Even though this probably isn’t your most favorite thing in the world, renovating your home from time to time is something you simply have to do. This is the only way to make your living space more visually appealing, practical, and inviting at the same time. Most of these renovations require professional assistance, but you can probably handle some of them on their own. And if you manage to make them eco-friendly as well, you’ll be doing something good for your home and our planet. Therefore, there are some of the best eco-friendly home renovations you can complete yourself.
Replace your bathroom fixtures and fittings
Lots of people don’t realize it, but we use tons of water on a daily level, even though we don’t have to. Whether we’re taking a shower, washing our clothes, or using the toilet, we don’t really have to use that much water. That’s why eco-friendly bathroom renovations are so useful, and what’s even better is that you can complete them on your own.
Start by installing one of those low-flush toilets that save you tons of water and money on a monthly basis. Follow the instructions and take your time, and you’ll surely be able to install a new toilet quite quickly. After that, move on to eco-friendly bathroom faucets and showerheads, and add even more sustainability to your bathroom. Finally, update your lighting and start using those LED light bulbs, thus saving a considerable amount of energy every time you’re using your bathroom.
Install solar panels
This is another way to maximize your energy potential and take your home’s sustainability potential to the next level. Installing solar panels used to be quite difficult back in the day, but now it’s easier than ever. Even if you have no previous experience, you’ll probably be able to do it – as long as you’re not afraid of heights, of course.
The most important thing here is finding the right panels that will suit your home the most. Different people prefer different panels, and it all depends on where you live and how hot your region is. Invite a friend or two to give you a hand, and don’t forget to check your work before you start actually using your new solar panels.
Give your empty space a new purpose
There’s more to eco-friendliness and sustainability than using new energy-efficient products and techniques. You also need to think about the empty space in your home and give it a new purpose. This is something homeowners everywhere in the world, from Australia to Canada, do, finding unique solutions and minimizing the emptiness in their homes.
Spare rooms, attics, basements, garages, and even the space beneath your stairs can actually become useful, but only if you know what you’re doing. Turning these spaces into reading nooks, storage areas, and home offices is easier than you think. The latter is something the aforementioned Australian homeowners love the most, especially those who work from home. That’s why they design comfortable little office spaces with their spacious desks and those ergonomic office chairs from Sydney that prevent back pain and look professional. Remember, it’s all about making the most of what you’ve already got because there’s nothing more sustainable than that!
Fix your floors
This is one of the most important renovation projects in your home and something most people don’t mind investing their time and money in. However, not everyone knows how to fix their floors or replace them while still remaining sustainable and eco-friendly. But, doing that could be easier than you think.
The only thing you need to do is find eco-friendly solutions and use them in every room of your home. Cork, bamboo, linoleum, and reclaimed hardwood are among the most popular sustainable flooring materials out there, and you’ll surely be able to find something that will suit you. But, don’t forget to remain eco-friendly in the future as well and use only environmentally-safe cleaning products. Make these on your own using borax, salt, lemon juice, and water, and keep your floors spotless.
Being eco-friendly is amazing, but being eco-friendly while also being DIY is even better. These ideas are simple and easy to handle, and you’ll surely be able to turn them into reality even if you lack proper experience and training.
Emma Joyce is a blogger based in Australia. You can find her on twitter here or facebook here.
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