May 20, 2008

Wall Street Journal reporter, Gwendolyn Bounds, chronicles her adventures in eco-kitchen remodeling in THIS informative article from the WSJ Online.

Bounds decided to do a green renovation after reading that a recent study of real-estate listings in Seattle found that certified green homes sold for an 11% premium psf and sat on the market for a quarter less time.  She goes on to say. . .  

"As more new-home builders go eco, owners of existing houses must adapt or become edificial dinosaurs. As much as 20% of new construction will be green by 2012, according to a study released this week by McGraw-Hill Construction."

Although Bounds goes all out and takes a really long time to complete her kitchen remodel, she suggests five simple, low cost ways to green a remodel . . .  

Low Voc Paint: Most major brands of paint and home improvement stores now sell paint with low no volatile organic compounds (gaseous pollutants). It costs a few more dollars, but you don’t get headaches from the smell.

Insulation: Any time a wall is down, add layers. It’ll cut back energy bills and make room temperature more comfortable year-round. Here are four types of insulation considered particularly “green.”

Appliances: When you replace, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances use technologies that consume 10–50% less energy and water than standard models. Nearly every major maker at every price point has an Energy Star make.

Cabinets: In addition to smaller eco-lines like  Neil Kelly and Breathe Easy there are at least 107 mainstream kitchen cabinet makers who incorporate a good number of health and eco features. Here’s a list .

Light: Light-emitting diodes; compact fluorescents; halogens. Put what you can on dimmers. Read more about the technology HERE.