Eco-Friendly Ways to Renovate your Home
After living in your home for a while, it’s quite normal to feel like it could benefit from some changes and updates. Once some time passes, homes tend to seem a bit tired, dull, and in dire need of some refreshing. It might be ideal to simply move to a newer,  bigger,  and  better  home,  but economically and practically speaking, that could be financially unwise and quite possibly, entirely unnecessary.
Why?  Because with the right renovation plan,  you can update your home in a way that will accommodate all your needs and desires.  Plus,  you  can incorporate different eco-friendly upgrades that will also make it environmentally friendly and more appealing for any future buyers down the line.
Think energy-efficient
If  you’ve  decided  that  your old  appliances  need to be replaced,  start  shopping  with  energy- efficiency  in  mind. The   products with the Energy Star logo  will give you all the information you need regarding their electrical efficiency and environmental  impact. Old models of large appliances, such as  refrigerators,  consume  a  lot  of electricity and in the long run, they end up costing even more. Investing in energy-efficient  appliances will cut your power bills and save you money in the long-term.
Another aspect of energy efficiency to consider is proper home insulation. The better your home is insulated, the better protection you will have against the weather. Your home will be cooler in the summer and warmer in winter, without raising the cost.
Reclaim, reuse and repurpose
It’s easy to get caught up in buying all the newest and shiniest things for your renovated home but it would be much wiser to think  about  turning  to  more  environmentally sound options such as reclaimed and repurposed materials, especially wood. Reclaimed  wood  is  a  fantastic  choice  for many projects in  your  home – flooring,  walls,  kitchen  cabinets, countertops, and even as decorative covering on kitchen hoods. Using reclaimed wood saves the time, money, and energy that might otherwise be spent on the production of a similar, brand new product.
Many  retailers  around  the country specialize in producing items made from reclaimed and repurposed materials, which offers a very cost-effective way to remodel your home. Kitchen cabinets are often the  largest expense of a kitchen renovation, but at salvage shops, you’ll be able to find high-quality cabinets in excellent condition. So, instead of replacing them  altogether, consider refacing them and repainting them using low VOC paints in a trendy color of your choosing.  Your cabinets are most likely in great conditions already so with some fresh paint and new hardware, they can be given a whole new life!
Antique and consignment shops are also great places to look for decorative items such as doorknobs, light fixtures, shelves, coffee tables, and even mantels. Not only does this help with the budget, but these repurposed products can add charm and character to your home that simply cannot be achieved with shiny new elements.
Deconstruct – don’t demolish
Following  on  the  theme  from  the  previous  passage, if you’re   planning  on  tearing  down  walls,  reconsider  this decision – take  a tour around your home to see what can be salvaged  and   reused.   This   is   a   truly  eco-friendly approach  that  also  saves  money!  As the saying goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
You’ll very likely be able to salvage and reuse a ton of material and it can be anything from light fixtures to flooring, tiles, molding, bricks, and cabinets. An item you want to remove from one room might fit perfectly in another. If you lack DIY ideas, there’s so much inspiration to be found online – just watch a few YouTube tutorials or read through some blogs for guidance and advice.  You might come across some really helpful tips that will save you both time and money and help you build the home of your dreams!
Donate – don’t throw away
Those things that you’ve decided to definitely remove from your home, don’t toss them in the bin right away, donate them to charities! Or, you might have a crafty and resourceful friend who would enjoy repurposing it.
Another great option for your old chandeliers, appliances, and cabinets is to rehome them through organizations like Habitat for Humanity.  They take all your unwanted materials and sell those donated items with 100% of the proceeds being used thereafter to build new homes for the underprivileged. Knowing this, you’re not only being environmentally friendly, but you are truly making a big contribution to the community.
Go solar
Going solar when remodeling a home has been a very popular trend lately,  as this is the cleanest energy we currently have access to.  Using solar energy lowers both your carbon footprint and your heating bill. Building in skylights and installing solar panels are proven ways to cut energy costs.  They can be used to heat your home, but often  give  enough power to run small appliances and items like fountains and outdoor lighting.
Going green in the 21st century is, quite simply, a no brainer. The decision to go for an eco-friendly home renovation will not only help the environment, but it will allow you to give back to your community and make some serious cash savings in the process.
Making a Splash on Social
Whether you are new to marketing on social media or a seasoned Instagram influencer giving each new listing a huge boost, the rules and features of each platform are always changing. Ready to dip your toe into the world of social media marketing? This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you’re just testing the waters or already flooding your followers’ feeds. Download this guide to learn to navigate the sink-or-swim world of social media.