From Guest Blogger Lizzie Weakly: How to Make Your Home "Green" During Major Renovations

With the start of this year, many homeowners are making the right choice to go green. Environmentally friendly products help save money in the long run and protect our planet’s future. Achieving a green home takes more than changing out a few light bulbs.

Think about the Big Picture

Whether you’re looking to add a room or redo multiple, it’s important to think of your house as a collection of systems. There are many factors affecting your energy consumption and each are interconnected. If you add a new energy efficient heating system to your house, it won’t be effective unless it’s properly insulated. Insulating a room is only effective when windows and walls are well sealed. If you have too much sealing, it can result in moisture and mold problems or become a possible fire hazard.

What to Upgrade
Besides updating windows and electrical systems to more energy efficient models, there are a number of other renovations that can be done. If you’re adding a new wall, limit the amount of wood used in the frame. This will use less lumber and also give you more room for highly effective insulation. Consider insulating your pipes or relocating your water heater closer to the shower. The longer a pipe travels, the more heat it will lose. Consider installing dimmers to lights and avoiding ceiling fixtures that leave uninsulated holes in the attic. Whenever possible, build with recycled materials and buy locally. Building a green home is not only about what goes into it but what businesses you support.

Find the Right Renovators
Major renovations and green living require a contractor who understands the process. There isn’t a better time to go green than when you’re already adding to or updating house. In Ontario’s Cottage Country, for instance, many homeowners are giving Barrie major renovations a nod of acceptance toward green living.”Make sure you hire a renovator that understands your goals, needs and has knowledge of modern environmentally friendly building techniques. When selecting a renovator, ask to see energy ratings of their previously projects and what materials they have access to.

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The best time to commit to an environmentally friendly household is during a major renovation. You don’t have to move into a modern house to have a beautiful, energy efficient home, older buildings just require the right updates. Homeowners find that they save up to 75 percent on energy bills after replacing important parts of their house.