How Renovating Can Improve Your Home’s Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, our houses are more than just a residence — they are an expression of who we are and what we value. They are reflections of our aspirations and how we want the world to see us. Whether you’re thinking about adding to your custom home or simply want to renovate to make your current home more comfortable, house remodeling is a great way to improve the sustainability of your home. Consider the myriad of ways you can enhance the eco-friendliness of your abode through renovations. Let the experts here at Conrado Home Builders offer some tips on how you can upgrade your home from being merely a place to live into an eco-friendly dwelling that aligns with your personal values.

The Importance of Sustainability

Sustainability is a broad term that refers to the ability for people and societies to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It also connects the home to the land, culture, and climate of the area. Houses that are built with an eye toward long-term durability are better for the environment and less costly for their owners.

Sustainable building practices are good for the environment, but they are also offer a way for you to give back. These practices include using renewable energy sources, reducing water use, and promoting indoor air quality that reduces the risk of illness and allergies.

By investing in a home that will last longer and require fewer repairs due to the top-end quality materials you begin with, you are reducing your carbon footprint and achieving greater long-term value for your investment. It also helps future generations while sticking true to a tenet you hold dear.

Start with the Right Products

When your goal is to renovate your existing property, you need to consider the products you will use and their impact on sustainability. From recycling what you remove from the house to using sustainable materials, you have several options. The more you can focus on sustainability in this phase of the project, the better long-term results you can achieve – with the right custom home builder.

Look at the maintenance costs of your current home. Those costs will rise when you add to your home if you do not consider the options and materials now. Changing your mind along the way is possible, but making conscientious choices now means fewer changes and expenses in the future.

Solar panels are a great way to power your home, but if they do not go on your home the right direction, you will get reduced benefits from them. The same goes with the choices you make to keep your home’s temperature constant during the hot summer days and cool winter nights.

Another option that people rarely think of before beginning the consultation process is the materials that will go back into the renovated home. Carpeting, for example, is not good for your health in most circumstances. The same goes with traditional drywall. However, there are both carpet and drywall options that are made to improve air quality and keep your home healthy longer.

Deciding what products to use should not be a decision you make on your own. Instead, you want to speak with your custom home builder to ask their opinion. Beyond that, you also want to find out why they have that opinion.

When you turn to a custom home builder like Conrado Home Builders, you are engaging a builder with many years of experience. We put those years of experience into each decision we make, and each choice we offer. We will gladly share your various options and how they would benefit you during each part of the renovation process so you can make the most educated choices possible.

Options to Reduce Water Waste

Water conservation is one of the simplest green building practices available and also a great way to save money on your water bill. Rainwater harvesting allows you to reuse that water for things like lawn maintenance and watering your flower beds. Since there are often water limitations placed on homes in our area, we want to help you create an effective option before the build begins.

Graywater solutions are also an option. This is when systems collect the water from showers, washing machines, and even sinks to reuse outdoors. Most people use these to conserve extra water from their home and send it to their automated irrigation systems that water their lawns. It is an easy way to keep your estate looking lush without adding to your monthly bills or disregarding water restrictions.

Add Smart Home Automation Features

Renovations are an excellent time to upgrade your home’s electrical and communication systems to add smart home automation features. Adding smart devices to your home can make it more comfortable and convenient while minimizing energy consumption.

Some of the most popular smart home devices are security systems, thermostats, lighting, and home appliances like refrigerators, water heaters, and washing machines. Some of the most popular home automation features include the following:

• LED Lighting: LED lights use approximately 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Installing LED bulbs in your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats like the Nest help you save money on your energy bills by adjusting to your daily schedule and using your preferred temperature settings. They also connect to other smart devices in your home, such-as the alarm system or the lights.
• Security Systems: Security systems that connect to your Wi-Fi network allow you to monitor your home from anywhere using your computer or smartphone.
• Water Management Systems – Water management systems that monitor water flow and usage are particularly useful in places where water is in short supply, such as here in the Bay Area.
• Home Appliances: Connected appliances that can be controlled remotely can help you save time and money while improving your lifestyle.

Choose Eco-Friendly Building Materials

Renovations are also a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your house with eco-friendly building materials such as recycled materials or sustainable woods like bamboo, cork, or hemp. Some of the most common eco-friendly building materials include:

• Concrete: Concrete is an excellent material for foundations and other parts of your house. It is durable and relatively inexpensive and can be tinted or stamped to create unique designs and patterns. These are ideal for basement floors and can also have heated water run through them to ensure they are always a comfortable temperature.
• Bamboo: Bamboo is one of the most sustainable woods in the world and is a great choice for eco-friendly flooring, furniture, and even walls. Bamboo is resistant to insects and does not require insecticides, making it a great choice for organic building materials.
• Cork: Cork is a sustainable and durable material that can be used for flooring, wall coverings, or even roofing materials. Cork is fire-resistant and has excellent acoustic properties, making it a great choice for certain rooms in your house, such-as a study or home theater.
• Hemp: Hemp is another sustainable material that has excellent acoustic and thermal properties. Hemp is often combined with other materials like concrete or cork to create eco-friendly building materials.

Conrado Home Builders Can Help You with Sustainability

The sustainability we can achieve in our homes sets Conrado Home Builders apart. We have built net-zero homes, and some that go beyond and give back in many other areas. If you want to have partners in a sustainable renovation to your home, then contact us. We would love to help you bring your ideas to life.

Partnering with the right custom home builders is about more than getting a home you like to look at. It is about finding someone who shares your dreams, goals, and values. That is what you get when you turn to the professionals at Conrado Home Builders.