Greener Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive
If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, then you already understand the importance of planning and budgeting. Saving time and money is a major factor in this process but what about saving the environment at the same time? More and more we are seeing customers think of ways to be more environmentally conscious when remodeling. Here are some things to consider if you want to go green.
Not only can a green kitchen remodel be healthier for your home, family and the environment, but it’s often more affordable than most people think. If you would like to go green but are afraid you don’t have the green to spend here are a couple low cost green remodeling tips.
Green Remodeling Tips
1. Keep the same kitchen layout and renew as many existing items as you can. For example, you could refinish your cabinets instead of replacing them. Or recolor the grout on your current tile surfaces to create a different and updated look.
There are some items that shouldn’t be renewed. You could paint your appliances and give them a modern look. But if you have the money it would be smarter to upgrade your appliances with more energy efficient models. You should also consider energy efficient windows, doors and skylights. A skylight is a great way to add additional daytime lighting, without running up the power bill.
After planning on all the new windows, doors, and appliances you may decide to go green entirely. If you do, then we have another green remodeling tip that is good for the environment:
2. When demolishing, remove items from the kitchen carefully, this way they could be reused by someone else. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle home improvement shops are becoming more popular across the country, and for good reason. There is value in reusing home fixtures, and it’s not just about saving money, it’s about saving resources.
Other Green Ideas
Now that the kitchen is gutted its time to go green. What is green? Listed below are some environmentally conscious ideas for other areas in your kitchen:
Cabinets
Refinishing them requires less resources than building new cabinets. This saves trees, uses less paint, and costs a lot less…not to mention the increased carbon footprint that comes from all the time, energy, and resources required to build a new set of cabinets.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Recycled materials can be used, such as stone and glass tile. You could make concrete countertops, use stainless steel, or even a butcher block made from reclaimed wood. Some newer concepts also include using paper-based countertops.
Efficient Lighting
LED lights can be added for more energy efficient task lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be used in your other lighting fixtures.
Faucets
Can be designed to include an aerator that will help reduce your water usage while still maintaining a water pressure you are used to. Anytime you can save water you are working towards a greener existence.
Paint
Use only low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint to reduce the level of toxins emitted into the air as it ages. This is a common green practice and will lead to better overall air quality.
Flooring
Do not use vinyl for your floor. Instead you can use bamboo or cork, or another sustainably harvested wood. However, if you like the styles of vinyl then choose natural linoleum instead. They are widely available and are made from more sustainable materials than vinyl, and often have a cleaner production process.
As you can see it is possible to save green and go green when remodeling your kitchen. If your budget allows and you can go completely green that’s great. However, even a little green is better for your home and the environment, than no green at all. So when it comes to refinishing your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, while reducing your carbon footprint, N-Hance Boise can help. Call or click to schedule a tour of our showroom or a virtual estimate.