Green Renovations: A Sustainable Home Makeover with Locally Sourced Materials

Let’s talk sustainable renovation…

In an effort to reduce your carbon footprint, you may be considering popular innovative options. More homeowners are opting for sustainable and locally sourced materials for their home renovations. Not only does this contribute to a greener planet, but it also adds unique character to your living space. There are several eco-friendly materials you can consider when looking to seamlessly incorporate green construction into your remodeling project.

1. Reclaimed Wood

Using reclaimed wood from old structures or furniture helps reduce the demand for new timber and minimizes waste while adding unique character to your home.

How to Incorporate:

• Flooring: Install reclaimed wood flooring to add warmth and character. Consider wide-plank reclaimed wood for a rustic touch.

• Accent Walls: Create an accent wall using reclaimed wood panels for a focal point in your living room or bedroom.

Install reclaimed barn wood flooring in your kitchen to achieve a charming, farmhouse-inspired look.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource. It can be used for flooring, furniture, and even countertops. Look for bamboo products with certifications to ensure responsible sourcing.

How to Incorporate:

• Flooring: Choose bamboo flooring for a sustainable and durable option.

• Furniture: Invest in bamboo furniture pieces like chairs or tables for a touch of nature indoors.

Install bamboo flooring in your home office to create a stylish and eco-friendly workspace.

3. Recycled Metal

Metal can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality. Consider using recycled metal for roofing, countertops, or decorative elements.

How to Incorporate:

• Roofing: Opt for recycled metal roofing for durability and energy efficiency.

• Decorative Accents: Use recycled metal for unique decorative elements, such as wall art or light fixtures.

Install a recycled metal backsplash in your kitchen to add an industrial and eco-friendly vibe.

4. Recycled Glass

Recycled glass can be used for countertops, tiles, or even decorative accents. It reduces the need for new raw materials and helps in waste reduction.

How to Incorporate:

• Countertops: Choose recycled glass countertops for a stunning and sustainable kitchen or bathroom upgrade.

• Tiles: Use recycled glass tiles for a colorful and eco-friendly backsplash.

Install recycled glass countertops in your kitchen to create a vibrant and environmentally conscious cooking space.

5. Cork

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree. It's a sustainable material that can be used for flooring, wall coverings, and as an insulator.

How to Incorporate:

• Flooring: Use cork flooring for a comfortable and renewable option.

• Wall Coverings: Install cork wall panels for both insulation and aesthetics.

Create a cozy reading nook by installing cork flooring and using cork wall coverings in your home library.

6. Natural Linoleum

Linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust. It's a durable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic flooring.

How to Incorporate:

• Flooring: Opt for natural linoleum flooring in high-traffic areas for a sustainable and durable solution.

• Countertops: Use linoleum for stylish and eco-friendly kitchen countertops.

Upgrade your kitchen with natural linoleum countertops and flooring to achieve a modern and sustainable look.

 7. Local Stone

Using locally sourced stone for countertops or flooring minimizes transportation emissions. It also supports local economies and reduces the environmental impact.

How to Incorporate:

• Countertops: Choose locally sourced stone for kitchen or bathroom countertops.

• Flooring: Use local stone tiles for an elegant and eco-friendly flooring option.

Enhance your bathroom with locally sourced stone countertops and flooring for a spa-like atmosphere.

8. Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and water. It's an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete and provides excellent insulation properties.

How to Incorporate:

• Walls: Consider using hempcrete for exterior or interior walls to improve insulation.

• Accent Features: Use hempcrete for unique accent features, such as fireplace surrounds.

Design an eco-friendly and energy-efficient home by incorporating hempcrete in your exterior walls.

9. Low VOC Paints

Choose paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to minimize indoor air pollution. VOCs can contribute to health issues and environmental harm.

How to Incorporate:

• Walls: Choose low VOC paints for all interior walls to improve indoor air quality.

• Furniture: Opt for furniture finished with low VOC paints for a healthier living environment.

Transform your bedroom with a fresh coat of low VOC paint for walls and furniture, creating a serene and eco-friendly haven.

10. Energy-Efficient Windows

Opt for locally manufactured windows with high energy efficiency ratings. This helps in reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.

How to Incorporate:

• Replacement: Replace old windows with locally manufactured, energy-efficient ones.

• Design: Incorporate large, energy-efficient windows for natural light and improved insulation.

Redesign your living room by replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones, creating a brighter and more sustainable space.

By incorporating these sustainable materials into your home renovation, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create a living space that reflects your commitment to eco-conscious living. Remember to check for certifications and support local businesses to ensure the sustainability of your remodeling project. Happy renovating!

Winter Ready: Essential Home Maintenance Guide

Temperatures have dropped, the wind chill has picked up and with it comes the excitement of knowing a visit from the North Pole is soon to arrive. You've made your list, you've checked it twice. You're ready for the holiday but is your home ready for winter if the weather proves naughty and not nice? Check out our essential home maintenance guide to help you make sure it is. Go ahead and add the following to your list to ensure your home is cozy and defended from the elements.

Home Insulation

Proper insulation is one of the most critical aspects of winter home maintenance. Insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces heat loss, saving you money on energy bills. Be sure to check the insulation conditions of your attic, walls, floors and basement Condensation, cold walls or floors, discoloration or stains on ceilings and walls, and inconsistent temperatures in your home can indicate that there's an insulation problem. Keep the cold air out and the warm air in by checking your insultation, adding more if needed or consulting a professional to assist in making your home the cozy haven it should be for the holidays.

Sealing Drafts

Drafts can be a major source of heat loss in your home. Cool air can sneak in from windows, doorways and places sometimes are hard to notice. Check for drafts around windows and seal them with caulk. Weatherstripping and draft stoppers on doors help keep cool air out. Don't forget to seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior walls. Keep your home warmer and reduce your heating costs by investigating and applying the best sealing methods for your home.

Heating System

Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Replace the air filters regularly and consider investing in a programmable thermostat to optimize heating usage. You want to make sure you hear the fan when you turn you initially turn your heat on but if there is continuous loud or creaking sounds, you want to make sure to address it. A well-functioning heating system is crucial during the winter months. So don't wait to do the proper inspections, as it will cost you money and time away from those you love by having to deal with your heating system.

Chimneys and Fireplaces

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it's essential to have it cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep before using it in the winter. This will help prevent chimney fires and ensure that smoke and gases are properly vented. Make sure the damper is working correctly and consider installing a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out. With a gas fireplace you'll want to check the venting system, the ignition, and burner assembly are functioning properly and that there are no gas leaks. A fireplace can provide great warmth to a space but can be a damper if not usable when needed.

Gutters and Spouts

The exterior of the home is just as important as the inside. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to considerable damage during winter. Remove leaves and debris from your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance in the future. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation to prevent potential ice buildup. The last thing you want to do is let it these issues go unattended which will make for more work and cost you money in the end.

Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against winter weather. Inspect it for missing or damaged shingles, and address any issues promptly. If you checked your attic insulation, you're one step ahead. Clear away debris and trim overhanging tree branches to prevent damage from potentially harsh weather. Also, it's a good rule of thumb to be careful of your placement of holiday lights and take down any that are damaged. Let a professional guide you and efficiently get rid of any unwanted headaches when it comes to your roof.

Plumbing

If you have outdoor faucets or irrigation systems, it's essential to winterize them to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. Shut off the water supply to outdoor fixtures, disconnect hoses, drain the lines, and cover them with insulation and faucet covers. There are various pipe line insulation methods so investigate what will work best for you. Protecting your outdoor plumbing will save you money and give you peace of mind.

You'll have less unwanted interruptions in your holiday when you're not trying to fix an issue with your home due to seasonal weather. Although you can't control the weather, being prepared for anything is better than costs associated with being unprepared. Establishing a winter maintenance plan for your home is not only advisable but wise. You can rest easy after checking everything off your list and then your home will be winter ready!