fbpx
CLOSE MENU

A Guide to ‘Going Green’ at Home

Drinking out of a reusable water bottle and grocery shopping with a canvas tote are common ways to eliminate waste. However, there are also sustainable products and practices that can be incorporated into your addition, kitchen or bathroom renovation to ensure your home is beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly.

In honor of Earth Day, here are ways you can ‘go green’ in your household:

ShowerWater Conservation – There is a slew of fixtures and products you can incorporate into your bathroom to make water conservation even easier. This includes water-conserving showerheads and faucets as well as dual-flush or high-efficiency toilets that can save a family of four up to 16,500 gallons of water annually.

ShowerEnergy Conservation – There’s another perk to going green besides helping the planet. Properly insulating your attic and basement, incorporating energy-efficient windows, and selecting a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner can help to lower your utility bills. A few other simple fixes include CFL and LED lighting and a programmable thermostat.

Sustainable Materials –When it comes to selecting the finishes in your home, there are plenty of sustainable materials that will not cause harm to the environment. A few options include wood and cork, as well as glass backsplashes that use recycled materials.

Habitat Truck Avoiding Landfills – Whether your project is a complete gut and remodel or an appliances upgrade, donating gently used items like cabinetry, furniture and refrigerators can help keep them out of landfills and put into the homes of those who need it the most. One charity that Normandy often works with is Habitat for Humanity; an organization that raises funds to help families build affordable homes. If you are interested in making a donation, you can find more information here.

Set up a time to meet with a Normandy Designer to ensure a beautiful and environmentally-friendly design built to last. Or, register to attend one of our upcoming seminars to learn more about the remodeling process. You can also visit our showroom in Hinsdale for more ideas, or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

What is a Bungalow?

BungalowDrive through many Chicago neighborhoods and you’re bound to see street after street lined with charming bungalows. They’re so popular in the area that there’s an entire organization devoted to the preservation and promotion of the Chicago Bungalow.

These modest houses started showing up in the Chicagoland area between 1910 and 1940 during a period of significant economic growth. Due to its simplistic design, this type of home was an economical choice for young families and first-time home buyers.  At the time, it was also a welcome change from the ornate Victorian homes, which were beginning to decline in popularity.

In terms of its architectural style, bungalows are typically a one or one-and-a-half-story home with a low-pitched roof. The edges of the roof, known as eaves, are large and hang over the building, which is usually comprised of brick, lapped siding, or shingles. Additionally, the home typically features a large front porch and an entrance that opens into the living room. Once inside, there is usually an open floor plan and plenty of built-in shelving for organization.

Remodeling a bungalow takes some care as to not diminish the charm of these iconic homes, particularly when it comes to creating an addition. Interior remodeling, such as a kitchen is more straightforward, although you still want to be mindful of the architectural style of the home to ensure that the newly remodeled interior remains a good fit with the exterior.

Are you interested in remodeling your Chicago Bungalow? Talk with a designer or architect to learn about what’s involved in taking your home to the next level. You can also register for educational home remodeling webinars and find even more insights and ideas by following Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Schedule an Appointment