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Renovating? Go Green...

By
Real Estate Agent with Lisa Von Domek Team TX License #0552989

Renovating your Home the Green Way

Day in and day out, I am asked the same important question from homeowners as they undertake renovations throughout their residences: “How can I make my home green; more environmentally friendly?”  

As a designated GREEN real estate professional by the National Association of Realtors; as well as, Certified Green Building Professional (CGP) by the National Association of Home Builders, I know that it’s not only the right thing to do from an environmental standpoint, but that renovating with green materials and appliances will be a key selling point down the road if they choose to list their home.  

Following are just a few suggestions I can give to these green-minded homeowners:

  • Consider using bamboo, cork or eucalyptus flooring products in place of more traditional flooring materials. They mature in roughly half the time of hardwoods and are an affordable and durable option.
  • Use wood alternatives or FSC-certified wood products in your cabinetry materials.
  • Consider locally-sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions during transportation.
  • Install low-flow toilets and faucets for more water reduction throughout the home.
  • When shopping for appliances, look for the Energy Star label; you might be surprised at the growing number of appliances that now carry the label.
  • Use eco-friendly paints, stains and finishes that aren’t made up of volatile organic compounds, which give you that woozy feeling after painting and contribute to pollution. If you aren’t sure if the paints you’re considering fit the bill, ask the supplier – or ask your Real Living Sales Professional to help you figure out if the paint you’re using is environmentally friendly.
  • Reuse scraps. If you have leftover flooring, cabinetry or countertop material, keep it around. You never know where or how you could reuse these materials in the future.

 

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Comments (9)

Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I really like the look of bamboo - if I were to ever build, I would use it.  Another trend, which might not be technically green, is the reuse of old appliances - rewiring and updating them to modern standards but using the old "body."  I like the idea and the look.

May 06, 2012 09:33 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Hi Lisa, I have to add recycled glass countertops! I think this is one fabulous idea and I am so going to put that into my next kitchen! I'm all for salvaging building materials - especially the old stuff - I just picked up a mirror that is framed into salvaged barnwood. Gorgeous!

May 06, 2012 10:52 AM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Lisa: These are good tips that green minded consumers can implement without costing a fortune.

May 06, 2012 10:53 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Margaret,

Bamboo is a lovely choice, and reusing/repurposing old appliances is definitely "Green"!

May 06, 2012 11:08 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Andrea,

Glass is one of the most versatile products - so many fabulous things to create with it!

May 06, 2012 11:09 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Anita,

So true, and every penny counts in most households!

May 06, 2012 11:09 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Lisa, great tips to start the week! Green is the way to go! Enjoy your day! 

May 06, 2012 09:14 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Good morning Wayne,

Thank you, Green is Good!

May 06, 2012 09:32 PM
Regina P. Brown
MBA Broker Consultants - Carlsbad, CA
M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Hi Lisa, those were great tips to renovate one's home! When remodelling a kitchen or a living room, I will also take advantage of the natural light with well-placed windows. I'd like to take advantage of the sunlight to conserve electricity. Go GREEN!

May 07, 2012 01:21 AM