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.
Source: St. Petersburg Times, Susan Thurston (12/28/07)
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