum it all up, going green in home remodeling will | | | | designs like those with wood or vinyl frames and |
| not only save you money in the long run but also | | | | multiple panels for windows; |
| promotes optimal comfort and health inside your | | | | - Heating and cooling systems-upgrade oldones to |
| house. An essential element that makes these | | | | high efficiency and Energy Star-rated air conditioners |
| benefits possible is high quality craftsmanship, and | | | | and heating systems; |
| excellent building practices making your choice of | | | | - Leaks- weatherstrip, seal and caulk wherever |
| home remodeling contractor crucial. Make sure that | | | | needed. |
| the local contractor you pick to work on your job | | | | Flooring trends tend toward stone and ceramic tile |
| fully understands what he will be doing. There are | | | | flooring, bamboo, FSC-certified wood, and cork which |
| also qualified craftsmen specializing in green projects | | | | all offer high quality and attractive flooring. |
| that you could look up. | | | | Improve water systems by having your faucets and |
| The information campaign on going green has spread | | | | showerheads changed with water-saving models and |
| among homeowners in New York and throughout the | | | | having filters installed with them. Another |
| country like wildfire inflicting social and environmental | | | | water-saving green idea to add into your home |
| awareness. It has even established some trends in | | | | remodeling are hot-water recirculation pumps. |