Aloha,
In my previous blog entitled, SUSTAINABILITY IN INTERIOR DESIGN, I talked about my goal of incorporating sustainability in my projects. Recently, I came across an article that made me SIT UP AND PAY ATTENTION!!!
The article on HOUZZ.COM was entitled - 'Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener.'
The first tip was my AH-HA MOMENT:
Here is the article from HOUZZ below:
What do you think of remodeling instead of building from scratch?
Do you think that remodeling is a good way to reduce the amount of waste produced in construction?
Please share your comments!!!
In my previous blog entitled, SUSTAINABILITY IN INTERIOR DESIGN, I talked about my goal of incorporating sustainability in my projects. Recently, I came across an article that made me SIT UP AND PAY ATTENTION!!!
The article on HOUZZ.COM was entitled - 'Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener.'
The first tip was my AH-HA MOMENT:
1. Start with an existing house. Obviously you can go out of your way to break this rule, but when you remodel, you are reusing an existing structure. Both building and remodeling are wasteful processes. But by remodeling, you are creating less waste, using less energy and putting your money into more labor than materials, which helps support your local economy. A side benefit of not building new: Existing buildings are more likely to be close to established infrastructure, trees and cool old neighbors with lots of stories.
Here is the article from HOUZZ below:
Browse Window Treatments on Houzz- For Example:
What do you think of remodeling instead of building from scratch?
Do you think that remodeling is a good way to reduce the amount of waste produced in construction?
Please share your comments!!!
Absolutely agree with you Eduardo! And there are so many hidden ways to further reduce, reuse, and recycle than just working with an existing structure. And they save even more money - sometimes it's even free or just the cost of hauling away...
ReplyDeleteMy favorites:
1. Wood flooring - for free (or almost)!
If you are remodelling a home with existing wood floors and other homes in your neighborhood/area are being remodelled or torn down, chances are the wood floors are similar or the same as yours. If you ask early enough, you can ask to claim the salvage and then incorporate it into your home. Bear in mind, you or your contractor may have to do the removal or pay the other contractor's time to pull it out carefully so it can be reused. But benefits are many, including cost savings and reducing waste!
2. Reuse pieces of your home in new ways. I've taken old cabinetry and used it in new areas jazzing it up sometimes with paint, new trim moulding, or other tweaks to make it feel fresh and to save money. Or sometimes it gets reused because it speaks to the soul and character of the house. The carpenter isnt usually happy about it because it's so much easier for them to plan and place something brand new that doesnt need any additional work, but the difference is night and day.
3. Reuse windows, doors and other high cost items if possible or find at salvage yards. If you have existing windows, interior or exterior doors that are in good shape, are the same style you will be using in your reno but will be taken out or down in the process of remodelling, figure out if and where you can replace them. It's surprising how often they can be employed with just a little forethought.
And of course, salvage yards are stuffed full of "finds" some need more work than others but the hunt itself can be fun.
4. Dont forget Habitat for Humanity and local charities!! If any of the items being removed are in working condition or reusable by a nonprofit, call them with a list/email photos and arrange for them to pick up. They will come and get it, give you a receipt for the charitable contribution and then put it use for someone in need; you have avoided adding to landfill, saved money by not paying for the hauing and trash fee, made money from the contribution and helped someone else. NOW THAT IS A WIN-WIN!
Hi Kristi,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving such an AWESOME comment!!!
Your suggestions for using wood flooring from homes that are being remodeled or torn down is so SPOT ON!!! This is such a great way to reduce waste!!! You have sparked my interest in reusing windows, doors and other high cost items at the salvage yards. Here on the island of O'ahu, people set out their 'GOODIES' once a month to be picked up by the City of Honolulu. When that time of the month comes around, I get in my SUV and drive up and down the streets looking for TREASURE!!! There is so much great stuff being thrown away here, I wish I had a warehouse to store all of my great finds!!!
- Eddy
Now that would be fun--and you're getting the best price of all! Hopefully you're moving and reusing things fast enough that you don't need a warehouse...now that would be a perfect world wouldn't it!
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