House Remodeling Tips - Is an Energy Star Home a Green Home?

Go green. What does it mean? Where do you go to get answers and guidance when you want to "green up" your home? Do these questions have you stymied? Making your home a green home isn't just about buying Energy Star appliances. After all, Energy Star is just a name. It's important to analyze the energy efficiency of each appliance regardless of its "star" rating. But, lets go further.

 

What exactly are you trying to do? A home renovation is a lot different than building a home from scratch. With a home improvement you have limitations on what you can do. It's vital that you get some answers, create a plan, and execute your plan so that you reap some rewards.

 

House Remodeling Goals When Going Green

 

I want to explore some ways that will help you decide what will work for you in a remodel. With cost and practicality issues, you simply can't do everything you may want to do.

 

Over the years of helping people upgrade their homes, I've learned a few things that really help them decide what's most important to them. One thing I did was play a game with them. It's called the "Features & Benefits Game". Let's play a simple version of it now. First, we'll talk about green features.

 

FEATURES:

Adding Energy Star (efficient) appliances to your home
Replacing toxin-emitting materials like paints, carpeting, insulations, etc.
Increasing and replacing insulation and sealing leaks
Changing light bulbs to low voltage/wattage use bulbs
New energy efficient, low-E windows and insulated doors
Energy efficient heating and air systems with filtered air

Make your own list of things you want to do. Expand on the list as you research and discover new items and processes that make sense to you. Analyze costs for materials and get bids on labor. Then, think about the benefits of each.

 

BENEFITS:

Healthier environment inside your home
Lower utility costs each month
A more comfortable home
Peace of mind knowing you're saving money and helping the environment

Brainstorm as many benefits as you can think of. Once you convert your ideas into potential benefits, it's much easier to see just what is important to you and what isn't. What's worth spending the money to accomplish? Which items move down the priority list?

 

Re-prioritize and Do What Benefits You the Most

 

By following what adds to your life and not what others are saying is important, you will not only save money but you'll be far more eager to get the job done. Keep it simple. Match the budget you've set for yourself and get started.

You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.