Cervone Deegan + Associates knows that remodeling jobs involve a lot of planning and mapping out what you want and how you are going to go about executing it. Nowadays most everyone has a regard for efficiency and sustainability but also for their budget. So imagine if you could respect both during the process. Here are some helpful tips from architects at Houzz that respect both the earth and your wallet. 

 

 

One of the simplest ways to have a lighter footprint is to reduce the size. Think more of a less is more attitude and go for quality over quantity. Spaces and renovations that are smaller are going to be cheaper and use fewer materials. If you must use any materials that are not sustainable, a smaller space will likely require less of them as well.

 

 

Before you knock down walls ask yourself if you can get similar results by upgrading what you currently have. Full renovations that include demolition can get very expensive and cost nearly as much as new builds. 

 

Research

Make sure you do the necessary research so you are fully aware of everything you have before you begin as this will help reduce waste and control costs. Specifically, have a regard for your home’s orientation. It can have a big impact on your home’s utility costs so you can make sure you design with regard to things like natural light and ventilation.

 

 

This is ideal if you can reuse or repurpose some elements of your home, but understandably you might not be able to in some cases. For example, keeping appliances may save you today, but in the long run, if they are older and less efficient, it may make more sense to replace them with newer models and either give away or sell your old ones.

 

 

Choosing to go with locally sourced and made materials and products is both environmentally responsible and socially responsible. It reduces transportation emissions while it helps create jobs and support local economies. 

 

 

Thinking about the “future you,” have regard for longer-term ways your home may be used. For example, a room that you use as a nursery or kid's playroom now may make sense later on as a home office. Or think about flexibility today where maybe a current home office can double as a guest room.