# Planning Your Eco-Friendly Basement Renovation Project

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/planning-your-eco-friendly-basement-renovation-project/
- Published: 2019-07-30T02:59:27-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

An eco-friendly basement is such a cool idea for starters. For many, having a finished
basement turn into an eco-friendly basement is the ultimate home addition. The options
for an eco-friendly basement renovations are also limitless. You can install a secondary
kitchen. Also you can add a full sized bath. Also consider incorporating personal
touches. All to make the space unique from your home.

I mean a basement adds comfort and style. However a finished [eco-friendly basement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/deforestation-in-brazil-has-rocketed-since-bolsonaro-became-president/)
adds value. As a result, to your home. So keeping it “green” is ideal. Yet here 
are a few tips. Tips to help you get started. All with your eco friendly basement
remodeling project.

#### GET AN ENERGY AUDIT

As I’ve written before, when considering turning your home into a more sustainable
one a while ago. I mentioned the best place to start is with an energy-efficiency
audit. Then you know which areas of your home use the most energy. So you can then
be able to make the right changes.

In addition, auditors have specialized tools and skills. All that make it possible
for them to evaluate your homes energy-efficiency. Consequently then they can recommend
some low-cost measures. Knowing the problem can spare you. Especially from wasting
money on some unneeded changes. Who wants that at the start of a project.

![Eco friendly basement](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2014/10/basement.jpg?resize=640%2C480&quality=52&ssl=1 "Planning Your Eco-Friendly
Basement Renovation Project - The Green Living Guy")

#### **Select Natural, Recycled, or Sustainable Materials**

Selecting the right building materials is key. Especially to keeping your basement
renovation eco-friendly. Materials such as reclaimed wood are even used in flooring.
Also to make shelves, or accent pieces. Even engineered wood can be used for building
structural members. Members such as joists and trusses. Furthermore, composite materials
can be used throughout the build. That’s since they are comprised of recycled wood
and plastics.

#### **Flooring Options**

[Volatile Organic Compounds](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/why-use-fracked-gas-when-renewables-work-great/)
or VOCs release harmful chemicals into the air. So unfortunately, most types of 
flooring products contain a high level of these compounds. The best and most durable
flooring for your basement renovation is linoleum or natural fiber carpeting.

Linoleum is made from recycled cork or is harvested from cork trees. It is a great
eco-friendly option. All the while natural fiber carpeting is made from recycled
grasses and reeds. Other choices for green flooring include reclaimed wood, bamboo,
and ceramic tile. These are ideas which can be installed using literally no VOC 
adhesives.

#### **Planning for Healthy Siting**

Poor drainage and cracks in your foundation or basement floor will cause moisture
build. Resulting in mold and mildew. These are things which can make the air in 
your basement harmful to breathe.

Before beginning your renovation project, you must make sure that your basement 
is waterproof. More noteworthy that your home’s foundation is sound. Have an expert
with a foundation repair and waterproofing company fully evaluate your basement.
Only to ensure it is ready. Ya know, before you begin laying flooring or installing
major appliances. The blog at [Helitech Waterproofing & Foundation Repair](https://www.helitechonline.com/southern-illinois/)
has a post on Preventative Foundation Maintenance. This will help.

#### **Choosing Finishes**

Most paints and stains also contain an exorbitant amount of VOCs. However, there
are paints and stains that are now made which contain “low VOCs” or “zero VOCs”.
When purchasing low VOC paint, do your research. Currently, there is no industry
standard for determining how low is low for VOCs. Always check the label before 
purchasing low or no VOC paint or stain.

Organic [paint](https://www.ecospaints.net/what-are-vocs) and stain is made of completely
natural materials. It is found in a wide array of color types. Organic paint is 
your safest bet for keeping it green. That’s since it contains no VOCs.

#### **Installing Energy Efficient Appliances**

When installing a basement kitchen, bathroom, or bar, use Energy Star rated. For
starters, Energy guide ratings are labeled on appliances. As well as these ratings
help you determine how much energy and water appliances consume. Cross reference
these guide ratings with those on the Energy Star website. Only to help you make
the most eco-friendly basement choices. If you are unsure ask your [installer or bathroom renovation](https://www.crystalbathrooms.com.au/)
team. They  help you out. Finally because they have the most up to date knowledge
on technology available.

#### **Vapor Barriers**

Since circulation is low, install vapor barriers in your basement. It helps promote
better air quality. In addition, these barriers also act as insulation. All which
will help you keep heating and cooling costs down.

#### **Choosing Light Fixtures**

So without natural lighting in your eco-friendly basement. That means you need to
install light fixtures.  Yes folks, throughout the area. Finally, by using [low voltage lighting system](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/green-lighting-2/)
s like LED, you reduce energy consumption. Again that’s while still keeping your
basement well lit.

In conclusion, keeping it green on an [eco-friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/7-tips-for-making-your-home-sustainable/)
basement is the way to go. Especially when performing renovations. It helps you 
keep energy costs down. It will also provide you with piece of mind that you used
natural sustainable materials for the build. Finally, remember to always research
materials and products before purchase. Finally, to be making the most eco-friendly
choices.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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