Global warming has risen to a whole new level and has caused a radical change in the overall world climate. Temperatures are rising at an alarming pace, and finally, we are feeling the need to switch to sustainable practices for a greener tomorrow.
So, why not stick to the sustainability agenda while renovating our homes too? That would help in reducing carbon footprints and ultimately will lead to a better future. Not a bad thing to consider right?
In this blog, we will take a walk along some sustainable custom home renovation hacks. Following these will help you contribute to a greener, and better future in the upcoming years.
Benefits Of Incorporating Green Renovations
Before getting into the hacks part, let’s take a while and look at the benefits of sustainable Vancouver home renovations-
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Lesser Bills, More Savings!
When you switch towards sustainable energy, the first thing you feel is the reduced burden of electricity bills! How so? Well, solar panels and double-panelled windows automatically help reduce your electricity usage, thereby helping you save chunks!
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Reduced Maintenance Costs
Switching to an eco-friendly home, or imbibing eco-friendly renovations in your home, ultimately lessens the overall maintenance costs. Because the materials you’re using are natural (like reclaimed wood or bamboo) and have greater durability than the artificial ones. This means it has superior longevity and won’t require much upkeep to stay in optimal condition.
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Healthier AQI
The incorporation of natural elements like bamboo are considered “low-impact” materials and help reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, eco-friendly homes are designed for natural airflow, which combined with the natural elements creates a fresh and clean indoor AQI, which is free of disease-causing viruses, germs, or bacteria.
Did you know? Roadhouse Homes is one of the few home remodelling companies in Vancouver BC taking a step ahead towards sustainable renovations and eco-friendly home constructions!
Eco-Friendly Home Renovation- 2024 Hacks
Now that you know the benefits part, let’s take a deep dive and look at the green renovation hacks of 2024 that you can apply-
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Choose Natural Materials
Renovation requires materials. And the materials you’re choosing for your home play a major role in determining the level of sustainability you’re trying to achieve! So, stick to natural materials. Use repurposed timber for a vintage feel along with checking the box of sustainability. Also, opt for bamboo flooring to reduce your carbon footprint even further!
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Opt For Low VOC Paints
Painting your interiors is necessary, or else the home looks bland and monotonous from every angle! But beware of paints that contain high levels of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). These emit harmful chemicals that affect the pulmonary organs and also reduce indoor AQI. Opt for low-VOC paints instead. Minimum emissions, maximum cleanliness! Make sure to look at the label for certifications like the Green Seal to ensure it’s eco-friendly.
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Install Specialized Windows
Windows have a great impact on sustainability if it’s done right! So, while discussing your requirements with custom home-building contractors, place your requirements for specialized double, or triple-insulated glass-paned windows. Specialized coatings on these windows allow heat to be retained in the winter and reflected in the summer.
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Switch To Solar Panels
Wonder how some people’s electricity bills are always on the lower graph? It’s because of two reasons. One- they make use of solar energy, and two- they have properly placed windows that reduce the need for artificial light during the day! So, make the smart move and switch to solar panels. They transform sunshine into renewable energy, minimizing your dependence on the power grid and slashing your utility expenses significantly.
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Proper Insulation
Insulating your interiors properly can give you additional mileage in the long run. How so? Well, if you insulate your room properly, it will help in keeping hot air inside the room during winters, and cool air during summers. This will eventually result in lessening your usage of heating or cooling appliances in your home, thereby contributing to sustainability and cost-savings as well!
Costs A Big Factor- So Discuss With Your Renovator!
Okay, so coming to the practicality part of this whole move, eco-friendly homes might have higher initial costs. And the same goes for eco-friendly renovations as the small costs start mounting up.
So, whenever you’re deciding to do home renovations in Vancouver, consider approaching multiple contractors and taking an estimate of the average cost before finalizing.
To Conclude
With various environmental concerns up our sleeves, it’s best to switch to sustainable practices. This will not only help us in staying healthy but will lead to a better and cleaner future.