Environmentally Friendly Solutions to Remodelling Your Space

Surprising as it may sound, it’s possible to go green when remodelling or setting up your outdoor space. From permeable paving, recycled or reclaimed bricks down to locally sourced materials, these items can be used to improve your space while keeping it safe for the environment.

Here are several things you can do to go green in your home remodel:

Use recycled or reclaimed materials

Doing this eliminates the energy used for quarrying, transporting or manufacturing resources. This may not seem a lot, but it’s one of the best things you can do to go green. As for recycling, items such as stone pavers, bricks or concrete pavers have a relatively long life span. This makes them ideal for recycling, ensuring they don’t waste away in the landfill.

Find locally made items instead of sourcing products overseas

Going local is another way to cut costs while at the same time helping the environment. Again, the energy costs may not be directly apparent. But when you think about it, going for locally sourced materials, for example, stone found in local quarries, will cut back on transportation and labour expenses. Ordering internationally or from outside the city means delivery or manufacturing will consume fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources.

Go for patios, forget decks

Although it’s unusual advice, a patio generally requires less maintenance compared to a deck. These two are similar and sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different from each other.

Patios are typically made from concrete, outdoor paving or tiles and often made directly from the ground. They can feature a roof or be completely bare. Patios can also include additional items like fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, furniture and more depending on the family usage. Meanwhile, decks are usually made from wood or vinyl. And although variations can be made from the ground, they often feature a ground support system. Decks can be crafted on the ground or upper floors and often feature a railing.

Bottom line, decks cost more because of the general materials used.

Recycle old materials (from your home or other structures)

If you’re undergoing a major remodelling, don’t hesitate to reuse existing building material. This will help cut back on expenses. Inspect and identify if a particular item is recyclable before throwing them away.

Install resin bound gravel instead of regular gravel or pavers

Those who love the look of paved driveways without the headache can go for resin bound gravel instead of regular gravel. For one, these allow the water to seep through which minimises flooding and water surges. When properly set up, they can be used to collect rainwater runoff, used as grey water or even as passive irrigation, depending on your needs.

Going green doesn’t have to be tough. With a little planning and wise usage of materials, it’s easy to remodel or revamp your home and turn it into a more environmentally friendly space.