‘Rico to the Rescue’ Reveals Some Sneaky Yet Legit Ways To Spot (and Deal With) Shady Contractors

‘Rico to the Rescue’ Reveals Some Sneaky Yet Legit Ways To Spot (and Deal With) Shady Contractors

by Home Improvement

Disreputable contractors who botch renovations or, worse but, get a homeowner’s cash and operate are all way too common—and a new HGTV demonstrate highlights the drama and some substantially-essential remedies.

On “Rico to the Rescue,” Denver-dependent real estate agent and construction restoration guide Rico León helps homeowners rectify half-done renovation careers, while also chasing down the contractors who’ve carried out the shoddy get the job done.

“I take care of conflicts concerning property owners and homebuilders,” states León. “Years ago, my moms and dads received taken edge of by a contractor. That is why I’m these kinds of an advocate for home owners.”

In the episode “Ranch Residence Redo,” León performs with Chris and Katie, who acquired a ’70s ranch residence with 4 bedrooms and a significant basement that desired a total renovation from leading to base.

They interviewed at least 10 contractors and picked the a single they considered would do the very best work. However, six months later on, pretty very little had been performed, and what was carried out was accomplished poorly—so badly, in point, that León and his crew have to rip a large amount of it out and commence in excess of again.

Katie and Chris had currently paid out the contractor $230,000, and the occupation was not even near to staying entire. León and his crew try to end the dwelling speedily and economically, and they also reach out to the contractor to see if he will make things proper. In the method, we get a must have ideas for dealing with contractors on our very own initiatives. Read through on to discover out what we discovered this 7 days.

The cheapest bid may not be the very best

León and his team discuss what the renovation will really cost.
Rico León and his workforce of specialists talk about what the renovation will genuinely price.

(HGTV)

The contractor at first hired experienced given a very minimal bid for the couple’s task. Even though this is unquestionably tempting to dollars-strapped house owners, it is also a red flag that the contractor may possibly not know what he’s accomplishing.

“The largest oversight the contractor did was not bidding it properly,” León says soon after inspecting the unprofessional workmanship and looking at that pretty much absolutely nothing was finished. “He experienced it at close to $200,000. This really should have been at least a $350,000 renovation.”

Owners must generally be suspicious of a very low bid.

House enhancement financial loans have their benefits

Rico León and the homeowners in the house the way the contractor left it.
León and the householders in the residence the way the contractor still left it.

(HGTV)

Though most have extensive read that it’s best and most secure to fork out with funds, León will come up with a decent explanation for taking out a dwelling enhancement financial loan.

“Did you fellas consider out a bank loan, or was this cash that you saved?” asks León.

“We experienced been conserving for a extensive time,” suggests Chris.

“It was income,” confirms Katie.

“That’s fantastic and poor,” responds León. “Because when you do a mortgage, the home loan corporation will be on top rated of the contractor as well.” Now which is a thing to feel about.

Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured

León's licensed dog
León’s dog observes the renovation perform.

(HGTV)

One more prerequisite for any contractor is to make guaranteed he (or she) is certified and insured—that way, if anything at all goes incorrect, the contractor’s insurance policies company will deal with numerous of the expenses.

In this case, “The few has made statements versus the contractor with his insurance business,” clarifies León. “Now it is in their hands.”

Though working with an insurance enterprise is rarely pleasant, it is improved than making an attempt to offer with a disappearing contractor who will no longer acquire your calls.

Come across out if there are further elements waiting to be shipped

Empty basement left without finishes
Empty basement left with no finishes

(HGTV)

When León and his crew initial walk into the home, they see only partial building perform. There are no resources in bins waiting around to be utilized or put in. They never know if the previous contractor ordered any cupboards, flooring, appliances, fixtures, countertops, etcetera. And if they have, the place are they? Is there any way they can get and use them?

“The major worry that I have is, out of the $230,000 that they gave him, how a lot of that was put in on materials and the place they are,” claims León.

If the unique contractor did not spend the couple’s money on products, the completed renovation project would be considerably extra highly-priced.

When they locate out that nothing more has been purchased, León’s designer, Poonam, arrives to the rescue. She informs Katie and Chris that the distributors she will work with will donate flooring resources, cabinetry for kitchens and loos, counter tops, some of the lights, and all of the tiles. What a generous windfall!

Finished basement with generously donated materials
Finished basement with generously donated supplies

(HGTV)

Ask to hear the contractor’s side

León speaks with the contractor
León speaks with the contractor.

(HGTV)

León receives the option to converse with Mike, the initial contractor, each in particular person and on the phone.

“Mike and I had a quite extended conversation,” he stories. “I always want to hear the contractor’s aspect of items.”

The contractor admits he has about $30,000 that he had planned to use on labor and that he would be ready to return that.

But later, when León speaks to Mike on the phone and reminds him of the $30,000, Mike accuses León of bullying him and says he’ll have to talk to his law firm. Then he hangs up.

The discussions have been legally recorded and can afterwards provide as evidence.

How does this renovation transform out?

Freshly renovated kitchen
Newly renovated kitchen

(HGTV)

When León is attempting to kind items out with the contractor, his crew is doing work on a excellent rework. With their donated materials and exceptional abilities, they switch these raw, ruined rooms into stunning dwelling spaces.

Katie and Chris are surprised.

“Rico, this is so gangster!” Chris exclaims. His attractive new house is far extra attractive than he at any time dreamed it could be.

“We weren’t guaranteed if we were going to be content in the space just after the trauma that we went via,” adds Katie.

And as for the sketchy contractor? “Unfortunately, we’re not completed with our aged contractor,” describes Katie. “We have building defect statements, we have breach of agreement and overpayment difficulties that we’re likely to test and get back again. It’s heading to be a journey from right here, but at the very least we can do it from dwelling, from a much improved location.”

8 beautiful ways to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day |

8 beautiful ways to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day |

by Home Decoration

Valentine’s day decor doesn’t have to be cliche, you can, in fact, celebrate the season of love in a way that’s stylish and sophisticated. 

Whether you are looking for romantic bedroom ideas or the backdrop for a date night dinner, the secret to successful Valentine’s day decor is to make it personal. Instead of a whirlwind of red and pink heart decorations, thought-through decor which draws on memories and genuine feelings of love will capture the atmosphere much more successfully. 

5 Creative Ways To Use Metal In Interior Decor

5 Creative Ways To Use Metal In Interior Decor

by Home Decoration

Resource: expandedmetalcompany.com

What type of inside decor does your house have? Are the walls and floors painted white, or is there a combine of distinct colors? Do you have any artwork or home furniture pieces hanging on the partitions? What kind of resources are you utilizing? What about curtains and mattress sheets? Home decor is an essential part of any household. No matter whether you’re organizing to redecorate your complete room or just spruce up a home, it is important to get the correct appear. With so lots of unique selections accessible, it can be challenging to determine what trends to stick to.

Each period has its possess special set of dwelling decor trends that you can pick out from. Whether you’re on the lookout for a vintage design and style or something far more fashionable, these traits will fit your requirements. Hold in intellect that every development has its have established of guidelines and ideas that you need to adhere to glance attractive and skilled. And for 2023 we are presently commencing with a new trend by implementing resourceful steel decorations in the home.

Why do so lots of folks select metallic in their interiors? With its stark and masculine seem, metallic is often a well-known choice for recently built residences and businesses. But there are other, a lot more refined good reasons to go with steel in your interior patterns. Metallic is just one of the most versatile resources you can use for interior decorating. It has a sturdy appear that is excellent for more robust partitions and home furniture, as well as a sleek visual appeal that can assist to generate an upscale sense. Steel also reflects mild superbly, which helps make it an great substance for nighttime ambiance.

There are a lot of explanations why steel should be a portion of your interior style arsenal. By incorporating it into your property decor, you can produce a timeless glimpse that will stand the examination of time. So if you have been imagining about including steel to your inside decor, below are some ideas on how to do it correctly.

1. Use metallic parts to add curiosity to your interior decor

Your residence is your sanctuary and you want it to reflect your exclusive personality. A person way to do this is by incorporating appealing metal items to your interior decor. You do not have to go out and order pricey metals, there are a good deal of minimal-expense, attention-grabbing choices accessible. This will give your property a sophisticated edge devoid of breaking the lender. For example, If you’re seeking for a clear-cut way to increase curiosity to your interior decor, contemplate making use of steel plate models. They can be developed applying classic tactics these kinds of as soldering, welding, or fabricating, but they can also be accomplished employing inexpensive epoxy adhesive plate cutters.

2. Include metallic accessories in your furnishings

Supply: thearchitecturedesigns.com

Adding metal extras to your furnishings can give them an energizing and modern day seem. Not only will they search fantastic, but they may well also make improvements to the comfort and ease of your home. When you increase steel equipment to household furniture, make absolutely sure that you are applying the suitable kind of metal.

For instance, you can use resourceful metal wall art in the bedroom, a coffee table for the living place is an aesthetically fantastic piece, even you can get metallic lamps for any corner or position in the dwelling. Including metallic accents to your furnishings not only provides your household furniture a modern day look but can also boost its comfort level. When deciding upon which variety of metal to use, make absolutely sure that it is the suitable just one for the particular natural environment in which the home furnishings will be applied. No matter whether you’re on the lookout for a transitional piece or a thing flashy and extravagant, applying metallic accents in your house is a good way to spruce up your decor and elevate your style at the exact time.

3. Add shiny new metals to aged parts of household furniture

Have you been seeking for a new and creative way to spruce up your previous home furniture? If so, you might want to incorporate some new metals to your collection. In latest several years, metals have become incredibly well-liked in the dwelling decorating sector. They are fashionable, and functional, and offer a substantial level of toughness. If you really do not like the aged-fashioned search of your new bed, just make a minimal investment decision and buy a new metallic bed body. You will promptly see the big difference that this piece will make to the complete room’s notion.

4. Fill awkward areas with modern storage options manufactured out of metal

Source: pinterest.com

Discovering storage solutions to fit your distinctive model has never ever been so uncomplicated. Metal storage remedies are the new trend in dwelling decor and for fantastic factors. They are not only trendy, but they can keep up under heavy use. In addition, they’re environmentally welcoming.

In latest several years, metal storage has come to be a popular preference for homeowners due to the fact of its a lot of positive aspects. Initially of all, metal storage is powerful and strong. It can manage a whole lot of fat and use and tear, building it best for storing objects that may well be applied frequently, this kind of as clothes or home furniture. Also, steel is an eco-helpful alternative because it doesn’t need any funding or methods to generate.

If you are looking for a modern storage remedy that will compliment your up to date residence fashion, metallic need to definitely be your go-to option.

A excellent alternative would be a metal shelves unit for storing your guides, spouse and children pics, and a ton of very little ornamental extras. Also, you can begin a tiny Do it yourself challenge and make a flower pot holder that can bring a minor freshness to the setting.

5. Make geometric designs with industrial-on the lookout metals

Source: homesandgardens.com

Creating geometric styles with industrial-hunting metals is a pleasurable, innovative way to add some visible pleasure to your tasks. These metals are strong and resilient, so you can be sure that your jobs will very last. You can use them for art, dwelling decoration, or even industrial style and design. A excellent concept would be 3D cube lights earlier mentioned your dining table or the kitchen area counter.
Do you want to add some persona to your house interior? If so, you want to look at metallic art. With so several various choices available, it is quick to discover the perfect piece of art for your house. In this write-up, we shared a couple of inventive thoughts that will aid you get started out.

4 Smart Ways to Avoid Depreciation Tax on Rental Property

4 Smart Ways to Avoid Depreciation Tax on Rental Property

by Investment Property
SmartAsset: How to avoid depreciation tax on rental property

SmartAsset: How to stay away from depreciation tax on rental house

It can fork out to be a dependable rental property proprietor. For occasion, if you’re normally investing in your rental house and producing advancements, not only will your tenants take pleasure in it and stay tenants more time, you can get a depreciation deduction on your taxes. However, upon advertising the residence, depreciation in some cases becomes a migraine for landlords in the form of a depreciation recapture tax. You have choices, nonetheless, to keep away from depreciation recapture tax. Here’s how.

If you require help with taxes, a money advisor can aid you create a tax technique.

What Is a Depreciation Recapture Tax?

The depreciation recapture tax is the variance among a rental property’s sale benefit and its depreciated value. This is additional money that will be taxed on your subsequent tax return, soon after providing the home.

In other text, the Inner Income Service is “recapturing” what they see as dropped taxable revenue. This is a tax that the IRS collects, assuming that a person has marketed the property for a earnings. And also assuming that it has gained a depreciation deduction in excess of the many years.

How to Stay clear of Depreciation Tax on Rental Home

If it is vital to you to avoid the depreciation recapture tax, there are quite a few methods you may want to undertake.

  • Take benefit of IRS Area 121 exclusion. This makes it possible for you to exclude up to $250,000 of the income from the sale of your most important home if you are solitary and up to $500,000 if you are married and submitting jointly. If you stay in your house for two out of the five decades ahead of you provide the property (and people decades will need not be consecutive), the assets would be regarded your major residence. And all of people many years of depreciation deductions would be forgotten.

  • Perform a 1031 exchange. This is a method that makes it possible for you to defer spending funds gains tax on the sale of an financial commitment home – supplied you use the income earned to buy a different equivalent property. There are a good deal of onerous policies to adhere to to financial gain from this tactic, but it may perhaps be truly worth investigating and speaking about with a economic advisor.

  • Pass on the house to your heirs. When your children or grandchildren sometime market the house, they will not inherit a deferred depreciation recapture tax or a cash gains tax. They could develop their very own tax concerns, of course, if they hire out the property them selves.

  • Provide the property at a decline. That may well not be attractive, but it is a way to keep away from the depreciation tax on a rental house.

Why Land Is not Considered a Depreciable Asset

SmartAsset: How to avoid depreciation tax on rental property

SmartAsset: How to keep away from depreciation tax on rental property

The IRS’s plan is that a depreciation recapture tax impacts does not have an affect on your land but only the assets, like a house or making. Those frequently will go down in benefit except it is taken care of and improved.

In other text, the IRS treats rental property like any other enterprise asset. That can involve things like a supply van or a desktop laptop or computer.  For a residential creating, the IRS allows a residence owner to depreciate it about 27.5 several years.

To work out how a great deal you can deduct just about every yr, you divide your property’s expense foundation by the useful lifetime of the asset to get the annual total of depreciation.

(By the way, that 27.5 is the federal government’s number if you are functioning out the depreciation recapture tax for your state’s taxes, you could be doing the job with an additional quantity.)

Case in point of Depreciation Recapture Tax

Let’s say that you acquired a residence for $300,000, and then you had tenants dwelling there for a ten years. After that, you decide to provide the house. Divided by 27.5, a rental assets operator could get a depreciation deduction of $10,909 a yr. (Which is $300,000 divided by 27.5.) And then 10 several years later, if they promote their property for $500,000, they may possibly have taken $109,090 in depreciation deductions.

In this scenario, the IRS would tax the remaining $390,910 ($500,000 minus $109,909) at a limited-term or lengthy-time period money gains level. And that fee is any where from {d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} to 37{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9}.

(The proportion the rental operator receives relies upon on elements these as the property owner’s cash flow and tax bracket and how extensive they’ve owned the assets.)

The total depreciation deductions ($109,090) will be taxed at a recapture rate that can go as higher as 25{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9}.

Sometimes the deprecation recapture tax can cause a tax monthly bill to be considerably higher than a property proprietor expected. And which is when some folks glance for an escape hatch that can minimize their tax monthly bill. The good news is, there are some choices.

The Bottom Line

SmartAsset: How to avoid depreciation tax on rental property

SmartAsset: How to stay clear of depreciation tax on rental residence

For some home house owners, the deprecation recapture tax will likely not induce a lot of problems. But it may possibly be for other individuals, specially individuals in superior tax brackets with valuable property and a great deal of depreciation deductions. Even so, before you make any rash conclusions about marketing your home or leaving it to your beneficiaries, it would be a fantastic concept to discuss your upcoming shift with possibly a money advisor a certified tax specialist, or both equally.

Suggestions for Calculating Your Taxes

  • Irrespective of whether you want enable with retirement preparing, estate planning, tax organizing or expense portfolio firm, a vetted monetary advisor can assist. SmartAsset’s free of charge device matches you with up to a few monetary advisors who provide your space, and you can job interview your advisor matches at no price tag to make a decision which just one is proper for you. If you are all set to uncover an advisor who can support you achieve your fiscal goals, get started off now.

  • If you do not know no matter whether you’re improved off with the regular deduction versus itemized, you could possibly want to go through up on it and do some math. You may uncover that you’d conserve a substantial volume of cash a person way or yet another. So it is ideal to educate your self in advance of the tax return deadline.

Picture credit rating: ©iStock.com/Feverpitched, ©iStock.com/RapidEye,  ©iStock.com/William_Potter

The post How to Avoid Depreciation Tax on Rental Residence appeared initially on SmartAsset Site.

3 Ways to Invest in Rental Properties

3 Ways to Invest in Rental Properties

by Investment Property

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 21, 2022 (Globe NEWSWIRE) — Northwestern Mutual: When most traders commence with stocks and bonds, there are any variety of ways to invest cash. As an investor’s talent and ease and comfort degree grows, they may possibly obtain themselves branching out into added styles of asset classes. 1 well known expenditure: true estate. Here are a few strategies every day traders can involve actual estate in their investment tactics.

Get a organization partner

A company spouse, or numerous business enterprise associates, can be ideal for investors who cannot afford an expense house on their have. It could also make feeling for investors who panic that placing as well much money into a single investment may induce an imbalance their portfolio, primarily if the dollars used to invest in a property represents a substantial share of their investable money.

The process of getting a residence with a organization husband or wife just isn’t a lot more elaborate than buying a person alone. Nevertheless, investors who purchase property with a enterprise lover will require to consider the more action of clarifying roles, obligations, and money determination-making in the partnership. What takes place if one associate would like to provide their share of the home? How will the residence be managed? Does the business enterprise need to be included? If the property wants big renovations, how will those selections be designed? Investors getting serious estate with companions will require to clarify those specifics, ideally in writing, right before jumping into the sector.

Acquire a residence by itself

In contrast to investors who invest in a rental property as component of a partnership, solo true estate traders have complete handle around their business. This can get the job done well for buyers who have adequate dollars to quickly manage a property on their individual, truly feel comfy handling all money and logistical facets of their financial investment, and would like to have the last say in decisions about financial investment home.

In advance of obtaining on their very own, buyers really should choose an trustworthy look at their techniques. An investment decision residence isn’t really as passive as some would have you believe that, and traders shouldn’t go into the approach contemplating that owning a rental property will be a hands-off undertaking. Proudly owning and leasing out a home may have to have capabilities as diverse as repairs, servicing, tenant relations, business, advertising and marketing, dollars management, and tax preparing.

Commit in REITs or other actual estate cash

Even buyers who will not have the income on hand to buy a property outright can continue to get benefit of the true estate marketplace by investing in REITs. REIT stands for Authentic Estate Financial commitment Believe in, a sort of investment that purchases and manages rental attributes and pays dividends to shareholders primarily based on the rental properties’ returns. REITs need substantially a lot less hard cash up front than purchasing a assets, and REIT buyers don’t have to offer with the hassle of tenants or maintenance.

It can be also probable to acquire authentic estate mutual resources and actual estate ETFs, which are a collection of lots of different REITs, if you might be on the lookout to diversify even extra. 

Before introducing these funds to their portfolios, obtaining a property by itself, or investing with a business enterprise companion, opportunity authentic estate investors could possibly locate it practical to chat to a monetary advisor to see if they suit into their general investment method.

Resource: Northwestern Mutual

Unique sector investing such as serious estate can be matter to various and higher threats than much more diversified investments. Declines in the benefit of actual estate, economic disorders, assets taxes, tax legislation and interest charges all existing possible risks to serious estate investments.

Call Facts:
Don Klein
Assistant Director – Area & Nationwide Grassroots General public Relations
donklein@northwesternmutual.com
1-800-323-7033

This content was issued by the push launch distribution service at Newswire.com.

Remodeling Your Home? Consider These 10 Ways to Incorporate Recycled Materials

Remodeling Your Home? Consider These 10 Ways to Incorporate Recycled Materials

by Home Improvement

Home remodeling is a $400 billion industry, with about 1.123 million new single-family homes built in the United States last year, and experts say that both figures are on the rise. This growth requires billions of tons of concrete, steel, drywall, and other building materials, all of which require a tremendous amount of energy to extract, transport, and dispose of in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, construction has a major impact on the environment: It causes greenhouse gas emissions; air, water, and land pollution; energy and water consumption; and land and habitat loss.

When you’re updating your space, choosing sustainable home décor brands and recycled materials for renovation projects can reduce waste and environmental impact. The future of recycled plastic in construction, for example, is very promising. A recent report found that the global recycled plastic market is predicted to surpass $77 billion by 2030.

Whichever area of your home you’ll be redoing next, there’s a way to lessen the impact these improvements have on the environment (and when you’re done renovating, also try to recycle or donate unused or discarded materials to help close the product cycle loop). Ahead, discover some of the coolest home-improvement products on the market that are made from recycled materials.

1. Flooring

ways to incorporate recycled materials - wood kitchen floor

Photo: foreverbarnwood.com

With so many eco-friendly options available, including those that use recycled materials, flooring is one of the easiest ways to green a home. One trend is to salvage wood from dilapidated barns and turn it into decorative flooring. While it’s a charming look and perfect for a modern farmhouse styled-home, you’ll want to make sure the old wood has been properly treated so that it won’t emit toxins into your home.

Another checks-all-the-boxes, eco-friendly flooring option is recycled cork: It’s sustainable, moisture-resistant, and absorbs sound. Companies like Jelinek Cork Group collect hundreds of thousands of used wine corks each year to develop versatile cork flooring, and they seal it with a polyurethane surface finish to make the cork more durable and easy to clean.

Home renovators who want a softer feel underfoot can opt for recycled carpet, which is relatively easy to find at local flooring and home-improvement retailers. Mohawk’s Everstrand line, for example, is made from up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled content. Recycled rubber flooring tiles, like FlooRX’s Precision Lock Rubber Floor, work really well for home gyms and playrooms.

RELATED: Is Cork Flooring Right for You?

2. Countertops

ways to incorporate recycled materials - kitchen countertop

Photo: vetrazzo.com

With a number of companies offering eye-catching countertops made from recycled materials, it is easier to go green in the kitchen and bathroom. Many of the products on the market are attractive, modern, and colorful—homeowners won’t be sacrificing style when they opt for sustainable countertops.

IceStone creates stunning countertops made from recycled glass, Portland cement, and nontoxic pigments. They also have a product called PaperStone, which is a heavy-duty, nonporous surface made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper coated with a petroleum-free resin.

Vetrazzo (see photo above) and Curava also offer unique-looking, dramatic countertops made from pre- and post-consumer recycled glass, including old traffic lights, jars, windshields from cars, and architectural glass.

3. Roof Shingles

ways to incorporate recycled materials - birds eye view of roof

Photo: malarkeyroofing.com

Need to replace a leaky roof? A few innovative companies are manufacturing roof shingles made of recycled materials. Malarkey Roofing Products manufactures roof shingles by upcycling rubber and plastics. According to their statistics, each roof diverts the equivalent of about five tires and 3,200 plastic bags from landfills.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, offers the industry’s first asphalt roofing shingles containing recycled material from post-consumer and post-manufacture waste shingles.

RELATED: 10 Innovative Materials Poised to Make Home Building More Sustainable

4. Deck

ways to incorporate recycled materials - backyard deck

Photo: timbertech.com

Wood decks are the standard in residential construction, but they do have their disadvantages. They require regular maintenance, and if they are not sealed they can weather and rot over time.

While there isn’t really an alternative to wood for the deck structure, a popular alternative for decking and railing is recycled plastic, and there are plenty of choices on the market. TimberTech claims to have kept 500 million pounds of waste and scrap out of landfills last year with their environmentally sustainable outdoor living products including decking. NewTechWood builds decks using 95 percent recycled materials including plastic bottles and reclaimed wood fibers.

Another composite decking brand, Trex, combines reclaimed wood with recycled plastic film and other recycled components ranging from dry cleaner bags, sandwich bags, newspaper sleeves, and shopping bags. Fun fact: the average 500-square foot composite Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags.

Even though composite decking diverts plastic out of the waste stream, it has a few disadvantages to consider: Composite decking can get extremely hot in direct sunlight and be very uncomfortable on paws and bare feet. It also tends to cost more to install than wood decking.

5. Paint

ways to incorporate recycled materials - living room with blue wall

Photo: recolorpaints.com

One of the simplest ways to incorporate a recycled product into your home renovation is to choose the right paint. For years, companies like Sherwin-Williams have been producing water-based paint from recycled bottles and soybeans, safer chemical building blocks according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Amazon Select Paints are eco-friendly latex paints. Made from recycled surplus paint that’s collected from government buildings, businesses, and consumers, it’s available in 20 hues. Recolor is another company that offers premium quality recycled paints collecting unused paint that is otherwise destined for the landfill.

RELATED: Eco-Friendly Design Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Year

6. Pavers

ways to incorporate recycled materials - recycled paver design

Photo: paverreco.com

Show off sustainability to the neighbors by choosing recycled pavers for your driveway and pathways. Plasphalt is produced by substituting a portion of conventional aggregate in asphalt pavement with treated recycled plastic. The plastics are collected through the recycling process, treated, and then shredded into ground plastic material.

FILTERPAVE is a company that uses post-consumer recycled glass and stone aggregate to produce attractive porous pavers in a variety of colors. PAVERRECO takes used plastic, glass, and porcelain to manufacture pavers and tiles made from 100 percent recycled materials.

7. Bricks

ways to incorporate recycled materials - build using recycled blocks

Photo: byfusion.com

There are a few ways that bricks can be made out of recycled materials, and the most prevalent is not at all a new concept: Clay bricks typically have a lifespan of 500 years, which means they can be reused for multiple building projects. They can also be crushed into dust and then remade into new bricks. There are also companies producing bricks out of recycled materials: ByBlock from ByFusion is made entirely from repurposed, recyclable plastic waste and can be used in lieu of concrete blocks.

8. Insulation

ways to incorporate recycled materials - blue jean insulation

Photo: bondedlogic.com

Adding sufficient insulation in the attic improves energy efficiency, and can help homeowners save up to 10 percent on annual energy bills. But you can make an even bigger impact by choosing types of insulation made from recycled materials, such as cork, newspaper, cellulose from recycled paper, wool, and even denim.

Consisting of 80 percent post-consumer recycled denim and recycled carpet fibers, the company that makes UltraTouch Denim Insulation collaborates with major clothing retailers to collect old jeans, and then transforms them into insulation. Fiberglass insulation manufacturers are getting eco-conscious, too: Knauf R-30 EcoBatt fiberglass insulation, for example, is made with at least 50 percent recycled glass content.

RELATED: 6 Things to Know About Sheep’s Wool Insulation

9. Walls

ways to incorporate recycled materials - cork office wall

Photo: etsy.com

There are many opportunities to incorporate recycled materials when constructing and decorating your home’s framing and walls. For starters, using recycled steel or steel made from recycled content can make a huge difference in a home’s environmental footprint.

Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. Once produced, it can be continually recycled into new steel products. All steel currently produced in the United States contains recycled content—some steel products are 100 percent recycled. Those who want their homes to have an industrial vibe might consider finishing their walls with recycled products like cork, Ashcrete, and ByBlocks.

10. Drainage Pipes

ways to incorporate recycled materials - neighborhood plastic culvert

Photo: adspipe.com

Even hidden parts of a home can be more sustainable with some creative choices. Drainage pipes are the lifeline to any home, transferring fresh water throughout and removing wastewater. Several manufacturers are now offering drainage pipes produced from post-consumer recycled content like milk and juice bottles, detergent bottles, and shampoo containers. Two other companies to consider for eco-friendly pipes are Advanced Drainage Systems and Polypipe.