10 Myths About Green Remodeling

With all the hype surrounding the green movement come the inevitable myths about green remodeling. Perhaps your neighbor considered green remodeling but heard the materials are too expensive; your conservative father called you a hippie just for establishing a separate recycle bin; and your best friend pats himself on the back for purchasing Energy Star appliances for his McMansion.

It's no wonder you're confused about going green. Below, I debunk the 10 most common myths about green remodeling:

1. It's just another trend. You passed on Hammer pants in the '80s and the Rachel haircut in the '90s so you're not about to jump on board with another passing fad. However, green building and remodeling aren't exactly new concepts. In the days before suburban sprawl and look-alike housing tracts became the norm, builders used local materials, installed features such as operable windows to keep homes cool and sited them within walking distance to downtown amenities and public transportation. Essentially, the green movement is revisiting and improving upon principles we already knew.

2. 'Green' is a politically loaded word. The topic of global warming is an ongoing argument, and some people assume that if you're "green," then you are a Democrat, hippie or West Coast-dweller. However, the mainstream now embraces the green movement. No matter which way you sway politically, how much money you make or where you live, you are using the earth's resources everyday. Green building and remodeling isn't a statement; it's an investment in our collective future.

3. It's expensive. The most commonly perpetuated myth about green remodeling, of course, is that it costs a lot more than traditional remodeling. Keep in mind, though, that most of the green building projects that make the news are large developments, not simple home renovations. As more green products are produced, the price drops correspondingly. Sure, a tankless water heater costs a lot more than a standard tank heater, and renewable energy systems such as solar panels aren't cheap, but they are investments that pay for themselves overtime, plus some. And don't forget green tax incentives!

4. It won't match my home's aesthetic. Gaudy solar panels overwhelm quaint bungalows and wind turbines look ridiculous next to classically inspired columns. Green homes don't have to be modern, space age or look like treehouses. In fact, green home renovations should respect the character of the home and if designed well, most likely won't be that noticeable from the interior or exterior. Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council looks no different than other types of wood, eco-friendly shingles are actually more attractive than the common asphalt versions and some renovations are actually invisible, such as extra insulation or a new energy-efficient HVAC system.

5. I have to remodel my entire home to be green. Don't use the "all or nothing" excuse. Renovation is inherently green: you are preserving and improving an existing structure rather than disrupting a natural site or contributing to suburban sprawl. Begin by making small changes, such as selecting a low- or no-VOC paint, which improves indoor air quality, or installing a programmable thermostat to reduce the load on your heater or AC when you're not even home. The EPA's Energy Star Program speculates that the average homeowner can save $180 per year by using this simple device, proving that seemingly minor changes can have dramatic results. A green remodel doesn't have to happen all at once; instead, think of it is a series of small but significant edits.

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