Who doesn’t dream of a bathroom remodel? We spend quite a bit of time in our bathrooms, and sometimes it’s not as enjoyable as it should be. When thinking of a remodel, though, it’s important to also consider going the eco-friendly route.
Continuing on our last post about eco-friendly kitchen remodels, our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to build your dream bathroom. Not only will you feel better about your remodel, you’ll also be lending Mother Nature a helping hand!
To help you out on your potential eco-friendly bathroom remodel, here are 5 helpful tips:
- Water Saving Bathroom Faucets
- Improved Ventilation
- Sustainable Bathroom Flooring
- Recycled Countertops
- Low or No VOC’s
Water Saving Bathroom Faucets
Curious what makes a bathroom faucet water saving? Look no further than the United States Environmental Protection Agency. You can thank them for creating “WaterSense”, a voluntary partnership between the EPA and any company who wants to work on water efficiencies, such as home builders or manufacturers.
The EPA has made it easy to find a water saving bathroom faucet. When shopping for your new faucet, look for the WaterSense label on the product packaging. Making the decision to have a WaterSense approved bathroom faucet will provide you with some great benefits:
- Perform equal to or better than non-WaterSense products
- Are 20% more efficient than counterparts
- Show measurable results
- Provide adequate water flow
Installing water-saving bathroom faucets is just the beginning of your conservation efforts. You might consider looking into toilets and showerheads as well. No matter where you start conserving water in your bathroom, know that you are making an impact!
Improved Ventilation
This may seem like an insignificant change, but it can do wonders for the environment (and your wallet). Not only will improved ventilation fight the 3 M’s; mold, moisture, and musk, but it can also greatly reduce your energy usage by up to 60%.
We recommend running your energy-efficient fan only when the shower is on and 15 minutes after. This will stunt the growth of mold and also the harsh chemicals needed to remove it. If you tend to be forgetful, you can also install a timer switch or a humidity-sensing switch to support efficiency.
Sustainable Bathroom Flooring
Moving towards sustainable flooring might seem intimidating, but we assure you that’s not the case. You’ll only need to decide which materials are sustainable to use and match your aesthetics. But never fear –we’ve got you covered! Some of our personal favorites include:
- Bamboo: incredibly sustainable, naturally mildew and water resistant
- Concrete: easy to restore and seal, similar look to stone, affordable
- Linoleum: hypoallergenic, biodegradable, naturally water resistant
- Cork: durable, anti-microbial, renewable, naturally mildew and water resistant
Not only are these options eco-friendly, but each has a unique and gorgeous style. The only difficult part is choosing which you love most.
Recycled Countertops
When planning your eco-friendly bathroom remodel, consider using recycled countertops. There are plenty of options to choose from that don’t compromise on looks. Recycled glass, for example, is a perfect texture for traditional or transitional style homes. Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to most woods that is a stunning addition to modern and contemporary bathrooms.
Recycled countertops have been put to the test. They can take the beating that a bathroom demands and are incredibly easy to clean. Just make sure if you use a cleaning product, choose one that contains no VOC’s!
Low to No VOC’s
VOC stands for volatile organic compound. These compounds are made up of carbon-containing substances which emit gases or vapors. VOC’s can damage the ozone layer once released into the environment.
Limiting VOCs’ in your home and bathroom may seem like an impossible task, but it’s actually surprisingly simple. The first step you can take is educating yourself on what contains VOC’s. Here is a list of the most common culprits:
- Paint, varnish, adhesive, and caulk
- Composite wood
- Vinyl flooring
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning products
- Building materials
Next, try to limit or stop the use of these perpetrators. Read labels of products you buy to ensure they are low or no VOC and be sure to safely dispose of products that contain VOC’s.
Here at Square Deal Remodeling, we are proud of our green policy. Building green has been a focus for us since day one. We are here for you when you are ready to take the next step in your eco-friendly bathroom remodel –contact us for a consultation!
If you are having a hard time picturing what your bathroom remodel could look like, head on over to our portfolio to check out our past projects.