From Guest Blogger Mike Johnston: Five Sustainable Outdoor Home Improvements Built to Last
Whether you want to sell your property or just improve it so that you can enjoy your time here even more, sustainable outdoor home improvements are the best way to go. These will definitely attract everybody’s attention and make your house the talk of the own. On top of that, sustainable homes have been shown to be quite cheaper in the long run and easier to maintain since the materials that they are built from last much longer. Here are a few of our favourite upgrades that you should absolutely try out. Good luck with your new renovation project!
1. It’s time to replace the front door
First things first, the front door plays a crucial role in improving the curb appeal, so take your time and research as many different choices as possible. However, apart from focusing on its design and opting for one of the exciting vivid shades that will pop and add a breath of fresh air to your home, remember to opt for an energy-efficient one. For instance, you can go for a steel or fibreglass entrance door and then get quality insulation which will prevent any air leakage. Owing to it, you’ll be able to keep the temperature indoors stable. Consequently, your energy bills will be significantly reduced, allowing you to save some money and invest it in other eco-friendly home improvements.
2. Add a green patio
Your patio can be used as an additional living space if you equip it with a cosy sofa, armchairs and a few bean bags for lazy afternoons with your family. However, when you’re renovating your patio, don’t forget to think green and invest in eco-friendly building materials. In other words, instead of insisting on new lumber, you may consider opting for reclaimed wood. Not only will this be much more cost-effective, but it will help the preservation of the environment and the fight against deforestation. Finally, feel free to introduce some greenery as well. We particularly like the idea of growing trees all around your backyard since they will create a nice natural shade and you won’t need to use air conditioning that much during hot summer days.
3. Go for an eco-swimming pool
Believe it or not, an eco-swimming pool really exists and you should definitely have it! Firstly, the pools are often moss-filtered since this reduces the need for chlorine and similar chemicals that can be quite harmful to the environment. Additionally, since the pool stays clean longer this way, the water consumption is significantly reduced. When it comes to the best choice of materials, fibreglass pools have become an extremely popular solution due to their earth-friendly qualities. Not only are they extremely simple to install, but fibreglass pools can be easily heated since this material is a natural insulator. So, if you’re thinking about acquiring an amazing outdoor spa pool, make sure that it matches all the mentioned characteristics. Finally, don’t forget to invest in energy-efficient LED pool lights that are equally as beautiful as any others, but spend much less energy and are more durable.
4. Invest in your roof
The roof is not something that comes first to our mind when somebody mentions home remodeling. However, keeping it in good shape is essential if you want to prevent energy waste as well as avoid paying astronomical electricity bills. For instance, metal roofs have become a true craze since they help your home remain cool even during the hottest days of the year. These can also look super-stylish and be custom-designed to match the overall look of the house.
5. Grow your own organic garden
Last but not least, when it comes to landscaping, aside from planting beautiful flowers, think about growing your own small garden. It will provide you with an opportunity to spend quality time outside and later enjoy the fruits of your labour. After all, scientists have discovered that gardening can have a huge positive impact on both our mental and physical health. Finally, wouldn’t it be amazing to know that what you and your family members are eating is organic and not treated with any harmful pesticides and other dangerous chemicals?
Going green doesn’t have to be that hard after all. You just need to be well-informed about all the possible eco-friendly upgrades that you can introduce to your property and don’t be afraid to do so. Your effort will definitely pay off in the long run and you’ll be happy to know that you’ve helped to keep our environment clean as well.
Mike is a Home improvement blogger based in Sydney. He's a regular writer at Smooth Decorator and contributor to several other interior design, real estate and eco-friendly blogs. Mike's main goal is to create and share meaningful content that helps and inspires people.
