From Guest Blogger Taylor: Two of the Most Common Mistakes Made When Going Green

Making the decision to live in a green home can create a large, positive impact on your life, as well as the environment. For years, the world’s population has become increasingly focused on green initiatives, and, as technology advances, there are a number of opportunities for families to enjoy the comfort of their home, while remaining environmentally friendly.

There are a number of guides throughout the web to get started, such as this guide on how to establish a green home by changing buying habits and appliance usage. Yet, there are many pitfalls in the “going green” world that should be avoided. I wanted to share three common mistakes in the green home world to help you be sure to make a smooth transition into this next stage of your life.

Poor Construction Planning

Building and renovating a home is exciting, especially with green initiatives in mind. However, whether you are building an entire house from the ground up, or just renovating a kitchen – it is vital to plan all of the construction ahead of time. Study the efficiency of various roofing and insulation options. Will the options you choose really help cut down your footprint? It is important to ask this question every step of the way.

Using Harmful Products

The products that are going into your project should always be carefully analyzed to ensure they are helping your green initiatives. Think of the long term. Sure, some harmful products look better in your wallet’s eyes, but if done right, the savings generated from your new green home should help you recoup the costs spent on the original construction. Ask your builder about various environmentally-friendly materials, such as recycled lumber, and bamboo.

Overall, it is vital to study the entire process of your project and find exactly what you need to make the most out of your green home. Thank you for reading!