The following article is the revised version from the March/April edition of our regular Green Living column in Prestige Magazine, which is published for Pinellas county and the Trinity communities.
Green Remodeling – Is It Right For Everyone?
Thinking of updating your kitchen or bathroom, adding an addition, or repurposing an existing space in your home? If so, have you considered any green features? Adding green features to your remodeling project has many potential benefits including saving you money, improving the quality of materials in your home, and even helping the planet. Green is becoming an important part of modern building practices, but it’s not something that ends up on every homeowner’s wish list. Green features are simply another option for homeowners to consider in their remodeling projects.
First, we should dispel the three common myths surrounding building “green.” The first myth is that it involves a lot of sacrifice and extra effort on the part of the homeowner. Second, is that adding green features means breaking the bank. And third, is that green remodeling is an all or nothing thing. Let’s quickly address these myths:
Going green doesn’t mean giving up modern conveniences or luxuries. For all practical purposes, your lifestyle in a green home is the same as in any other. A project with green features also doesn’t have to be more expensive. There are many green features which can be added to a remodeling project that don’t add significantly to the upfront cost and begin paying for themselves very quickly. These include modern insulation systems, programmable thermostats, A/C duct sealing, compact fluorescent bulbs, and more. Finally, green remodeling is not an all or nothing endeavor. Going green is kind of like getting into a pool. Some people only dip their toes, others go to their waist, while others dive all the way into the deep end. How you choose to do your remodeling project depends entirely on what features and benefits are most important to you and your family.
Some homeowners concentrate their green investment in areas that reduce monthly utility bills, such as on low-flow fixtures, solar hot water, efficient A/C systems, and quality insulation. Others – especially those with children – choose paints, flooring, and other products low in toxic chemicals to improve indoor air quality. Some are more focused on their “footprint” on the environment and select sustainable, recycled content, and recyclable products. Finally, for some, the sky is the limit. They add everything including high performance windows, full photovoltaic solar systems, geothermal, greywater recovery, rainwater harvesting, and more!
So, is there a shade of green right for you? As a green certified design-build contractor, we can help you determine which combination of features are just right for you and your family. Adding Charter Bay to your team will go a long way towards ensuring your remodeling project is a great success no matter which end of the green spectrum fits you best!
Charter Bay Home Builders (CBHB) is a full-service remodeler and custom home builder (CBC1255041.) CBHB works throughout the Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando counties. As one of the few Tampa Bay contractors with multiple green building certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent & NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), CBHB can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices and materials in their projects.
Visit our website –www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:
“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”
(813) 357-9030
We can help you with any of the following needs:
Kitchen:
kitchen ideas, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, kitchen home improvement, kitchen cabinets, kitchen countertops, granite countertops, kitchen lighting, kitchen islands, kitchen appliances, kitchen designs, kitchen cabinet, kitchen backsplash, kitchen island, furniture kitchen islands
Bathroom:
bathroom ideas, bathroom designs, bathroom cabinets, bathroom remodel, bathroom design, bathroom shower, bathroom remodeling, bath remodeling, bath design, bathroom fixtures, bathroom tile, bathroom vanity
Home:
design build, home design, home remodeling, renovation, renovations, home renovation
Outdoor Living:
Outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, outdoor grills, fire pit, outdoor lighting, outdoor living patio, home outdoor living
Service:
contractor, contractors, remodeling contractors, general contractor, general contractors, home construction, construction company, construction companies
We also work throughout Tampa (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, & Hernando) in these areas:
Pinellas – East Lake, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Countryside, Eastlake, St. Petersburg, Redington Shores, Redington Beach, Belleair, Belleair Beach, Largo, Indian Rocks Beach, Pinellas Park, Redington Shores, St Pete Beach, Gulfport, St Petersburg, South Pasadena, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Seminole, Eastlake
Hillsborough – Tampa, South Tampa, Carrollwood, Lutz, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Seffner, Brandon, Dover, Valrico, Plant City, Gibsonton, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Wimauma, Sun City, Lithia
Pasco – Trinity, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Dade City
Hernando – Spring Hill, Brooksville
Call us today for a free consultation at (813) 357-9030.
