When redesigning or remodeling your home it is important to evaluate different building materials. As energy prices increase, investing in sustainable building and design is a great way to save on monthly utility costs. While many of these materials and fixtures fall under the "green" category, including them in your design philosophy can actually enhance your comfort, make your home more durable and possibly increase the resale value. 
If your redesign calls for new home appliances, a great way to save money on your energy bills is by purchasing Energy Star products. Energy Star is a government-backed program that identifies energy efficient merchandise from compact fluorescent bulbs to microwaves and dishwashers. This is an easy way to lower the energy consumption of your household, without having to give up performance, features and comfort. Your utilities bill will thank you. Many products on the market contain high levels of harmful chemicals, the fumes of which can easily contaminate the air in your home. So when choosing which materials to use in your next home improvement project, it's important to consider products that don't have adverse affects on your health. One of the steps you can take to reduce these negative effects is to look for non-toxic paint, finishers, stains and sealers at your local hardware store. These products will improve air quality throughout your house, making for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. When choosing a type of flooring for your home, durability is a huge factor. There are several wood flooring options available in the sustainable design market that are both long-lasting and cost effective. To ensure that durability is not compromised, these flooring options have a non-toxic sealant, allowing them to last for decades. If you're in the mood for a new wood floor, buying FSC certified wood is a great way to support your local economy while ensuring that your floors will be long lasting. FSC certified bamboo and cork have a similar look and longevity to wood, but can be purchased at a lower cost. If you're a fan of all things antique, incorporating reclaimed and salvaged wood into your design can also be a fun way to bring character into your home. Whether buying new, using recycled, or restoring your current wood floors, all you have to do is add a coat of non-toxic varnish for a healthy, sustainable result. A recently published study in The Appraisal Journal suggests that the market value of a home increases by $10-$25 for every $1 decrease in annual fuel bills. Even more, a Energy Star qualified 3,000 square foot new house can save $800 per year on energy costs, making for a $8,000 to $25,000 increase in the market value. The benefits of these savings and sale value increases are even greater in existing homes, due to the greater opportunity to upgrade energy performance. Although the above materials are good for the environment, incorporating them into your home design can make for a more efficient and healthy household. With lower energy bills and a possibly increased resale value, investing in sustainable design can be as good for your wallet as it is for your quality of life.
If your redesign calls for new home appliances, a great way to save money on your energy bills is by purchasing Energy Star products. Energy Star is a government-backed program that identifies energy efficient merchandise from compact fluorescent bulbs to microwaves and dishwashers. This is an easy way to lower the energy consumption of your household, without having to give up performance, features and comfort. Your utilities bill will thank you. Many products on the market contain high levels of harmful chemicals, the fumes of which can easily contaminate the air in your home. So when choosing which materials to use in your next home improvement project, it's important to consider products that don't have adverse affects on your health. One of the steps you can take to reduce these negative effects is to look for non-toxic paint, finishers, stains and sealers at your local hardware store. These products will improve air quality throughout your house, making for a healthier, more comfortable living environment. When choosing a type of flooring for your home, durability is a huge factor. There are several wood flooring options available in the sustainable design market that are both long-lasting and cost effective. To ensure that durability is not compromised, these flooring options have a non-toxic sealant, allowing them to last for decades. If you're in the mood for a new wood floor, buying FSC certified wood is a great way to support your local economy while ensuring that your floors will be long lasting. FSC certified bamboo and cork have a similar look and longevity to wood, but can be purchased at a lower cost. If you're a fan of all things antique, incorporating reclaimed and salvaged wood into your design can also be a fun way to bring character into your home. Whether buying new, using recycled, or restoring your current wood floors, all you have to do is add a coat of non-toxic varnish for a healthy, sustainable result. A recently published study in The Appraisal Journal suggests that the market value of a home increases by $10-$25 for every $1 decrease in annual fuel bills. Even more, a Energy Star qualified 3,000 square foot new house can save $800 per year on energy costs, making for a $8,000 to $25,000 increase in the market value. The benefits of these savings and sale value increases are even greater in existing homes, due to the greater opportunity to upgrade energy performance. Although the above materials are good for the environment, incorporating them into your home design can make for a more efficient and healthy household. With lower energy bills and a possibly increased resale value, investing in sustainable design can be as good for your wallet as it is for your quality of life.
