For many homeowners in Tacoma, WA, the kitchen is more than just a cooking zone. It is where people spend a lot of time every day. When planning for a kitchen remodeling, you should be careful, rather than going for a quick-fix solution. Like several others, you can think of embracing sustainable and carbon neutral kitchen redesign.
It is not a buzzword anymore, but a practice environment that homeowners are becoming more accustomed to. Eco-friendly kitchen makeover not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint but also enhances the property’s value. By hiring a veteran contractor, you should be able to reduce your utility bills, too.
A look at the benefits of green kitchen redesign
Sustainability is not limited to buying hybrid vehicles or setting up solar panels to reduce your reliance on power grids. It is also about developing smarter, healthier kitchens that consume less and waste less. The benefits include:
- You get access to more natural sunlight and airflow.
- The indoor air quality gets a boost.
- You get a more durable kitchen.
- You generate less waste to be used in local landfills.
Choosing carbon neutral materials is a must
For an eco-friendly kitchen remodeling, using carbon neutral materials is a must. For countertops, you can go for recycled glass, used wood, bamboo, or concrete.
As for kitchen cabinets, there are plenty of choices. You can go for recycled wood, metal, etc. Do not use cabinets of particle board and MDF, as these materials release formaldehyde.
For the kitchen floor, again, you have ample choices to pick from. Bamboo is fast-growing and renewable, or you can choose cork for its softness and antimicrobial properties. Several homeowners choose engineered wood as well.
You will need the guidance of veteran contractors like Renovision SouthWest – kitchen remodeling.
Investing in energy-saving appliances
While redesigning your existing kitchen, you can swap older energy-guzzling appliances and get newer power-saving ones. This will help you lower energy bills by a good margin and reduce your carbon footprint. Look for cooking ranges, fridges, and dishwashers with Energy Star certification. You can also buy the newer variable-speed range hoods that offer better airflow and produce less noise.
Water-conserving faucets and fixtures are useful
While Tacoma gets adequate rain, you should still focus on water conservation, given the growing climate concerns. So, it makes sense to equip your renovated kitchen with low-flow faucet models. These sink fixtures help you save water.
Using natural light to your advantage
Redesign your kitchen so that it can make the most of natural sunlight. You may, for example, set up larger windows or a skylight in the kitchen. Various types of LED lights offer motion sensor support and variable power consumption features. A clever idea would be using light colored cabinets and countertops that reflect light well.
Summing it up
Not all contractors excel in offering eco-friendly building practices. Choose one contender that has successfully designed several eco-friendly kitchen layouts for clients. Ensure they understand local building codes and permits. An expertise in handling carbon neutral products is necessary, too.
