You want your home to be eco-friendly, but you don’t want to spend all your money doing it.
Every homeowner wants to save money. But when it comes to eco-friendly home improvements… most people get intimidated.
They assume that sustainable home improvements are:
- Costly
- Difficult
- Time-consuming
Truth is… they don’t have to be.
Sustainable improvements that save you money:
- Reduce your energy bills each month
- Increase the value of your home
- Improve your environmental footprint
And many of them pay for themselves.
Ready to learn how?
Here’s everything you need to get started with sustainable home improvements that actually save you money.
Table of Contents
- Why Sustainable Improvements Are Worth The Investment
- Handcrafted Reclaimed Floors: The Flooring Upgrade That Makes Sense
- The Energy Upgrades That Pay For Themselves
- Simple Low-Cost Green Wins
- How To Prioritise Your Upgrades
Why Sustainable Improvements Are Worth The Investment
Most people don’t realize how much value sustainable home improvements can really bring to your home.
Here’s the deal…
Green home improvements help you save money on your monthly running costs. Which means more money in your pocket in the long-term.
Oh, and…
Homebuyers are searching for energy-efficient homes. Zillow reports that real estate listings including the words “green” or “sustainable” went up by 21% from 2015 to 2019. Now is the time to make your home stand out with sustainable features.
By making your home more sustainable, you’re saving money when you live there and selling your home for more when you’re ready to move on.
Win-win.
Handcrafted Reclaimed Floors: The Flooring Upgrade That Makes Sense
Here’s a fun fact most people don’t know…
Believe it or not, flooring is one of the biggest material costs in any home renovation. It also has a massive impact on the environment.
Which is why choosing the right flooring makes such a big difference.
Handcrafted reclaimed floors are floors made from recycled timber sourced from old barns, warehouses and historical buildings. The timber is reused instead of chopping down new trees. Companies like Lubelska create handcrafted reclaimed flooring that focuses on great design and impeccable craftsmanship. The result? Classy flooring with tons of personality and uniqueness that new wood simply cannot match.
But wait… there’s more.
Reclaimed wood comes from old-growth trees that have been naturally weathered for decades. As a result, the wood is denser. Plus, more durable than most wood you’ll find at your local hardware store. Meaning less expansion and contraction and a longer-lasting floor.
When you choose reclaimed wood over new hardwood. You’re helping save the trees, keeping more materials out of landfill and getting floors with more charm and history than most.
How cool is that?
A common misconception with reclaimed wood is that, because it’s “reclaimed” it always costs more. Yes, some rare reclaimed hardwoods can cost more than new flooring. But a lot of reclaimed suppliers have tons of options that are cheaper than the flooring you’ll find at Home Depot.
And keep in mind, that because it lasts for generations with minimal maintenance, it’s worth the price.
Energy Upgrades That Pay For Themselves
Do you want to see an immediate drop in your energy bills?
Pick energy-efficient upgrades. Energy-efficient improvements are the quickest way to save money around the home. The US Department of Energy even states that energy-efficient appliances could lower the average household’s energy consumption by up to 30%.
Start with these areas:
- Lighting: LED lighting is up to 90% more efficient than regular bulbs at using energy. They also last much longer too. Making switching to LED lightbulbs one of the least expensive improvements you can make.
- Heating & Cooling: Smart thermostats are designed to learn your routines and adapt to them. Most people will see their energy bill go down in the first month of using a smart thermostat.
- Insulation: A lot of homes are let down by poor insulation. Upgrading your loft insulation, wall insulation or floor insulation can have a serious impact on your energy usage. Not only will you heat your home less in the winter. But you’ll keep it cooler in the summer too.
Pick one or two improvements and see the difference they make. Then start stacking them up for maximum savings.
Simple Low-Cost Green Wins
Not all eco-friendly improvements have to mean renovation expenses.
Small changes can still add up to big savings. And most of them won’t even take much effort. Quick low-cost wins that save you money.
Low-flow taps and shower heads. Low-flow faucets and shower heads use less water but maintain water pressure. They’re inexpensive and will reduce your water bill as soon as you install them.
Draught proofing. Cracks around your windows, doors and floorboards are like having the gas bill open all winter. Blocking them with sealant or draught strips is one of the cheapest improvements you can make. A tube of sealant won’t cost you much. But you’ll notice the savings on your heating bill.
Reclaimed and repurposed materials. As already mentioned, reclaimed wood flooring is a fantastic option. But did you know you can use reclaimed materials for shelving, furniture or even kitchen cabinets? Not only does repurposing keep lovely wood out of landfill. It also means you don’t need to buy new materials.
How To Prioritise Your Upgrades
Here’s the secret nobody wants to tell you about home improvements…
You don’t have to do it all at once. Pick your improvements based on what will benefit you the most. If your house needs better insulation and your lightbulbs are already LED. Focus on one upgrade at a time.
Here’s how to think about it:
- Begin with energy-efficiency. Upgrades to insulation, lighting and heating cool smart technology have the quickest impact.
- Reclaimed floors. Sustainable floors like handcrafted reclaimed hardwood saves you money in the long-run. Not to mention they’re better for the environment.
- Low-flow fittings. Swapping your taps and shower heads for low-flow alternatives will save you money on water costs.
- Materials. Wherever possible, buy recycled or reclaimed materials that have already lived a life.
Work through these steps and watch your home improve with each tip.
Bringing It All Together
Hopefully after reading this guide, you’re feeling inspired to make your home more eco-friendly.
Remember…
Make sustainable home improvements that save you money. Not only will your monthly bills go down… but you’ll also increase the value of your home.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Improve your home’s energy-efficiency for quick wins.
- Install sustainable flooring like reclaimed hardwood.
- Look for low-cost opportunities around the house.
- Tackle your biggest money pit first.
Want to save more on your home?
The homeowners who are ahead of the curve with green improvements are the ones saving the most money. Start with one improvement, and don’t stop there.