Design & Lifestyle...

Green Home Jun 9, 2008

When Should You Start A Green Home Remodel?

Start Green Remodeling Now

Personally, I think a green home remodel can start anytime; barring weather issues. If you live in Minnesota, let's not redo the roof in January. However, there are plenty of green remodeling projects that can be started all year.

That said, there's always room for another opinion. A recent press release from The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) notes that because May is National Home Improvement Month, the late spring is a great time to start planning for remodeling. Of course we're popping in on this press release about one month late, but there's still time to start planning.

NARI suggests that starting sooner, rather than later is a good plan because, "Finding the right design, choosing a professional contractor, and securing the necessary financing for a home improvement project can sometimes take months." That's true. On the other hand, you may be able to find discounts in the fall and winter months due to less remodel demand.

NARI offers the following steps to help you kick-start the planning process:

"Think your project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space-all for a lot less than the cost of a new home.
Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget.
Be sure to review your homeowner's insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done. Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touchups."

All excellent tips. You can search at the NARI site for a remodeling professional, or if you're looking for green specific remodels check out the following resources:

Just because Home Remodeling month is over, doesn't mean you can't still create some plans for your own green home make-over.

What Should You Start A Green Remodel By Doing?

| Lorenz Schilling | Jun 12th, 2008

Thanks for the ongoing attention to this topic, RiverWired, and its never too early to start planning, that's for sure!

But here's something to think about; What do you start with?

Don't forget to plan for the reuse and recycling aspects of the project. The biggest oportunity for environmental savings during the remodel is the first step of the remodel process - demolition! Ironically, even though its the first step, its the most overlooked step in the planning process!

Check out my blog site: http://recycleyourhouse.blogspot.com/

I've got some ideas for you on reuse and recycling while doing a remodel. See:

YOUR HOUSE, YOUR RULES! Ten Ways To Ensure Your Home Is Properly Recycled & Your Construction Project Doesn’t Generate Needless Waste

Thanks.

Lorenz Schilling
Deconstruction/ReUse Network, Inc.
www.reusenetwork.org