5 Home Improvement Tips for an Eco Home
Erase your visions of a sustainable home featuring twine countertops. No corn-husk flooring and garden-mud grout here. Eco-chic home design and sustainable architecture are on the rise, while the prices for attractive, sustainable materials keep falling.
Try new Eco-friendly materials or learn which standbys are best for the environment. Let go of the assumption that Eco-friendly and green homes are only for the wealthy. In fact, these home improvement tips could even save you money on your green building.
Looking to do some remodeling or update your home design? Here are five great ideas to help create an eco-house that’s beautiful, functional, and sustainable.
Use Bamboo for New Flooring
If it’s time to install or redo your floors, look into a modern favorite: bamboo. High-quality bamboo can outlast even the mighty red oak, America’s favorite flooring option.
Bamboo growth also matures within seven years, rather than the minimum 40 or 50 years for most other hardwoods. Its short timeframe for resource recovery makes bamboo a more sustainable, and sometimes more affordable, alternative.
The age and harvesting method of the bamboo can change its density, so be sure to do your homework. A good quality bamboo will give you a modern, attractive floor that’s easy to clean and goes easy on your conscience.
Choose Ceramic Tiles in the Bathroom
Ceramic tile is moisture resistant, which cuts down on mold. Cleaner air in the bathroom is healthier and extends the time before it must be restored again. You’ll preserve resources and save money in the long run.
It’s also more scratch- and fire-resistant than other surface options. Look for brands manufactured in low-impact ways with recycled materials. This will keep waste out of landfills and reduce the impact of producing new materials from scratch.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
This is one of the best ways to stop energy leaks and save money on your monthly energy bill. It also conserves resources and reduces the burning of fossil fuels.
You could also improve the energy efficiency of your current windows. Adding storm windows, weather stripping, or caulking will help in cold weather. Installing light-colored awnings or shades can cut a considerable amount of heat sneaking in during warm weather.
By stopping heating or cooling leaks, you’ll stop energy and money leaks, too.
Lay Permeable Pavers
Groundwater can’t seep into the earth with solid pavement and cement. Permeable or pervious pavers are made up of several bricks or stone, rather than one solid unit. Natural openings in these paving options allow water to soak into the soil and distribute naturally back into the ecosystem.
This reduces an overflow of rainwater in gutters and sewage systems, which can back up and cause flooding. Too much of this causes erosion and can make low-lying neighborhoods susceptible to more severe flooding over time.
Have Rooftop Solar Installed
Solar is a clean energy source that can reduce and stabilize your energy bill. Plus, installing solar is mostly hands-off, especially if you take advantage of Solar.com’s no-hassle process.
We can design your system remotely based on your needs, find the best prices for installers in your area, and see you through installation. That takes the guesswork and grunt work out of adding solar to your home remodel.
Learn more about how easy Solar.com makes going solar here, or leave us a question in the comments below.
