Green Remodeling Costs

I started this blog because I wanted to remodel ‘green’ and couldn’t find local suppliers. After more than a year in investigating, researching and finally somewhat finishing- I thought I would post the costs. (and I had to do it for taxes!) 

The finally tally- including new  appliances, new kitchen, new flooring was $18,000. Not bad considering the lowest quote I had was $35,000. I figured with appliances and cost of goods, it would have come to at least $50,000. 

I’m not done yet, as need new thermostat, curtains and a few other fix up stuff and will have to repaint. Even if I really spend- the final cost will come to under $20,000. 

You can do it cheaper-and could have saved money in many other ways: 

1.) Salvaged Flooring- I missed out on some great flagstone (3 pallets) which would have done my whole house. If you are patient and willing to wait- lots of free or great cost tiles, wood leftover flooring. I put in marmoleum- total cost $5365

2.) Salvaged (Craig’s List) plenty of toilets (I replaced for a new dual flush Toto $395)

3.) Salvaged a sink- also lots free on craigslist- (bought from IKEA about $150.) 

4.) Salvaged Kitchen countertop- again free tiles on craigslist 

5.) Dishwasher- If I was going to live here- I wouldn’t have put in a dishwasher. Since I will be selling, Needed to replace- savings about $400.00 (bought EnergyStar $400) 

6.) Labor- I spent $4500 on labor- if you DYI, you could save that!

My mistakes or if I did this again: 

1.) I wouldn’t have had the bathtub refinished ($500)- would have replaces with salvaged bathtub and used the tile I got ($200) and finished the bathroom. The tile went to my nephew, who used it in his bathroom (looks great!) 

2.) I probably shouldn’t have used blue marmoleum (not a great resalable color) but if I wasn’t so lazy and listened to myself instead of others, should have picked up the flagstone and done my whole house with an indoor- outdoor look. 

3.) Planned better- could have saved about $300 in extra wood, lighting and a few more. 

4.) Started salvaging in advance and stored extra’s in garage. 

5.) Measure, Measure and Measure again. Make a chart with all measurements, especially if you are looking at tile. Carry it with you at all times. 

All in all, I have all EnergyStar appliances, WaterSense fixtures, all remodeling leftovers were recycled or reused and trained the handyman in ‘green remodeling. I’m happy with the results- all I have left to do before I put it up for sale is re-paint with Zero VOC paint, fix the thermostat, fix the gas pipe for the fireplace, redo the front yard with native plants and stage the home for resale in this wonderful economy! 

Morale of the Story: 

If you want to remodel- start salvaging now- there is plenty of free product out there if you are patient. 

If you can’t do it yourself, there is plenty of people who are not working and will be willing to help for a good price. Some paid work is better than no work.

You can have a ‘green’ home with little cost if you are patient. 

Good Luck!