House Calls: Remodeling month

Families remodel their homes for many different reasons.

It may be to save money on utility bills, to redesign the space to better suit the family's current lifestyle, or to be better stewards of our natural resources.

But as the home building and remodeling industry celebrates National Home Remodeling Month in May, one thing is for sure - whether we call it energy efficient or "green," remodeling projects that include sustainable features is growing in popularity like never before.

Home owners will find more options when they search for a professional remodeler with experience in green remodeling. Over the next five years the percentage of remodelers who expect to be doing more than 60 percent of their projects "green" will double.

Many remodelers are seeing increased interest in sustainable home features from home owners. Remodeling your house can not only fulfill your family's dream of a more comfortable and stylish home, but depending on the upgrades you choose, you can realize savings on utility costs, improve air quality for better health and strengthen the long-term value of your home.

Green remodeling incorporates sustainable, durable and healthier design into the renovation of existing homes. The increased interest in sustainable remodeling is due largely to the availability of more affordable products of higher quality as well as the integration of green features into standard construction practice.

Some of the top upgrades that can make a home more energy efficient:

n Installing high-efficiency windows.

n Changing to low-flow water fixtures.

n Replacing appliances and water heaters with Energy Star-rated models.

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House Calls: Remodeling month