Home Green Home: Take advantage of the home reno tax credit to make green updates

Has the home renovation tax credit got you thinking about making your home more efficient and earth-friendly? There’s no time like the present to make an eco-investment, especially since you must spend more than $1,000 and less than $10,000 to be eligible for the credit.

There is quite a long list of eligible renovations for the credit, but I’ve selected a few that you can definitely gear towards the green. Note: installing new energy-efficient appliances DOES NOT qualify.

Renovating a kitchen

Installing countertops made of bamboo (for real!) or Canadian granite are a couple of options. As for  cabinets avoid pieces made of particleboard or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) unless they’re formaldehyde-free. For a classier finish, again choose FSC-certified woods.

Renovating a bathroom

The perfect time to finally get that low flush or dual flush toilet!

Need new floors?

Excellent eco-options include bamboo, cork, or natural linoleum but if you prefer wood, look for reclaimed word, rescued wood, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified hardwood.

Here are a few more projects that are eligible:

• Painting the interior or exterior of your home (Choose low VOC paints)
• Solar panels and solar panel trackers
• Fixtures such as ceiling fans, lights, blinds, shutters etc.
• New windows and doors*

BUT…don’t think about your renovations too long, the credit is only eligible for the 2009 tax year (up to February 1, 2010).

Have fun creating an eco-efficient home!

* Check out Habitat for Humanity Re-stores with locations all over Canada. and Ottawa’s The Healthiest Home for sourcing appropriate sustainable products (note: a second HH will be opening up in Toronto in 2010).