Green homes are becoming a common trend. Sustainability in a house and within home designs is a discussion at the forefront of many conversations surrounding properties. Living a greener lifestyle is a goal many of trying to accomplish, as the need for urgent action intensifies with every update surrounding global warming.
For many, the changes could be to their consumer habits, recycling systems, and reducing the waste they produce. Others might choose to implement greener changes to their homes. Each year, more homeowners plan to make green home improvements to their property at some point in the future.
For those curious about creating a greener space for their home, keep reading to find out more.
Changes To Consider Making
Before producing sustainable home designs, start simply by deciding on a budget. Knowing how much can be spent on creating a greener home will enable you to see what options are possible. Another factor to consider is how long you plan to live on the property. Some of the benefits of creating a sustainable home will take longer to notice the impact of the changes implemented. Others will take longer before a person makes a return on their investment.
For those capable of spending a little more and want to make their forever home more sustainable and environmentally friendly, these are some of the grand home changes to consider making.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are becoming a standard feature for many properties in the UK. This sustainable feature converts the sun’s energy into electricity to power a home. Choosing the right solar panel can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with what options to choose from. Utilize resources available from sites like Lifehacker to find out which solar panels are best recommended for your home. Installing solar panels can be a costly home update, so it is understandable that you would want to ensure you make the right choice.
Updating Windows
Homes with single glazing should consider investing in double glazing. Replacing old windows with new, double-glazed windows is a time-consuming and costly job to complete. However, the improvements it can make to a home are why it is a worthwhile investment.
It can help prevent heat loss and draughts, which are factors no homeowner in the UK wishes to experience when the colder months draw in. For those that live on a busy road, newly updated windows can help to block the sound out, helping to create a quieter space. Additionally, should you choose to sell in the future, a property with recently updated windows is more appealing to potential buyers than a property with older, single-glazed windows.
Invest In Insulation
Similar to updating the windows, another house feature that could do with updating is the insulation within your home. Good insulation helps to prevent any heat from your home from getting lost through the walls and floors. During these difficult months, implementing ways to keep the heat in your home can be greatly beneficial. Aside from keeping your home warm, it also helps save on heating bills. For those with a loft in their home, consider adding insulation there to help reduce the chances of heat escaping your home.
Smaller Home Alterations
For those with a smaller budget or who plan to move in the future, investing in grand home changes is not something they aspire to invest in. Instead, focusing on minor changes should be something worth considering. These are some of the smaller home alterations to consider making to help create a greener home.
- Invest In Energy-Efficient Appliances – A small but effective way to make a home more sustainable is to switch to energy-efficient appliances. From kitchen appliances to lightbulbs, there are numerous home appliances that have energy-efficient options on the market. These can operate like normal but help to save on bills and create a greener home.
- Reuse Materials – When making a home improvement, consider the materials used. Instead of buying new materials for a home renovation project, spend time finding old materials that can be upcycled and used. It could be old furniture, building materials that are still of high quality, or unused paint. Reusing materials instead of buying them new is not only sustainable, but it can also help you to save money.
- Utilize Recycling System – Many households across the UK have a recycling system in place. Their council will have likely given them a black bin for general waste and a blue bin to put recyclable materials in, such as cardboard, paper, plastic, and glass. Some might have a brown bin for garden waste. If these options are available, consider utilizing them and creating a recycling system for your home. Additionally, you can get a compost bin to put household waste in. The fertilizer produced from the compost bin can be used for the plants in your garden.
Advantages Of A Greener Home
If you implement the grand changes, some of the smaller adjustments, or a combination of both, your home will likely benefit from these improvements. Of course, the primary reason for these updates is to create a greener home that helps to reduce a household’s carbon footprint. Implementing these changes will enable a household to do just that, as well as some of the following.
Save Money On Bills
Finding ways to save money is understandably a primary concern for many households across the UK. Investing in sustainable measures can help households to save a little extra each month on their bills. Of course, some measures might take longer to notice than others. However, the advantages will soon become noticeable, and you can benefit from the little extra saved and know that you are helping the planet.
Quicker Off The Market
If your house is not your forever home, you might choose not to make time-consuming and costly changes to the property. Instead, you might decide to make more minor changes that can help to create a greener home. Green properties on the market are more likely to receive bids sooner than other homes. Reports suggest that a greener home is expected to sell faster but also for 16% more than other properties in the same area and of the same calibre.
Less Maintenance Required
Greener homes often require less maintenance compared to other homes. This is because some of the materials and appliances are more durable, meaning they are less likely to experience any issues or complications during their use. As they are more durable, it helps homeowners to save money on repairing any issues or having to replace anything.
Bringing Plans To Life
Consider some of the points mentioned when considering how to implement sustainability into home designs. Of course, careful planning and consideration can be a tremendous help in the process. It can help you to avoid making costly errors in your pursuit to create a sustainable home for you or your family.
Keep some of these tips in mind as you prepare to bring your sustainable design ideas to life. Some of these could help you on your journey to creating a greener home. Before you know it, you will have a property that features energy-efficient appliances and boost sustainability.