Tips and Tricks for a Green Garage Renovation – GWC Mag

Sustainability is at the forefront of almost everyone’s minds nowadays. As a result, people are investing in eco-friendly home renovations to benefit the planet and cut back on utility bills.

But, when you think about green and eco-friendly, one area of the home probably won’t be the first thing to pop into your head – the garage. However, there’s no reason you can’t completely change your garage into a green space for your vehicle, tools, and so much more.

If you’re on board the sustainability train and you want to update and upgrade your garage into something greener, we’ve got a few tips and tricks to make it clean, easy, and effective. With a bit of time and effort, you can create a garage that is green, stylish, and functional for the whole family.

Why Renovating is Sustainable

The rising trend in renovation is more sustainable than constructing new homes and structures because it is a great way to reduce waste compared to a full demolition and rebuild.  By choosing to remodel your garage instead of building something new, you’re already on the right track. There are plenty of reasons for the rise in renovations, including:

• Economic factors;
• The COVID-19 pandemic, which caused people to spend more time in their homes;
• Aging infrastructure;
• Changing preferences.

Renovations can also boost the value of your home and make it more appealing to the market if you ever decide to sell. Green renovations throughout the home can give it an even bigger boost since the rise of sustainability is more than just a trend.

Use Sustainable Materials

If you’re ready to tackle a garage renovation but aren’t sure where to start, consider the materials you’ll use. Bamboo, for example, should be at the top of your list if you’re considering adding things like walls, shelves, flooring, or even workbenches to your garage. It’s one of the most sustainable materials on the planet and is a highly-renewable resource. From a construction standpoint, it’s extremely versatile and durable – perfect for holding heavy objects or standing up to harsh conditions.

Combining sustainable construction materials to meet your needs will ensure your renovation project is as green as possible from start to finish. That includes using recyclable materials like steel, or upcycling older items to give them new life and purpose.

Create an Energy-Efficient Space

Once you have the basics of your renovation complete, you can focus on the energy-efficient details that will benefit you and the planet. Again, energy efficiency and a standard home garage might not immediately seem to fit together. But, there are plenty of ways you can cut back on energy use, starting with the lighting.

By switching to LED lights, for example, you’ll use at least 75% less energy and they’ll last much longer than traditional lightbulbs. It’s a quick, simple fix that will also save you money. Go one step further by investing in solar panels on the roof of the garage to power those lights and any tools or appliances you might have within the structure.

If you really want to upgrade your garage, consider using smart tech to your advantage. Consider installing a smart thermometer to keep your garage at appropriate temperatures throughout the day. You can leave your air conditioning unit or furnace off at certain times if you’re not going to be using the space frequently.

These ideas only scratch the surface when it comes to mastering a green garage renovation. It shouldn’t be the last area of your house that gets a sustainable makeover. By using the right materials, focusing on upscaling and renewability, and creating a more energy-efficient space, you can have a green garage in no time that offers a positive nod to a sustainable future.

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