If you’ve decided that your budget and schedule are on track for a home renovation project, then you might be starting to think about which room (or rooms) to renovate first. Since an entire home renovation is often too disruptive for families, many choose to have work carried out on one room at a time, and while a lot will depend upon your home and specific needs and circumstances, bathrooms can be a great starting point.
Bathrooms and the way in which they’re designed, are no less subjective than any other room in the home, but one trend that has certainly been popular in recent years, is the eco friendly bathroom. But why? Let’s take a closer look:
How your bathroom could help you better care for the environment
More and more homeowners throughout the U.S. are opting for larger bathrooms that have a range of eco-friendly features, such as LED lighting, and showerheads that help to conserve water. Increasingly, baths are being omitted from bathroom designs, in favor of showers and wet rooms.
With an increase in LED lighting and natural light, comes less of a reliance on fossil fuel reliant energy sources, and when combined with low-E windows that offer more insulation from the heat or cold, homeowners can make significant savings on their heating and cooling, energy bills.
American homeowners are also choosing paints and stains that are free from volatile organic compounds that can cause a number of health issues (otherwise known as VOC), and cabinets that don’t contain formaldehyde.
Other popular features of modern bathroom renovations range from countertops made from recycled steel, glass, paper or plastic, and cabinets made from salvaged materials, such as wood.
In terms of conserving water, many bathroom renovation projects also feature functions that can irrigate a yard with used shower water, or drain bathroom sink water into the toilet tank.
The benefits of tub to shower conversions
Nowadays, many of those who choose to renovate their bathrooms, are increasing the size a little, and removing bath tubs to make their showers bigger. This leaves extra space for storage or a dressing area, making the entire room less cramped and more spacious.
Other benefits of having a larger bathroom include the ability to combine it with a laundry area, or dressing area, to save space without feeling as if you’re actually losing any.
If you’re keen to reduce your carbon footprint but aren’t confident enough to convert your entire home, why not start with the bathroom?Eco friendly bathrooms are more than just a trend; they offer a very real way to affect positive change for the environment, and with an experienced home renovation company, you can have your very own, energy saving bathroom in next to no time.