Remodeling Green -- From Simple to Extreme We receive many questions about remodeling green. We are all aware of the cost of the use of our natural resources. We are also aware that we are depleting the supply of our natural resources and damaging the environment. Remodeling green can be understood as a matter of degrees, and the degrees will depend on your budget. To that end, here is an outline of the most popular kinds of green remodeling – from simple to extreme.
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Remodeling Green – the fast and simple improvements anyone can make today.
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs (like compact fluorescent)
- Add heat reflective films on all windows
- Install weather stripping on door and window frames
- Install low flow shower heads and faucets
- Adjust the float in the toilet tank to use less water
- Insulate the hot water distribution pipes in your home
- Install insulating/reflective window treatments/coverings
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Remodeling Green – Improvements that can really make a difference without breaking the bank.
- New exterior doors and windows that provide better insulation
- Additional insulation in the walls, floors and ceiling
- Energy efficient appliances, water heater and furnace/air conditioner/heat pump
- Choose low flow faucets and toilets
- Add ceiling fans in rooms
- Plant trees to shade your home in hot weather
- Use only building materials that are certified from sustainable or rapidly-renewable sources
- Use only environmentally friendly paints, floor coverings, exterior siding and roofing materials
- Buy salvaged or recycled materials for your remodel or addition
Remodeling Green – Extreme improvements that make sense for many homes.
- Photovoltaic cells to generate electricity
- Solar water heating system
- Replace windows with triple-glazed UV reflective coated models
- Install a geothermal heating and cooling system
- Replace all appliances with the highest-rated energy efficient models
- Install a high-efficiency metal roof.
Many homeowners also ask about the impact of these improvements on the value of their home at resale. The fast and simple green improvements will have little impact on what a potential buyer is willing to pay for a home. The extreme green improvements will only appeal to specific buyers, so it’s a big gamble to assume a potential buyer will be interested in paying for these improvements.
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Many of the green improvements that won’t break the bank, however, can also earn a healthy return on investment when you sell your home. The improvements that have the greatest impact on home value are  these:
- New exterior doors and windows currently increases the value of the home by the same amount as the cost to buy and install them.
- Energy efficient appliances added as part of a kitchen remodel can also increase home value by the amount of the cost to purchase.
- Buying salvaged or recycled materials can reduce the cost of your remodel without reducing your home’s appreciation due to the remodel, making it a big winner for both the environment and your wallet.
- The other improvements listed will appeal to home buyers who have a real interest in a green home; but to other buyers, it will have no bearing on the price they will offer for the home.
If you are considering remodeling green, consider your remodeling budget, the changes that will have the greatest benefit for your family, and then consider the green improvements that will win the greatest return on investment. Then decide whether you want to do a simple green remodel or an extreme green project. Keep in mind, whatever you decide, that every one of these improvements will be environmentally friendly, energy or resource efficient, and will save you money and increase your comfort in the home.
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http://www.remodelormove.com/content/article/article.cfm/remodel/green_home_improvements_that_won_t_break_the_bank
http://www.remodelormove.com/content/article/article.cfm/remodel/quick_and_easy_green_home_improvements
http://www.remodelormove.com/content/article/article.cfm/remodel/what_to_do_with_your_pet_when_you_remodel
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