Once you have lived in your home for a while, there’s a good chance you will want to make some updates or changes. After all, things may seem old and dated as time passes. There are a few eco-friendly upgrade options you should consider that will not only improve your living space, but that will help you do something good for the environment, too.

Purchased Reclaimed Items 

You shouldn’t get too focused on having the newest and the shiniest out there. Consider other materials to use in your home, such as reclaimed wood. This is an environmentally sound choice and growing in popularity for many home renovations projects.

You can use reclaimed wood for an array of surfaces in your home, including walls, flooring, counters, and more. With this option, you are also doing something good for the environment because you don’t have to worry about more trees being cut down to supply your wood features.

Find Energy-Efficient Options

When you begin shopping for new appliances, be sure to find options that are energy efficient. This includes all appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, water heaters and more. You can also work with a water heater company in Bell Canyon to learn more about the most energy-efficient options available. Try to find appliances that cover the Energy Star label, which is a sign they are designed with efficiency in mind.

Donate Unwanted Items

Are you tired of the chandelier in your dining room? Rather than throwing it out, why not donate it to a charitable organization or even a consignment shop. You may even have a creative friend who may enjoy refinishing it and using it for something else.

Another option for donating unwanted home fixtures is to Habitat for Humanity. This organization welcomes any type of unwanted material and uses 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these items to build new homes for underprivileged families.

Purchased Pre-Owned Items

One supplier that provides pre-owned building materials is Habitat for Humanity; however, there are many others throughout the country. There are some that even specialize in selling pre-owned, high-end goods. This is a smart and affordable way to renovate and upgrade your home.

For example, if you must have SubZero refrigerator, you may save several thousand dollars by purchasing one that was used for a few years. These items are efficient and quality but come at a lower price tag because they aren’t brand new.

Re-Face Don’t Replace

One of the biggest expenses for any kitchen remodel is the cabinets. Rather than replacing your cabinets completely, think about repainting or refacing them. Usually, the cabinets will still be in relatively good condition, which means there is no reason to tear them out and throw them away. Just adding new drawers and doors can give your tired and outdated cabinets an entirely new life.

Use Low VOC Paints

When you choose low VOC paints, you have an earth-friendly option that is also better for your family and pets. Today, there are many paint manufacturers that provide low VOC products. These are virtually odorless and available in an array of colors and options.

Insulate

It is important to choose high-quality insulation. The better your home is insulated, the better it will be protected from the elements. Also, your home will remain warmer during the winter months, which lets you keep your thermostat at a much lower setting, and it will stay cooler during the hotter summer months.

How to Update Your Home

When it comes to updating your home, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. Be sure to consider the upgrades mentioned here to make the most of your renovations. Remember, each change you make to your home should have a solid reason behind it. This is going to help increase value and ensure you get the most from the updates that you have decided to make.