Top Reasons For A Green Remodel In 2016
Whether you are planning to sell or stay in your home, there’s a good chance that you will be putting some money into a remodel this year. At Modernize, we appreciate that homeowners are increasingly aware of eco-friendly options for home repairs and remodeling projects. The sooner these projects are tackled, the better for your home goals and the environment. Here are the top reasons why you should consider a green home remodel this year.
Making repairs
Major and minor repairs can be approached with environmentally-friendly, sustainable materials. If windows need to be replaced, look for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) numbers to determine the window’s rate of heat loss and the window’s ability to block heat from the sun. In the bath, refinishing a tub is a green alternative to sending your existing tub to a landfill. There are even environmentally friendly seals and caulks that emit little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Investing to sell
If you are planning to sell your home in this currently healthy housing market, green features will add interest and value to prospective buyers. For example, if you live in a neighborhood where most of the houses are strikingly similar, having money-saving features will increase bidding potential. Lower utility bills resulting from energy-efficient lighting and windows, or energy-yielding solar panels, will make your home very attractive to environmentalists and money-conscious buyers who realize that they will have to pay a little more for an eco-friendly house that will save them money in the long run.
Investing to save
Finally, if you are happy in your home but ready for an update, consider some green remodeling projects this year to reduce your utility bill and carbon footprint. You can start small with projects like adding weatherstripping or film to windows, or go bigger with larger projects like replacing broken-down appliances for newer, Energy Star appliances. Other projects that will help your home feel updated for the environment and your current style include adding natural light to your space with skylights or designing a new kitchen with durable, sustainable materials. Some green remodeling projects, such as the installation of solar panels, will even qualify you for various tax breaks.
Remodeling projects can be overwhelming and some are an expensive investment, but the sooner you update your home, the sooner you will reap the rewards of a money-saving, value-increasing project. Whether you are trying to make your home stand out to buyers or simply create a more efficient home for yourself, there’s no time better than the present to get started on transforming your house with green remodeling projects.