When your house is old and major portions of it need an update, it’s probably time to go ahead with a remodel. The dilemma you may come across with this, however, is that you may want to remain environmentally friendly and refrain from throwing away so many items and materials that have the potential for a second life. These are a few ways to reduce waste during a home remodel.
Sell or Donate Materials
If you have materials that you no longer want but think someone else might want to make a part of their home, you could put them up for sale online or donate them to certain stores. These could range from furniture pieces to kitchen appliances and light and water fixtures. People who are interested in sustainability or those who simply appreciate the look of older home materials may want those materials that you are replacing. Your old materials could bring their new owners happiness and utility instead of ending up in a landfill.
Reuse Old Furniture
Before you get rid of your old furniture, weigh whether it is the piece itself that you are tired of or just its smaller details. A good way to reduce waste during a home remodel is to reuse old furniture by making small changes to it. You could paint a wooden shelf or cabinet to bring it in line with the new home style you are going for in your remodel. For chairs and sofas, it’s also possible to replace their upholstery. Features that make them unattractive to you, such as fading and damage, deteriorated cushioning, and unappealing patterns and colors are all signs that the furniture can undergo reupholstering rather than outright supplanting.
Repurpose Your Carpet
Carpet is a component of your home that can be surprisingly ripe for repurposing while you are remodeling. This is because you can cut it up into smaller sizes that fit the dimensions of your unfinished spaces and peripheral rooms that lack floor cushioning. So long as your carpet isn’t significantly damaged, you can make it into makeshift mats and rugs to use in areas including your basement, laundry room, and side entryways. In those places, you may not want an expensive and fragile carpet or rug due to the presence of moisture and dirt. The carpet pieces can thus become helpful, low-maintenance items that make your home more comfortable.
