When building, extending or renovating your home, your first concern might be the cost above anything else. Especially if you’re on a tight budget, you might be focused on getting the most for your money, rather than considering the impact of your build on the environment.

But what if you saw this as a chance to do your bit and make a difference to the world we all share? Redesigning a home is the perfect opportunity to consider eco-friendly options as you’re likely to be ripping out old, out-of-date materials anyway. Plus, with plenty more sustainable products available these days, you’re sure to find something that suits your budget.

For interiors, consider giving your existing furniture an upgrade and upcycle. If your piece still suits the room but just needs to be a different colour, then a quick lick of paint is a much better option than buying new. You can also buy second-hand, which stops unwanted items going to landfill, and is often a cheaper option.

If you need persuading, then read on to find out why considering the environment can benefit both the planet and the future of your home.

Better for the planet

The primary reason that most people consider eco-friendly options is because they want to do better for the planet. Climate change has always been an issue, but increasing media coverage of rising temperatures and flash floods has brought this concern to the forefront of many people’s minds. Whilst none of us can solve climate change alone, if everyone made some changes, then that could have a positive impact on the overall carbon footprint. It might not feel like choosing an eco-friendly wallpaper can make a difference, but it will if everyone does this collectively. Supply and demand also means that the more consumers demand sustainable products, the more will enter the market.

Don’t think that being sustainable only extends to internal design or big renovations like solar panels, either. For homes with outdoor space, choosing to consider the environment when you’re planning the garden can be an easy way to make a change. Whilst having any plants can be beneficial to the environment, making sure to choose native plants that suit the soil and growing conditions that you have naturally is a great start. This means that you won’t have to constantly water them, and they will help support the local wildlife too.

More energy efficient

On top of being better for the planet, choosing sustainable products can be more energy efficient, and therefore save you money on your bills. For example, this guide to eco-friendly renovations suggests that installing A++ rated windows could save you £115 per year, and reduce your carbon footprint by 405kg.

Another key feature to look at when designing your home is your choice of insulation. It’s easy to just go to the local DIY shop and pick the best priced option from there, but these products can often be harmful to your health, as well as the environment. Instead, why not consider sheep’s wool, which is natural, fire-retardant and allergen-free? Cotton is also a good option, as it naturally repels insects. Or, if you’d rather have a firmer insulation, then cork is one of the most environmentally-friendly options on the market at the moment.

Potentially adds value to your home

Climate change isn’t going away any time soon, so making eco-friendly choices now is a sure-fire way to future-proof your property. If you think you might be looking to sell at some point in the future, these changes can be pointed out to potential buyers as key selling points. Especially for younger buyers, the environment is something that they tend to have a strong interest in, so they’ll be on the lookout for these features. Eco-friendly appliances also tend to look sleek and modern, so add to the overall aesthetic of your home.

Items like solar panels can be a particular draw, especially if you’re able to demonstrate the benefits for a buyer. Being able to function off-grid can be an appealing prospect, especially at a time when energy prices are on the rise. It can also be helpful if your home is in a rural area, and you’re likely to get regular power cuts. Make sure to keep any eco-tech in good condition, and have all the warranty certificates or service documents to hand. If the buyer is nervous about taking on unfamiliar technology, this can help reassure them that you’ve taken care of the products and they’re a good investment.

If the idea of creating an eco-home has got you excited, why not check out CADdetailsblog.com to get some inspiration for your home design?

Author: Hannah Davis