| "> | | | | insulations, etc. |
| Go green. What does it mean? Where do you go to | | | | - Increasing and replacing insulation and sealing leaks |
| get answers and guidance when you want to "green | | | | - Changing light bulbs to low voltage/wattage use bulbs |
| up" your home? Do these questions have you | | | | - New energy efficient, low-E windows and insulated |
| stymied? Making your home a green home isn't just | | | | doors |
| about buying Energy Star appliances. After all, Energy | | | | - Energy efficient heating and air systems with filtered |
| Star is just a name. It's important to analyze the | | | | air |
| energy efficiency of each appliance regardless of its | | | | Make your own list of things you want to do. Expand |
| "star" rating. But, lets go further. | | | | on the list as you research and discover new items |
| What exactly are you trying to do? A home | | | | and processes that make sense to you. Analyze |
| renovation is a lot different than building a home from | | | | costs for materials and get bids on labor. Then, think |
| scratch. With a home improvement you have | | | | about the benefits of each. |
| limitations on what you can do. It's vital that you get | | | | BENEFITS: |
| some answers, create a plan, and execute your plan | | | | - Healthier environment inside your home |
| so that you reap some rewards. | | | | - Lower utility costs each month |
| House Remodeling Goals When Going Green | | | | - A more comfortable home |
| I want to explore some ways that will help you decide | | | | - Peace of mind knowing you're saving money and |
| what will work for you in a remodel. With cost and | | | | helping the environment |
| practicality issues, you simply can't do everything you | | | | Brainstorm as many benefits as you can think of. |
| may want to do. | | | | Once you convert your ideas into potential benefits, it's |
| Over the years of helping people upgrade their homes, | | | | much easier to see just what is important to you and |
| I've learned a few things that really help them decide | | | | what isn't. What's worth spending the money to |
| what's most important to them. One thing I did was | | | | accomplish? Which items move down the priority list? |
| play a game with them. It's called the "Features & | | | | Re-prioritize and Do What Benefits You the Most |
| Benefits Game". Let's play a simple version of it now. | | | | By following what adds to your life and not what |
| First, we'll talk about green features. | | | | others are saying is important, you will not only save |
| FEATURES: | | | | money but you'll be far more eager to get the job |
| - Adding Energy Star (efficient) appliances to your | | | | done. Keep it simple. Match the budget you've set for |
| home | | | | yourself and get started. |
| - Replacing toxin-emitting materials like paints, carpeting, | | | | |