What Is An Eco Friendly Renovation? Part Two
March 3rd, 2010 Categories: Buyer's Corner, Home Inspections and Maintenance, Selling Thoughts, Trends
Why is this information important?
For several reasons: Being more conscientious is the way to be. It’s the right choice. The eco evolution is not only taking over Boulder but it’s blossoming throughout the world. We drive Priuses, shop locally, and remodel with the consideration of the environment.
You’re not only saving mother earth but yourself as well; indoor contamination causes health problems and the community is becoming more aware of its harmful risks.
It’s really not that more expensive to do a earth loving remodel and it will positively increase the value of your real estate. Buyers are looking for those green qualities in a home so here are the basics.
Part One of “What is an eco friendly renovation?” covered flooring because it’s one of the most important investments in a remodel which can tie the whole look together. There are so many options, I think you’d be surprised. Part Two is going to cover everything else -from insultation to paint.
Water efficiency
Why Build An Eco House?states that one of the most popular eco friendly building trends is water efficiency. Techniques used to conserve water are dual plumbing, low flush toilets, low flow shower heads, grey water systems that use rain water, and other eco friendly kitchen trends.
Don’t forget about the Water Heater Timer, digital programmable thermostat, and Tankless Water Heaters. These not only save on energy, they SAVE you MONEY!!!! Also, pertinant to this catergory…… Xeriscaping: xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift.
Insulation
Very important and a great way to begin after demolition because when it comes to keeping heating and cooling costs in check, insulation is the first line of defense. Sierra Club agrees and adds: in the winter, heated air moves from living spaces to attics, garages, and the great outdoors making heating systems fire up to replace all that lost heat. In the summer, air conditioners kick on as heat moves from the outside in. Insulation in the attic, exterior walls, and floors can help resist this heat flow, making homes more comfortable and slashing energy bills and pollution. HA! Environmentally friendly! Homes built today are usually well insulated, but many older homes–even those built as little as ten years ago–can benefit from added insulation. Types include cotton, recycled, and non-toxic duct work.
Painting
According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors. Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution. Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home.
The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution. Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals. They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations. However, VOCscontribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well. VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.
You’ve got to be convinced by now. Remodelling with the earth in mind will also increase the value of your real estate. It’s healthy and trendy. To learn even more about buying and selling green property, let us know.
