How Green Remodeling Pays Off

Find out six ways home owners can make their homes more green-friendly to lower utility bills and attract buyers.
By: Susan Thurston: REALTOR® Magazine
Green remodeling can pay off — not only in lowered utility bills, but also in buyer appeal when the property is sold.

Here are some green things to consider.

    • Site selection. Prefer infill development instead of a new subdivision in a
      far-flung new suburb that gobbles wetlands and displaces animals.
    • Energy-efficient products. Choose Energy Star appliances, double-paned
      windows, low-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
    • Spray foam insulation. Seal the home with insulation that doesn’t let the heat
      or cooled air leak out.
    • Sustainable wood flooring. Select flooring certified by Forest Stewardship
      Council, which protects forests by managing the amount of wood harvested
      annually.
    • Locally made products. Buy products made less than 250 miles away to reduce
      transportation costs. Granite, for instance, is generally imported from afar.
    • Nontoxic paint. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) —
      chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Look for Green Seal certified
      brands.