We've All Heard Often Enough That It's

We're depleting the Earth's resources in record amounts, and it's becoming more and more clear that we need to start thinking in terms of protecting and preserving the Earth and her resources when we build. Take a look at what it will cost you to choose green in some of these popular home renovations:Repainting/Re-siding. When you factor in the ongoing savings and the added value to your home, green is the best way to go.A light-colored roof will serve the same effect as light colored exterior walls. In addition, many Florida utility companies offer incentive programs to encourage the use of solar hot water heaters. Solar hot water heaters can reduce your utility costs by $150-$500 a year, depending on whether you use them as a complement to regular heaters or on their own.If you're redesigning your outdoor space, you'll find some surprising ways to reduce your use of energy and increase the efficiency of your home. Replacing Hot Water HeaterWhen it's time to replace your hot water heater, there are a number of energy-friendly alternatives to traditional hot water tank heaters.We've all heard often enough that it's time to start thinking and acting green. Bathroom RenovationsMultiple shower heads at different levels may be temptingly luxurious, but you get points as a greener home if each shower in your home has one shower head.Additional cost: depends on appliances and styles chosen Savings: Up to $600 annually Buying a new clothes dryer? One that uses a sensor to time drying rather than a timer can save you up to 15% in energy costs by reducing the amount of time your dryer runs. Adding a pool or spa. In nearly all cases, you'll make up any additional cost over the course of a few years. In many cases, the greener alternative costs no more than or even less than the traditional option. If you're repainting bedrooms, living rooms and other living spaces, consider light colors with at least 50% reflectance. One of the biggest reasons - the notion that it's more expensive to use sustainable materials and consider environmental issues.Choose sustainable materials for new room additions and floors. Those include adding skylights, installing a rainwater collection system and retrofitting struts for hurricane protection. In addition, the Florida Green Home Standard from the Florida Green Building Association suggests that you install a sanitation system that reduces the need for chlorine and other chemicals. In Florida, you can get a code credit if you replace your current roof with a white tile or white metal roof. Other options include using reclaimed wood for floors and building, often available at less than the cost of new wood. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to $600 a year in energy costs by replacing your current appliances with Energy Star rated appliances. Upgrading Kitchen/Laundry Appliances. If you choose deciduous trees, you'll have shade in the summer months and sunlight during the winter months. For instance, the shade from a pair of trees on the south side of your house can reduce your cooling costs during the warmer months. Additional cost: Depends on the materials chosen.Going to repaint or reside your house? Choose a light color. You can take bigger steps toward living a greener life when you're ready to make major renovations to your home.If you're planning to add a pool or spa to your property, be sure you include an installed cover that is easy to use. Xeriscaping can save you the cost of a sprinkler system since native plants are designed to flourish on Nature's sprinkling with no assistance from manmade irrigation. Additional Cost: comparable.