Using green building concepts helps the environment no matter the size of the project.
With all of the recent attention brought to conservation and the preservation of our natural resources, many of us have a desire to do our part when building or remodeling. Despite our good intentions, sometimes a tight budget can be an obstacle. Surprisingly, not all green options are more expensive; actually, some are even cheaper. Especially if you consider cost over time, many green products are more durable and have a longer lifespan.
If you’re planning a new home or addition, many green products can replace traditional building products. Here are some alternatives to traditional materials.
- Enviro Board is an inexpensive alternative for lumber and can be used for exterior or interior walls, roofs, ceilings, sub-flooring, insulation, and door cores.
- When it comes to flooring, bamboo products, cork, marmoleum, and recycled tile are all affordable alternatives to carpets and hardwood floors. Wool carpeting is another natural, renewable, and non-toxic product. Another idea – leave your flooring exposed. There are some attractive dyes and paints available to finish concrete flooring, eliminating the need to use additional resources.
- Non-toxic wall finishes include non-toxic paints, plasters, and sealants. By using different glazings, such as low-solar-heat-gain-coefficient (SHCG) glazings on your walls, you can also add some energy efficiency.
- Use alternative countertop...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
