solar quarters

solar quarters

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Building and remodeling have always been popular with the upper crust. Today, luxury homes are accessible to even the middle class, with new kitchens and bathrooms being the most popular projects. However, having comfort and convenience isn't enough for most luxury homeowners; social priorities are also important. Environmental projects are growing by leaps and bounds as the luxury home remodel goes green.

Environmentally-Friendly Guest Quarters

Entertaining allows the average homeowner to enjoy friends and family, while being a gracious host or hostess. There are many ways to add guest quarters, both dedicated or integrated into the luxury home. In many cases, spending the time and money for guest quarters isn't exactly environmentally sound. However, there are several options for guest quarters that are truly green, bringing exciting solutions for the entertainment-savvy homeowner.

One of the most interesting green-built solutions to guest quarters to add a small guest cottage or cabin to your property. Ecologically-friendly cabins come as small as 10-by-12 feet and have basic amenities for guests. Companies are also starting to modify utility containers into efficiency apartments, perfect for guests of vacation homes. Many of these cabins can be built with solar power capabilities, composting toilets and other green building solutions.

Green Building Solutions for High-End Homes

Of course, most homeowners spend most of the remodeling budget on family living areas, such as the kitchen. While the kitchen is the most expensive remodeling project on average, there are ways to keep the final cost reasonable while still going green. For example, counter tops are being commercially sold that incorporate recycled glass in a concrete base. The counter top is durable, beautiful and won't break the bank like a luxury marble or granite surface. Recycled materials can also be incorporated into lighting fixtures, decor and insulating; recycled newspaper insulation provides a significant R-value and is comparable to more environmentally harmful insulation materials in price.

Going green isn't always about what you see. In fact, some of the best green remodeling techniques utilize unseen components to increase the energy efficiency of luxury homes. Most luxury homes are larger than average and the heating and cooling bill can significantly increase the carbon footprint of the occupants. Adding foam insulation, replacing doors and sealing windows can result in much lower utility bills; going green can mean that you have to spend less green to live comfortably.

Add Alternative Power to a Luxury Home

No discussion of green remodeling is complete without delving into the world of solar power. Since solar photovoltaics were first designed in the late 1950s, most homeowners have found them to be cost prohibitive, though high oil prices in the 70s resulted in a significant spike in the technology's use. While the power itself was cheap, purchasing all the parts and installing them properly often ate up the cost savings. Luckily, solar systems are getting much more efficient and reliable. In addition, tax credits introduced in the last decade provide incentive and cost-offsets for homeowners to put in residential solar power, so solar energy is becoming a real and viable alternative to traditional petroleum energy sources.

In order to get the most impact from adding solar power to your green remodel, purchase the best batteries you can afford. Besides the initial cost, the batteries are the most expensive ongoing maintenance expense for a solar system. Today's batteries hold more and last longer, but don't skimp. Also, install as many panels as your converter and batteries can accommodate. Solar panels are most efficient when directly exposed to the south sun.

Uncover the secrets of building your own custom green home at LuxSpaces.com and learn sustainable design tips such as how to decorate with organic fabric or the benefits of recycled glass tile.

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