From Guest Blogger Steve Clark: Going Green–Renovating a Home on a Budget

If you want to help preserve the nature and reduce the negative effects we have on it, there are plenty of ways. The finances can be an issue until you scratch the surface a bit and find an abundance of options which can help you do this on a budget.

Subsidies for homeowners

The first part of your renovation process is making a plan. Create a list of the issues you have with the current house and then include any extra features and goals you would like to achieve. For example, your front door is drafty, that’s an issue, and you need an extra room, that’s an additional feature. Now that you have the list, research subsidies the government is offering for home renovations. Often you can find something for those who are trying to make their home more energy-efficient and green. This will allow you to make large-scale green changes to your home and not exceed your modest budget. However, you need to do it right, they usually have criteria of what and how you need to adapt your home

Think local

There is a chance that some of the subsidies also support local businesses and you can benefit from purchasing materials you need from a local supplier. Apart from that, you also need to consider the impact different means of transportation have on the environment. If you are importing something from overseas you can hardly talk about making a green change if you calculate in airplane pollution or how ships affect marine life. To exaggerate a bit, you do not want to have new windows installed at a price of an oil spill.

Improve insulation

A well-insulated home is an energy efficient home. Improve your insulation where needed as this will reduce your heat loss in the winter and help you keep the house cool in the summer. Roofs are usually the ones that go unnoticed in the initial insulation process so pay extra attention to them. The heat naturally rises so a cold attic can drain your heat or warm up your house when you need it the least. The truth is that preserving energy is green on its own, but take it a step further by choosing eco-friendly insulation types such as soy-based spray foam, wool, denim or cotton. Do not be entirely selfless when choosing the right type of insulation. It has to be good for the environment but you also need something that will not attract pests and will not make your home easily penetrable. Creating a green roof with plants will help you keep it insulated in the ultimate eco-friendly way.

Replace windows

Replace and repair only those windows which give you a headache. Triple-glazed windows are more energy-efficient but can be costly so make sure the change is truly needed. Also, check whether they are on the list of subsidies to make this adjustment budget-friendly.

Harvest solar energy

Installing solar panels on your home is a good idea. They will keep your house warm and they will help you harvest the energy of the sun. Even though their price is gradually dropping, this can also be a bit costly. The cost pays off in the long run, depending on how many you have, but the initial investment can make you grind your teeth. Think about the passive solar energy. This is what you are trying to fight off in the summer. If you have enough surface covered in glass in your home and quality windows, you will be able to keep the cold air away and get the warmth of the sun through your windows. However, you also need to be well prepared for the summer months and install blinds and thick curtains to help you block the sun.

Use green materials

Use natural, recycled, and reclaimed materials for building your home. You can reduce the trash others have made by reusing it. Reclaimed wood is excellent for flooring and you can get a good price for it. Think about little things. Use non-toxic paint for better health of the entire family. If you are worried about longevity as it is also a decision breaker, hire professional painters to help you prepare the surface and apply the paint properly.

Improve your landscaping

The greener the better. Surround your home with tall trees and shrubs and it will help you cast shade on the windows in the summer and keep it naturally cool. Also, for the longest part of the year, trees can protect your home from wind.

There are a lot of valuable sources online which can help you tackle different issues in the process of renovation. Invest yourself in this. You need to think green to be green.