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5 Green And Environment Friendly Home Renovation Ideas

Owning your own property can be a great way to build long-term wealth. While there are many advantages that come with owning a property, to maximize the value you will need to make certain repairs and renovations over time. When you are looking to make renovations and repair today, one great option would be to make renovations using green materials. There are several green renovations options in particular that could make your home more environmentally friendly and also improve the value of your property.

1) Replacing Windows

One of the best green improvements you can make to your home would be to replace your windows with energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows do a much better job of keeping a home warm during the winter and cool during the summer months. This can lead to a significant reduction in your overall energy bills on a monthly basis. Energy-efficient windows can also improve the curb appeal of your home and can be one of the best renovation and repair investments that you can make.

2) Sustainable Flooring

One of the most common trends in housing today is to install hardwood floors. While hardwood floors are beautiful and give a home a very natural look, the use of maple, cherry, and other types of woods in hardwood flooring is not sustainable. While traditional hardwood floors are not made of sustainable materials, there are other more sustainable options that look very similar. Some of the best options to consider today include installing floors made from bamboo or cork, both of which are sustainable, look great, and are very durable.

3) HVAC and Appliances

Another great improvement that you can make to your property that will help to make it more energy efficient is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Energy efficient appliances, such as HVAC systems, refrigerators, and washing machines, focus on using far less energy than traditional appliances. This can greatly help to reduce your energy usage and bills on a monthly basis. These appliances can also add to the value of your home and provide you with great service.

4) Gas Fireplace

5 Green Upgrades for Your Home

One of the nicest ways to end a long day during the winter is to enjoy a night by the fire in your home. While most people prefer the sound and smell of wood fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces are not great for the environment. Not only does it lead to deforestation, but it can pollute the local environment as well. A better option today would be to upgrade to a direct-vent gas fireplace. These require no wood and far less gas than other fireplace options.

5) Landscaping

Finally, improving your landscaping can be a great green addition to any home. A nice yard with plenty of nice plants can greatly improve the overall curb appeal of your property. While it can make your home look nicer, landscaping improvements can also be better for the environment. For example, a tree and shrubs can provide additional shade to your home, which can keep it naturally cool during the hot summer months. You could also make a small vegetable garden, which will allow you to grow some of your own food.

We could all do with finding that little bit of extra money to make life a little more comfortable couldn’t we? It might not seem possible sometimes, with the rising cost of foodstuff and household items and the never-ending uncertainty over the British economy in the wake of the Brexit result of last year and the current limbo of the economic climate. There are a few things you can do to help save money however, whether for a rainy day and an emergency fund, or for your own leisure purposes.

Arm Yourself with a Budget – The first thing is to plan thoroughly and accurately from pay packet to pay packet. Put together a list of all of your outgoings and incomings financially and put together a spreadsheet so you can see exactly where your money is going and what you get for that.

Save for Something – If you are saving just for the sake of it, it’s unlikely that the habit will stick. Set a realistic goal of how much you wish to set aside each month, and have a reason in mind to entice you to do so as habit. This could be to pay off a specific debt or to save for a holiday.

Cook Meals at Home – Cut down the eating out, whether at lunchtime when you can make your own lunch and take it to work, and of an evening time (of course you should allow yourself some treats from time to time). Cooking at home will drastically cut down your spending.

Take up Walking – Whether you have your own car or use public transport, by walking whenever possible you are cutting down on your travel costs severely. This will also add to your overall health.

Be Smart with Purchases – For certain items it makes sense to buy in bulk to get a discount and save money, but for other items it is smart to pay that little bit more now for an item that will last much longer, and work more effectively as a result.

Don’t be Impulsive – Whether you are browsing an online store or a physical retail shop, if you have seen something that you like and want to buy, give yourself a time out. That way you can take a step back and think about whether the item is something you actually need or really want to buy.

Look for Free Events – During evenings and weekends it is nice to spend time with friends and family out and about. It doesn’t always have to be for drinks, a meal, or to a ticketed event. Keep an eye on your local area for free events, or locations where you can go and enjoy nature for free.

Be Careful with Borrowing – Live within your means wherever possible and if you do need to borrow money only do so after thorough research, using responsible lenders to ensure you can pay back within the agreed repayment timeframe.

It is possible to save money without living like a hermit, it just requires some patience and careful planning.

1) Replacing Windows

2) Sustainable Flooring

3) HVAC and Appliances

4) Gas Fireplace

5) Landscaping

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