Renovating your house can be daunting and expensive. From redecorating the rooms, remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms, repairing wear and tear, adding new rooms, expanding the floor space, to making the house more accessible to differently abled family members and guests, the costs can add up to an average of $46,753. That does not include the costs of hiring engineers, contractors, and other experts that can ensure the success of your home renovation.

Although there are studies that show that renovating your house is generally more sustainable than reconstructing it, being able to further reduce the carbon footprint of your house’s life cycle is a great way to cut costs not only in the short run but also in the long run. Here are four sustainable renovation suggestions that you can follow to save more money:  

If it’s broken, fix it.

Before deciding to replace that broken dishwasher, why not see if you can have it repaired? More often than not, you will find that the weird sound that your dishwasher makes is just a popcorn kernel that got stuck on the chopper blade.

Generally, major home appliances have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They can last longer if you keep them clean and make it a habit to avail of appliance maintenance services, which are cheaper than buying a new home appliance.

Reuse, not refuse.

Inspect your house before deciding to buy anything new. There are many ways you can repurpose household items. You just have to be creative. If those kitchen cabinets and shelves are still sturdy enough but look out of place after the renovation, then why not repaint them? Do you have an old oar from your spouse’s rowing days? Why not turn it into a mounted wall shelf? These do-it-yourself projects can be a good family activity—and you don’t need to pay extra.

You can also consider buying pre-loved items. Don’t be afraid to visit the local flea markets, salvage yards, and antique shops. Look around at a garage sale in your neighborhood. These places offer items that have stood the test of time. These items can also add a rustic and more homey charm to your newly renovated house.

Go natural.

Maximize the sunlight that you get in the house. You can save a lot of money in heating and lighting if you use big windows, French doors, skylights—anything that can let more natural light into the house. These features look good and are trendy, and they can also energize you and your family throughout the day.

Why not grow a garden, too? If you have a small yard, you can try indoor gardening. There are many benefits to indoor gardening. Indoor plants are generally easy to take care of and nurture. Some are even edible. Plus, they’re cheaper than getting a new air purifier or decorative bauble. They can also last longer, especially with proper care.

But if you do have outdoor space, why not plant herbs and vegetables? Herbs and vegetables take less time and care to grow than fruits. Growing herbs and vegetables can even be a fun activity for your kids. Planting and maintaining a vegetable garden can be hard work, but the rewards are very satisfying—and healthy.

Invest in sustainable technologies and features.

Although the following can be expensive, they can save more money and reduce your house’s and your family’s carbon footprints in the long term:

1. Get high-quality insulation. Having great insulation in the house protects it better against extreme weather conditions. It also means less fiddling with the thermostat since your house can keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
2. Get energy-efficient household appliances. If your appliances can’t be saved, don’t be afraid to buy a more energy-efficient replacement. Just remember to check if it has an Energy Star logo and read up on the information available in order to buy the most suitable appliance for your household needs.
3. Get renewable technology. If you have a little more money to spend, why not invest in solar panels? Although solar panels can be expensive, the payback from your reduced electric bills will say otherwise. If solar panels are a little too expensive and you live in a windy area, you can invest in a small wind electric system? These wind turbines can be a nifty ice breaker for your neighbors since they will give your house more character and help you save electricity.

You always want your house to look good for your family and your guests. You can use these four suggestions to make it feel more like home while saving money and caring for the environment at the same time.

Meta title: Cost-efficient and Sustainable Ways to Renovate Your Home

Meta desc: This guide gives you four tips on home renovation that will not only lower costs but also reduce your house’s carbon footprint. Learn more here.