Home improvements are expensive, there is no doubt.
Even with the magazines, books and television shows dedicated to showing us how to decorate for less or revamp a room using a few power tools and sheets of MDF, the bottom line is still rather high.
But, improvements must be done if not to actually improve the home, to at least maintain it as life begins to wear at the walls, appliances and flooring.
There are other costs of home improvement as well that are often overlooked.
Moving beyond monetary implications, many home improvements have an impact on the environment as well.
You may not realize it, but when you rip out old carpeting or throw out worn out appliances, they go to the same places as the rest of your trash - landfills.
The lumber you are using for projects is often treated with harsh chemicals and paint can be harmful, especially oil based paints, if it gets into the water supply.
Avoiding Damage Of course many of these side effects of renovation and improvements can not be avoided.
To build a deck, you must use processed lumber, or treat raw wood yourself.
When carpet is old, it must go.
It is always wise to look into the recycling options in your area to see if appliances can be repaired and resold or scrapped rather than just taken to a landfill.
When it's time to begin installing new features in your home, make your choices with an eye on the future.
New carpet may be the least expensive flooring option, next to linoleum, but when you're ready to replace it again in five years, you'll be faced with the same problem.
Hardwood floors last forever, but damage sometimes irreplaceable hardwood trees.
Laminate flooring may be an alternative, but the chemicals used in manufacturing are no laughing matter.
Making the Right Choice However, there are eco-friendly solutions, such as Envirochoice Bamboo flooring.
Bamboo Floors are not only as long lasting as hardwood, but are environmentally friendly as well.
The flooring is made from easily replenishable bamboo in countries where the plant is considered a weed - which it technically is.
The manufacturing process is far easier on the planet than other flooring options as well.
Fortunately, bamboo has more going for it than its origination.
It is actually very stylish and attractive.
The flooring resembles wood complete with grains and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.
The options are almost limitless.
And bamboo flooring is very reasonably priced thanks to the overabundance of its raw materials and simple refining process.
This helps lower all of the costs of remodeling - financial included.
Flooring aside, there are many other opportunities to give a nod toward the environment while redecorating.
When landscaping, use plants native to your area to decrease the amount of water needed for maintenance.
Consider limiting the grass coverage is possible to again limit the use of water.
Select only energy efficient appliances, and find ones that have a long life and are easy to repair to avoid throwing them out in a few years.
Opportunities to save both money and a little piece of the environment abound in home improvements.
Be sure you're doing your part.