{"id":8197,"date":"2024-08-19T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T14:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/?p=8197"},"modified":"2024-08-21T19:25:48","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T00:25:48","slug":"green-remodeling-good-for-you-the-planet-and-your-wallet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/blog\/green-remodeling-good-for-you-the-planet-and-your-wallet\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Remodeling: Good for You, the Planet, and Your Wallet"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<div class=\"tt-blog-user\">\n<div class=\"tt-blog-user-content\"><span class=\"tt-post-author-single\">by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/author\/serena\/\">Serena Solomon<\/a><\/span><span class=\"tt-post-date-single\">April 22, 2024<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"social-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc simple-text tt-content\">\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Sweeten\u2019s tips for green remodeling\u2014from your home layout to lowering energy bills<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/LA-Sustain-Image-3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-46464 mb-0 size-full entered lazyloaded higd100 s10-has-overlay\" title=\"living room\" src=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweeten-Jaime-LA_ADU-07.jpg\" alt=\"entryway\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-overlay-text=\"\" data-overlay-color=\"\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweeten-Jaime-LA_ADU-07.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweeten-Jaime-LA_ADU-07-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweeten-Jaime-LA_ADU-07-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweeten-Jaime-LA_ADU-07.jpg\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" data-overlay-text-loaded=\"\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Making the decision to renovate instead of constructing a new home is already the first step to green remodeling. Sustainable home building, which seeks to minimize construction waste while making homes more energy-efficient, is growing in popularity nationally. Sustainable home building and \u201cgreen\u201d renovations are also becoming easier, especially in eco-minded markets like L.A.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cYou don\u2019t have to do a lot to make a big difference,\u201d explained John Shipman from Build It Green. The non-profit developed the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/greenpointrated.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">GreenPoint Rated<\/span><\/a>\u00a0label to help and reward homeowners and builders for sustainable construction and sustainable home renovations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Sweeten lays out how to apply a \u201cgreen\u201d renovation in your own home.\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sweeten<\/a>\u00a0matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support\u2014for free.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Why should you do a sustainable home renovation?\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Creating a \u201cgreener,\u201d more sustainable home<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">can be as simple as adding a low-flush toilet, which can cost as little as $100, according to Shipman. If you\u2019re embarking on an extensive green remodeling project, it will cost approximately $20,000 more than a non-sustainable one. Keep in mind, however, that you will make up for it over time by saving on the electricity bill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Think of taking on a green remodeling approach as an investment instead of an expense. Not only will you save on your energy bills, but your home will increase in value. Homes that carry a green certification, like GreenPoint Rated,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0166046213000574\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">sell faster and for about four to five percent\u00a0<\/span><\/a>above market value, Shipman said. Another benefit: A sustainable renovation will likely provide a cleaner lifestyle, thanks to the use of non-toxic materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s4\">A guide to green remodeling<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Energy assessment<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Calling in an energy auditor is a great place to start your green remodeling project. It will lead to an efficient home, as well as make your sustainable home renovation productive and strategic.<\/span><\/p>\n<section class=\"blogWidget\">\n<h2>Renovate to live, Sweeten to\u00a0<em>thrive!<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support\u2014at no cost to you.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"blog_boilerplate_widget_cta\" class=\"elementor-button-link\" href=\"https:\/\/app.sweeten.com\/journey\/?first_page=https%3A%2F%2Fsweeten.com%2Fprocess-and-planning%2Fgreen-remodeling-ideas-for-home%2F\">Start your renovation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">An energy assessment can involve a visual inspection as well as thermal imaging with infrared cameras to detect energy loss. A blower picks up on unwanted airflow through cracks surrounding entry points like windows as well as roofs. An assessment typically costs a few hundred dollars (see more about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/realestate\/home-energy-audit-the-best-money-ive-ever-spent\/2018\/02\/01\/06643628-fbac-11e7-ad8c-ecbb62019393_story.html?noredirect=on&amp;utm_term=.99684b7fc41f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the process here<\/a>). It might be a worthwhile investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Passive design<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The layout of your home and everything under the hood\u2014think airtight windows and insulation\u2014have a huge impact on how effortlessly you will live a modern, sustainable life. It can also eliminate<span class=\"s2\">\u00a030 percent\u00a0<\/span>of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablelivingguide.com.au\/make-your-renovations-green\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">your household energy bills<\/a>. Here are some top sustainable building options to consider:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Home layout:\u00a0<\/b>A significant part of passive design is the physical orientation of your house, and how that interacts with the seasons. If you\u2019re embarking on a significant renovation, you may have the opportunity to consider where each living space goes. For example, you could reconfigure your living room, where you spend most of your daytime hours so that it faces south. This will give you maximum sun and heat during the winter, reducing your home heating costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Skylights<\/strong>\u00a0are something else to consider to add natural light, said\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timothy-corrigan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Timothy Corrigan<\/a>, a Los Angeles-based interior designer who has completed several sustainability projects in the area. So that there isn\u2019t just a black hole at night where the skylight is, he suggested putting LED lights in the shaft. Covering the opening with an opaque filter creates some soft lighting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The\u00a0<strong>exterior color of your home<\/strong>\u00a0will also make a difference, according to Timothy. If you\u2019re in a warm climate, head towards light colors for a cooling effect. That\u2019s one reason why a dark, even black home exterior is common in colder countries\u2014it holds in heat.<\/span><b><\/b><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Landscaping:<\/b>\u00a0W<span class=\"s2\">hat trees you plant and where<\/span>\u00a0can make a big difference. Deciduous trees provide shade during the summer and maximize heat and light during the winter when they shed their leaves. The best place to plant for this effect is on the south and west side of a structure.\u00a0<\/span>Adding a green roof will also keep your home cool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-41485 mb-24 size-full higd100 s10-has-overlay entered lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BlueDrapes.jpg\" alt=\"A Sustainable Home Renovation by Timothy Corrigan\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-overlay-text=\"\" data-overlay-color=\"\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BlueDrapes.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BlueDrapes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BlueDrapes-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/BlueDrapes.jpg\" data-overlay-text-loaded=\"\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/>(<em>Above<\/em>) Sustainable renovation by designer Timothy Corrigan<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Renovation materials for green living<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Are you planning to buy materials for a sustainable home renovation? Here are ways to go about sourcing new materials and reusing what you already own while mixing in your own creativity: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association\u2019s<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kcma.org\/certifications\/environmental-stewardship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">Environmental Stewardship Program<\/span><\/a>\u00a0guides consumers to the most sustainable cabinets. The program rates options on five categories including environmental stewardship and air quality. And it turns out that sustainability is one of the main reasons home renovators or builders choose a specific cabinet company. That\u2019s a good hint for companies to produce greener cabinets.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Product Guides:<\/b>\u00a0Build It Green\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/greenpointrated.com\/products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">website<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a wealth of information on sustainable building materials, from plumbing to roofing to bathroom fixtures. Each section gives a detailed list of what to look for to ensure the materials are sustainable.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Deconstruct:<\/b>\u00a0Instead of coming in with a big hammer and demolishing the interior of your home, take it slow and steady. Give yourself and your contractor a chance to see what can be repurposed or refurbished.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Sustainable renovation ideas: Resell and buy locally<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">If you don\u2019t want to reuse anything, it\u2019s likely someone else will. Nonprofits like\u00a0<span class=\"s2\">Renovation Angel<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigreuse.org\/service\/donate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">Big Reuse<\/span><\/a>\u00a0make that exchange very easy. They will haul away your old materials and appliances (after they assess its value), and then resell them. You get a donation tax write-off for whatever they take (plus, you don\u2019t have to pay to send it to landfill.)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Reusing:<\/b>\u00a0Giving new life to what you already have is a simple way to reduce your renovation\u2019s carbon footprint. For example, refinishing your existing cabinets with non-toxic paint could save you thousands on a kitchen renovation. Then there\u2019s also refacing, where you keep the cabinet frame and switch out the doors as well as pulls, knobs, and hinges.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Reuse cuts down on a range of negatives like manufacturing and transportation emissions from producing something new. It will also reduce your remodel\u2019s waste and help shrink your budget, too. That\u2019s a win on many levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Reclaim:<\/b>\u00a0Consider using local items previously used and not shipping barn wood across the country. It reduces the need to buy anything new, which means less raw material is stripped from the earth.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Sustainable renovation ideas:\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\">Air sealing your home<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">An incredible amount of energy is wasted when air either leaks out or gets in. Your heating system has to work much harder if there is a continuous draft from a crack between a door and the floor. Here are some simple, and not-so-simple, ways to air seal your house:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Caulking: This material squeezes into small, stationary areas to prevent airflow coming through cracks and gaps and joints that are less than a quarter-inch.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Weatherstripping: This is typically a foam or rubber material that can be cut to fit different dimensions. Unlike caulking, weatherstripping is for anything that moves, such as doors or windows.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Airtight drywall: If you\u2019re doing a significant renovation, this is the approach with the best outcome.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/air-sealing-your-home\/air-sealing-new-home-construction\"><span class=\"s2\">Airtight drywall<\/span><\/a>\u00a0seals joints, seams, and openings in your walls, doors, and windows during construction.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Sustainable renovation ideas<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>: Low-E windows<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Low-Emissivity glass allows a minimum amount of ultraviolet and infrared rays through your windows. The coating keeps the inside temperature consistent by keeping it inside and preventing it from escaping. About 30 percent of heating and cooling energy is lost through windows and doors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Glass\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glass-rite.com\/2012\/03\/14\/what-are-low-e-windows-and-why-buy-them\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">absorbs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0heat in the summer and cold during the winter, which puts pressure on your heating and cooling systems. The Low-E coating does double duty by reflecting energy from the outside and the inside. For example, in the summer, it reflects heat back to the sun and the cold from air-conditioning back inside the house. If your renovation calls for new windows, it\u2019s your chance to either use Low-E windows or add a Low-E coating to what you already have.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Sustainable renovation ideas:\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><b>Insulation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Insulation will improve the efficiency of your home by trapping energy in. The outside weather has less impact on your inside temperature. However, some insulation products have certain advantages. Recycled cotton and cellulose insulation are made from 80 percent recycled materials, according to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/greenpointrated.com\/products\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Build It Green<\/span><\/a>\u00a0material guide. Companies such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/renovation-101\/converting-a-basement-into-a-living-space\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">CertainTeed,\u00a0<\/span><\/a>use recycled glass so products meet the EPA\u2019s Recovered Material Guidelines. This saves material from clogging up landfills while improving your home\u2019s energy efficiency. When choosing your insulation material, be on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mychemicalfreehouse.net\/2019\/10\/zero-voc-insulation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s2\">lookout<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for products that are free of VOCs and toxins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Take steps towards green remodeling and sustainable renovation, and you\u2019ll be on your way to a healthier home, planet, and wallet.\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">Happy (green) renovating!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u2014<\/p>\n<p>Check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/process-and-planning\/the-ultimate-guide-to-hiring-a-general-contractor-for-your-remodel\/\">Ultimate Guide to Hiring a General Contractor for Your Remodel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project\u2019s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">Sweeten Stories<\/a>, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you\u2019re ready to renovate,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/app.sweeten.com\/?first_page=https%3A%2F%2Fsweeten.com%2Fprocess-and-planning%2Fgreen-remodeling-ideas-for-home%2F\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">start your renovation on Sweeten<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"midSection tagCategoryList\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"heading\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"mRG77pJHtt\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/process-and-planning\/green-remodeling-ideas-for-home\/\">Green Remodeling: Good for You, the Planet, and Your Wallet<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content lazyload\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Green Remodeling: Good for You, the Planet, and Your Wallet&#8221; &#8212; Sweeten\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sweeten.com\/process-and-planning\/green-remodeling-ideas-for-home\/embed\/#?secret=BzTSdD7OOM#?secret=mRG77pJHtt\" data-secret=\"mRG77pJHtt\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by\u00a0Serena SolomonApril 22, 2024 Sweeten\u2019s tips for green remodeling\u2014from your home layout to lowering energy bills Making the decision to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":null,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_analytify_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8197\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aipflorida.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}