Kitchens are a room in many homes that can age in an unflattering and noticeable way. This often necessitates updates and upgrades. While remodeling can help give you the kitchen you want, it can also cause challenges for eco-conscious homeowners. Remodeling a home is a big undertaking that can have a sizable impact on the environment; however, eco-friendly projects are possible. If you want to be more conscious of the planet and make a concerted effort to have an eco-friendly kitchen remodel, here are a few must-know tips.

Prioritize Natural Light

When you are rebuilding your kitchen, consider adding in additional windows or features that promote natural light. Adding windows, glass pantry doors and bright and airy color palettes can boost your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal and reduce your energy use by harnessing the planet’s natural power. While the sun can help illuminate your home, it can also help warm your home during colder months, requiring far less energy use in the long run.

Make Sure You Keep Your Energy in

When you are building a custom home, you need to make sure that you pay attention to energy. You will not want it escaping out of leaks or vulnerabilities around the structure. Whether you need to replace old doors, compromised windows or insulation, make sure that you prioritize keeping energy in. If you are aware of weaknesses in your home’s structure, make sure that you take time to seal those off during the remodeling process. Not only can this reduce your energy use, but it can also reduce your utility expenses.

Opt for Energy Efficiency

During a remodel, this is the ideal time to make a few upgrades. One area that is worth paying attention to is a more energy-efficient option. With the opportunity to make replacements, you can opt for a better fridge, oven, light fixture or dishwasher that consumes less energy. By investing in more energy-efficient solutions, you can vastly reduce your home’s environmental impact, energy use and utility costs. Don’t waste any more money or energy on fueling your home when you can make an upgrade during this remodel.

Salvage and Reinvigorate What You Have

What you may not realize is that you can reuse and recycle some of the items in your home. Transforming your existing features can do wonders in a remodel and breathe new life into your kitchen. Whether you repaint and reuse the same cabinets, replace hardware or repaint existing structures, you can remodel your kitchen without gutting everything. Don’t be afraid to give your existing kitchen’s features a second chance.

Select Sustainably Sourced and Recycled Materials

As you develop your plans, make sure that you place sustainability at the forefront of the project by selecting building materials carefully. Everything from sustainably sourced supplies to recycled materials can help you be more eco-conscious with your construction project. You may be surprised at the high cost that construction projects can cost the planet, and you can do your part by not increasing that cost.

Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds

Another byproduct of many construction projects is volatile organic compounds. These can cause harmful effects on the planet, the atmosphere and your health. If you want your project to be less impactful and harmful, consider opting for low emitting options or products that don’t cause VOCs at all. This can be an easy and smart choice for your project and the planet.

Go With a Green Contractor

Your contractor will be one of the most important resources available to you during your construction project. If you want to achieve your remodeling dreams in an eco-friendly way, you need them to be on board. It can be useful to find an eco-conscious contractor to help you bring your vision to fruition. Having a building expert who understands environmental harm can help you make the smartest choices for you and the planet.

When it comes to eco-conscious construction, it is not always easy to know how to get started. While it may take some additional planning, it is an important part of your remodeling project. Don’t miss out on the chance to create the kitchen of your dreams, without the guilt that your project hurt the planet.