How you can reduce waste and save money on your build
It has been statistically proven that renovating a home can produce more waste than if you were to build a house from scratch.
We aim to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and also save you money throughout the building process. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Be start with your design
Waste is often treated as inevitable, factored into a building budget with no serious attempt to reduce it. By raising the issue early with your architect, designer or builder, they can make decisions at the design stage that reduce waste later. If it’s not front of mind during decision making, it can become a lost thought. Architects won’t make a zero-waste home unless the client asks for it so you need to make it part of your brief, and ask the architect how they can save money by using the materials efficiently.
2. Engage with your builder early, make sure they’re on the same page
You’ll know pretty quickly if your builder is on board with your ideas. At Above Building, we’re always excited to meet new clients and even more excited when they mention they’re passionate about sustainability.
3. Stick to the plan
The more you change the design, the more waste is created. Reworking any part of a building due to design changes can account for as much as 50% of the cost, as well as causing delays and generating waste.
4. Recycling materials
You can recycle more than just paper and plastic, though many homeowners don’t realize this. Specialty recycling companies often take metal, ceramics, drywall, pipes, textiles, porcelain, and other materials. In some instances, the materials can even be repurposed to be used in other remodelling projects.
You can also donate or sell kitchen cupboards and appliances or even floorboards. Items that usually are thrown into a skip bin are still perfectly usable.
If your builders know to remove things carefully and undamaged they can, but you have to let them know or they have a tendency to go in hard with a sledgehammer.
5. Insulation is essential
One way you can create a more sustainable home is by reducing your energy consumption with a well-insulated home. Recycled wool is both a sustainable and completely natural resource. Ecowool is white when manufactured from new natural wool and grey when manufactured from recycled wool. Both types, along with any packaging, are fully recyclable.
If you would like a no-obligation initial consultation to discuss options and ideas for your next home renovation, get in touch with our team. We will find a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our contact page too.