5 mistakes to avoid when considering eco-friendly renovations
Thinking about environmentally conscious home renovations? Going green is a great choice for the planet and your wallet, but without the right planning and know-how, you might be flushing your funds.
Here are the top mistakes to avoid when considering sustainable upgrades and renovations to your home:
Skipping the Energy Audit
Think of an energy audit as your reno roadmap. Without one, how do you know which direction to go? Do you know the condition of your home's insulation? How efficient is your HVAC system? Do you have any idea what your overall home energy use is? Why are some rooms chilly, and why is there condensation on those windows? What’s costing you the most money?
Energy audits identify the most critical areas where your home is losing energy, so skipping one means you may be spending big bucks tackling projects that don't significantly improve your home's efficiency or save you money in the long run. Check out NRCan’s GTA resources or contact Enbridge Gas to find licensed energy auditors in your area.
Penny Pinching
While snagging a bargain can be tempting, opting for quality in eco-friendly renovations pays off in the long run. Cheap isn’t always cheerful—there’s a good chance you’ll have increased maintenance costs, lower efficiency, and likely replace cheap items more often, saving you nothing in the long term. That doesn’t mean the most expensive options are the best quality, though! Spend time researching options to see trends in durability and efficiency. Look for product reviews, especially from industry experts and other homeowners who’ve posted about their experiences online.
Look for products that have certifications from recognized industry standards such as ENERGY STAR® for appliances, Green Seal for building materials, or LEED certification for overall environmental impact. Certifications ensure products meet strict environmental and performance criteria set by third-party organizations, guaranteeing a level of quality and efficiency. When comparing options, consider the warranty period, then calculate the total cost of owning a product over its expected lifespan, not just the purchase price, taking factors like maintenance, repair costs, and energy consumption into consideration.
Ignore Incentives
There are lots of incentives and rebates available for Ontario homeowners looking to upgrade their homes sustainably; why leave money on the table?
If you’re considering adding a self-contained secondary unit to your home to move a senior family member in, check out the Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit to see if you/they qualify. For qualifying renos, homeowners can claim up to $50,000 in qualifying expenditures for each (qualifying) renovation that is completed. The tax credit is 15% of your costs, up to a maximum of $7,500, for each claim you’re eligible to make. Not sure what else you might qualify for? Visit Enbridge Gas or the City of Toronto’s website to find out.
Overlooking Long-Term Sustainability
Jumping at quick-fix solutions can be tempting, but they’ll cost you more in the future. Sustainable renovations aren't just about slashing today's costs—they're about reducing your ecological footprint and enhancing your home's long-term efficiency. Don't just think about the initial savings—consider the broader impact of your choices on both the environment and your future expenses.
Skipping Smaller Upgrades
Sometimes it’s ok to sweat the small stuff. In fact, simple changes like switching to LED lighting, installing programmable thermostats, or using low-flow faucets and showerheads can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency, so you don’t need to go big to go green at home! Small improvements are affordable, easy to implement and can lead to substantial savings over time.
Take our advice and set yourself up for a successful, efficient transition to a more sustainable home. Sometimes you can have your reno and save the earth and money, too.