How to go ‘green’ by remodeling properties in eco-friendly way
July 29, 2013 Leave a comment
Most of the homebuyers opt for buying a property closer to the city, or near to their workplace or important hubs of activity, as an attempt to reduce conveyance costs for the entire family. Over the years, there has been a great demand for properties in both, rural and urban areas, which are termed as ‘green real estate’ and that come with environment-friendly features, including existing residential homes, condos, apartments, and vacation homes. These ‘green’ features actually mean those energy efficient features which help to save natural resources. Some of the ways to go green would be anything like installing energy efficient appliances and fixtures inside or outside a home, such as using compact fluorescent lighting bulbs, or installing solar-powered water heaters, or going for low-flowing water faucets, and showerheads, and installing power discharge protectors to conserve energy.
• Installing low flowing showerheads and water faucets – A great addition to any home renovation project is to install low flowing showerheads and water faucets. Using these energy efficient features would help to reduce water consumption to a great extent. With reduced gallons per minute, these bathroom fittings can still provide the required water pressure. Many of these energy efficient fixtures are available in wide range of designs and styles to fit well with the requirements and preferences of homeowners.
• Improved panels to ensure proper insulation of doors and windows – Most of the old residential and commercial properties might not have proper insulation around the doors and windows. In all those homes, where there is a single windowpane, one should consider having a frame on both, interior and exterior sides. People on high budget can go for double-pane doors and windows that have thin layer of silver lining that allows natural light to pass through without transferring the heat. The best way to seal old doors and windows is to install re-hanging doors. Installing door sweeps could be beneficial to keep the warmth inside and prevent cold waves from entering through the doors.
• Painting rooms with low or non-VOC paints – Both residential and commercial properties could be made greener by using non-toxic paints, chemicals, and finishes. VOCs, abbreviated form of Volatile Organic Compounds, are usually used in manufacturing various household products such as paints, finishes and lacquers. These chemical compounds are very much toxic and cause several health problems. Non-toxic, low VOC or non-VOC paints are available in different shades and one can even get them from various hardware stores and through online stores as well.
• Installing carpets and floorings made of natural fibers – Installing carpets and floorings could be a part of the home remodeling project. However, individuals should make sure whether they are buying a carpet or flooring made out of natural fibers or at least, they should unroll the carpets outside to ensure that chemicals have dissipated. It will help them to protect the air quality. To avoid chemicals in floorings, one should opt for eco-friendly options, such as bamboo flooring, pressured cork flooring, or go for linoleum alternatives.
Irrespective of whether one has bigger budget or very little budget, they can still reduce their energy consumption and thereby save huge on their monthly energy bills. Investing in green real estate is very rewarding and it could be the most cost effective way to save both, resources and reserves every month.
Harji Realtors is one of the leading real estate agents in the region of Chandigarh, Mohali and Kharar. For more information on great deals in Real Estate Mohali and the best Plot in Mohali check out our website