Five Good Reasons for Greenovating

If you’re planning to renovate any time in the near future, it only makes sense to go for the greenest options available. When you take the environment into account, your renovations and improvements will be good for you AND good for our world. Greenovating adds value to your home in a number of ways. Here are five good reasons for greenovating instead of just renovating.

 

It’s not a matter of keeping up with the Joneses anymore. Over the past few decades, the federal and state governments have passed numerous statutes that require greener solutions when you make major renovations to your home. We can assume that these regulations will continue to reach higher and higher as the technology we use to go green becomes more sophisticated. Wherever you have a choice, choose the most energy efficient option rather than the one that barely meets requirements. You’ll be ahead of the curve.

 

Until December 2007, you’ll get up to a $500 tax credit for making specific energy efficient renovations to your home. Those renovations include new windows, skylights, solar heating, more efficient heating or cooling systems and better insulation. For more information, visit the Energy Star web site.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to $600 a year on utility bills by upgrading to Energy Star appliances, windows and insulation. In addition, you can save up to $175 annually by switching to more water-efficient fixtures like tankless water heaters and aerated faucets. Putting your sprinklers on a timer will cut back on your water costs as well – and switching to xeriscaping will eliminate your watering costs entirely.

 

Energy efficiency is rapidly becoming a major selling point for new and older homes. New home buyers are more energy and conservation conscious than ever, and features like passive solar heating, Energy Star appliances, skylights and low-E windows can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home at sale time.

 

Many of the standards for a greener home are things that will make your home a healthier place to live. The use of sustainable resources without chemical additives reduces the indoor pollutants in the air your family breathes. More efficient energy use contributes to cleaner air and water. Choosing native plants reduces the amount of chemicals you need to get a beautiful, healthy outdoor space. In short, choosing green renovations over standard remodels is the choice that’s better for you, your family and our world.

If you're doing a renovation in Florida check out Suggestions for Green Renovation from Florida Green Building Coalition