Guide to making your home renovation eco-friendly and cost-effective

1. It's all in the planning

Home renovations take a lot of planning, and it is at this early stage that the eco-conscious and cost-effective considerations need to take place.

Can the space be designed to optimise natural light? How about incorporating renewable energy? With a thorough plan, all possibilities can be explored when planning your next home renovation.

2. Sustainable materials

Choosing recycled or reclaimed materials such as wood or glass is not only a more sustainable choice, but it can also save you money when compared with buying new.

Try to choose non-toxic paints and VOC-free finishes minimises the environmental impact and also improves indoor air quality, creating a healthier home and planet.

3. Eco-friendly lighting

Did you know that traditional bulbs convert just five to ten percent of their consumed energy into light?

Choosing LED or compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is a simple way to drastically reduce energy consumption. Even more eco-friendly is utilising the natural light in your space, which can be achieved through increasing window size, installing bi-fold doors, maximising windows on the south-facing side of the house, or installing skylights.

Find out more about the benefits of an energy-efficient home.

4. Proper insulation

Investing in high-quality insulation for walls, floors, and roofs offers long-term energy savings by reducing the need for costly heating or cooling. It also helps to prevent draughts, cold and hot spots in the home, and acts as a barrier for pollutants, allergens, and dust, therefore improving air quality.

5. Natural ventilation

Increasing natural airflow around your home is an often-overlooked energy saving measure. Designing your space to include strategically placed windows, skylights and ventilation systems can result in lower usage of artificial heating and cooling, which in turn reduces your energy consumption.

6. A smart home

The core of eco-friendly renovation is increasing energy performance in your home. Prioritising efficient appliances with high Energy Star ratings reduces consumption over time. Installing the latest smart home features, such as smart lighting or programmable thermostats, is better for the environment and can also contribute to long term savings.

7. Water-saving features

Installing low-flow shower heads, taps and toilets is a simple way to minimise water wastage while also saving you money on your water bill. You can also consider installing rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses, for example, flushing toilets and watering plants, lowering water usage and conserving resources.

8. Renewable energy

A home renovation project is the perfect time to start incorporating renewable energy into your home. Solar panels are a great way to generate energy, reducing your electricity bills. Investing in an eco-friendly alternative to a gas boiler, for example an air or ground source heat pump, can also result in long-term energy savings.

9. Waste management

It is really important to plan for proper waste disposal during any home renovations. Consider donating or selling your unwanted items, and plan to recycle as much as possible rather than taking everything to landfill.

This is also where the benefits of thorough planning and accurate measurements come in, helping you to avoid over-purchasing materials which will end up going to waste.

10. Ask the experts

Consulting with professional tradespeople who are experienced in eco-friendly renovations is a sensible approach. As well as ensuring the project meets the latest environmental standards, they can also provide valuable insights and offer personalised sustainable recommendations for your home.

With increasing energy prices and growing environmental concerns, ensuring home renovations are sustainable and cost-effective is a top priority for homeowners in 2024. By incorporating these strategies, you can turn your home into an eco-friendly haven, and save some money along the way.

If you require professionals to get started on your next exciting home renovation project, don’t forget to look into an Insurance backed Guarantee and deposit protection scheme from a CPA registered tradesperson.