Mason:

Could HomeMasons advise me on saving money in remodeling by reusing existing components of my house like doors, cabinets and the like? It would be helpful if you could tell me where reuse of my existing materials would save money and where it would not be advisable.

Could you also give advise on how to incorporate "green" energy saving and "sustainable" components in my remodeling project?

Thanks.
PB in Richmond

PB:

“Green” remodeling has little to do with your color selections (although I do believe that 60's Avocado is coming back!). Remodeling, a form of recycling, is inherently “green”. To maximize the earth-friendly aspects of your bathroom remodel, let’s consider the five pillars of green building:

1) INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Simple examples might include consideration of insulating hot water pipes, use of fluorescent lamps in fixtures, replacement of windows with insulated units, etc.

2) USE OF APPROPRIATE MATERIALS

Consider durability, and renewable, “earth-friendly”, low-energy-consumption sources. A good bathroom example would be cabinets manufactured of wheat board with low-VOC coatings. Going to your suggestion and the recycling idea, re-use of existing doors, cabinets, countertops, etc. where they might be designed-in, would be great.

3) WATER CONSERVATION:

A huge issue in the bathroom. The biggest thing, is to maintain the low-consumption devices presently mandated by law. Do NOT remove the flow restrictor in the shower head (although many of our clients ask us to do this). Likewise, while it’s wonderful to soak in a huge tub, (some might require 80 – 120 gallons per use), focus on more efficient showering. Consider a two-stage flushing toilet. Toilets are the single largest water consumption device in any home. Someone just told me that an average family might save 11,000 gallons a year by using such devices. I don’t know whether that’s true or not, but it’s a compelling statistic.

4) PROVIDE A HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT

Use low-VOC paints, carpets (if necessary) and other building components. Assure that design and materials selection controls moisture and mold / mildew that may contribute to health problems. Provide appropriate moisture evacuation through proper exhaust fans on a timer switch.

5) DURABLE CONSTRUCTION

Let’s build it in such a way that it won’t have to be re-done later. Aesthetically pleasing, accommodating, and “best practices” to assure this is it!

These suggestions are merely the “tip of the iceberg”. Some of these moves, like recycling, may save some dollars. Others might cost more at installation, but through energy and water conservation, pay-off over time.

We only have one Earth. I appreciate your interest in saving it for future generations, and look forward to working with you to accomplish our little piece of it!

Mason