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Remodeling with a Green Thumb.

By Megan Holmes

This library above is typical of the traditional home library with dark wood paneled walls and wingback chairs.Not only is building 'green' a hot new trend, it is an environmentally friendly way to improve your home.

Not only is building 'green' a hot new trend, it is an environmentally friendly way to improve your home. What is 'green building' you ask? According to an article by Jonathan Sweet in Qualified Remodeler, "Green building is the cost-effective design, construction, and operation of homes according to resource-efficiency standards for energy, water, building design and materials, as well as indoor air quality standards." That is a fancy way of saying it is a building technique that improves your home while staying environmentally friendly and generating as little waste as possible.

Don't make the mistake of equating environmentally friendly to expensive. There are many easy ways to make your home more green that require little extra cost when already in the midst of a remodeling project. For example…

  • If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom install water-conserving appliances and plumbing.

  • When replacing your windows, spring for the energy-efficient ones and watch your heating and air conditioning bills decrease.

  • Suggest to your contractor that instead of hauling away leftover materials to the dump, he put a "free" box next to your driveway. You will be surprised what people will take from scrounged construction materials.

  • To add some character to new hardwood floors consider using salvaged wood instead of cutting down living trees.

  • If you are adding to the outside of your home, such as adding a deck or fence, think about using recycled materials. They usually require little maintenance and last longer than real wood.

Remember, green building not only helps the environment and cuts down on your monthly bills, it may also add to the value of your home. In a recent survey done by Qualified Remodeler approximately nine in 10 (91%) of consumers say energy-efficient features in a home are extremely or very important. On average, they will pay $2,327 extra for such amenities.

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg of what you can do. There are more advanced things such as solar panels and natural-habitat landscaping that are also available to environmentally conscious homeowners. Certain contractors are more familiar with green building practices than others. If you would like to find one that specializes in this area please visit our online directory of MICA member home improvement contractors.

When you decide to remodel, look for the MICA logo and contact your local MICA contractor. It's the mark of a professional.



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