What To Do For A Greener Renovation

We’re living in an environmentally conscious time. For many homeowners, the urge to reduce their carbon and environmental footprint is a top priority. But what happens if your home is overdue for a refresh? 

Is there such a thing as an environmentally friendly renovation?

The good news is, yes, green renovations are possible and the way of the future.

Green Renos For Any Budget

As experienced flooring contractors in Toronto and the GTA, we are frequently asked which flooring materials are eco-friendly and how to refresh your space with minimal environmental impact. So, we compiled a list of things you can do on any budget for a greener renovation.

But first, we wanted to mention that Ontario frequently runs “greener homes” initiatives through Enercare or Government-run programs that aim to improve your home’s efficiency. These rebates have upfront costs but usually result in a decent rebate or savings in the end. Why? A more efficient home is a greener home. 

Low-Cost Green Reno Ideas

Renovate on a dime with these eco-friendly ideas that improve your home’s energy efficiency. 

• Try an environmentally friendly paint with low or no VOC (volatile organic compound) rather than lead-based paints. Older paints are bad for the environment and your health as they emit harmful toxins.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs in all your fixtures, as they consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. 
• Make sure your home doesn’t have air leaks. In particular, if you have older windows and doors that aren’t airtight, drafts increase your energy consumption and drive up the cost for you. The good news is that you only need a bottle or two of caulking and/or weatherstripping for a quick fix.
• Refinish your floors (when possible) or buy second hand. The most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to update your hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring is to contact a flooring contractor in Toronto or the GTA and have them sand and refinish them. If you don’t have wood floors and are keen on updating them, shop secondhand through online buy and sells or try a flooring liquidator as they’ll carry discontinued and thus more affordable flooring.   

Mid-Level Green Reno Ideas

These are some great eco-friendly renovation ideas for homeowners with a mid-level budget.

• Aim to buy locally sourced building and flooring materials as they have less of an environmental footprint. Anytime you can buy locally sourced products, you also support local businesses.
• Try to refresh your space over a complete, back-to-the-stud renovation. Full renovations generate waste, meaning the debris will end up in landfills. Updating a room is also more affordable than a large-scale renovation as it costs less for building materials and labour.
• Why not consider reclaimed wood for your floors, like barn board? If you need help finding reclaimed wood or want to know more about how much the installation cost will be, contact a flooring contractor in Toronto or the GTA for more information! 
• If you need new floors and are interested in hardwood, consider bamboo. Bamboo is a renewable, sustainable source and, thus, is better for the environment than hardwood! It’s also durable and affordable.

Top-Level Green Reno Ideas

If your top priority is renovating and being eco-friendly, these ideas are worth considering.

• Upgrade your windows and doors to double or triple-pane glass to eliminate air leaks and improve your home’s efficiency. Another thing to consider is the more natural light you let into your house, the greater the health benefits—just think of all that free, extra vitamin D!
• If you undertake a full renovation, donate what you can. If you have a flooring contractor from Toronto or the GTA on site for a renovation, salvage, sell, or donate items from your demolition. Repurposing something means you’re offsetting the waste going to the landfill.
• Buy non-toxic, sustainable flooring. Materials like bamboo, cork, certain hardwoods, reclaimed wood, recycled carpet, or ceramic or porcelain tiles are all excellent flooring options for the eco-minded homeowner. 
• And invest in improving your home’s energy efficiency. Upgrade your appliances, shower heads, taps, toilets, HVAC, and water heaters with energy-efficient models. You can also consider adding solar panels to your home, if applicable.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways you can update the look of your space without breaking the bank while improving the efficiency of your home—which benefits your wallet, the environment, and your conscience! The key to a green renovation is knowledge. The more you research and know about eco-friendly renovation ideas, the more successful you’ll be in having it all: the new space and not harming the environment.

If you’re ready to explore your eco-friendly flooring options, give us the Brothers Flooring a call today for a free consultation. With over 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, we’ve grown up with the eco-boom, so we’re confident we can help you achieve your green renovation aspirations!