How to plan an eco-friendly remodel without overspending

When Cliff and Karen Tyllick set out to install solar panels on their Austin, Texas , home in 2012, their goal was to reduce their carbon footprint. The fact that they also saved thousands of dollars upfront and lowered their bills was a nice bonus.

Solar panel installation can cost $15,000 to $25,000 or more . For the Tyllicks, federal and local incentives significantly cut their costs — they now frequently don’t pay for electricity, and when they do, it costs between $30 and $50 per month.

Whether you’re incorporating sustainability into your kitchen remodel or making specific changes to lower your utility bills, a green remodel doesn’t have to be expensive. It can even save you money in the long term.

Here are tips for a budget-conscious, eco-friendly remodel.

‘BUILDING GREEN’ INTO YOUR PLANS

Homeowners who plan to use a contractor for their remodel can find a certified green professional to help estimate the cost of the project and focus spending on plans and materials that make the biggest impact on your home’s sustainability, says Tim Ellis, a CGP and co-owner of Maryland-based T.W. Ellis.

Search the National Association of Home Builders’ database for local builders with the CGP designation .

Ellis says he often starts large renovations with a home energy audit to highlight ways the home could be more energy-efficient. In some cities, the local utility will do a low-cost or free audit, he says, and you may qualify for funding or rebates to implement the recommendations.

Recommendations might involve adding extra caulking or better insulation to seal up your home, Ellis says, which can lead to big savings.

If your energy bill is $600 and an audit shows that you can save $200 per month, “you would be all about that because that’s almost a car payment,” Ellis...