Monday, May 19, 2008

Five Easy Ways to Green Your Next Remodel

A recent study of real-estate listings in Seattle found certified green homes sold for an 11% premium per square foot and sat on the market a quarter less time. Granted, it’s one city and one that’s particularly eco-oriented. But as much as 20% of all new construction is expected to be green by 2012. Existing homes must keep up, particularly as resale value of home improvements in general slides.
clipped from blogs.wsj.com
This weekend I chronicled my journey to an entirely eco-kitchen.
Most major brands of paint and home improvement stores now sell paint with low no volatile organic compounds (gaseous pollutants). It costs a few more dollars, but you don’t get headaches
Any time a wall is down, add layers. It’ll cut back energy bills and make room temperature more comfortable year-round. Here are four types of insulation considered particularly “green.”
Appliances: When you replace, look for the Energy Star label.

Cabinets:
In addition to smaller eco-lines like Neil Kelly and Breathe Easy there are at least 107 mainstream kitchen cabinet makers who incorporate a good number of health and eco features. Here’s a list.
Light-emitting diodes; compact fluorescents; halogens. Put what you can on dimmers. Read more about the technology here.
greenreno

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