Remodeling a healthier home

Many homeowners, especially younger ones, are increasingly interested in a focus on health and sustainability (aka green or eco-friendly) when remodeling a kitchen or a home. Here are several healthoriented features to consider when planning to remodel your kitchen.

Super pantries: Many homeowners may feel the need for more storage after seeing empty shelves in stores during the pandemic. With the rising price of groceries, it may be more advantageous to buy in bulk. Welcome to the super pantry, an extra-large, organized walk-in closet.

A super pantry may have a sink, a prep workspace and plenty of room to st ore all of your food products and must-have small appliances. If this is on your wish list, ask your re-modeler how you can incorporate a super pantry in your kitchen remodel. You may be able to reconfigure your space or borrow space from an adjoining closet or room.

Countertops: No one likes germs. Many countertops are porous, and bacteria, mold, mildew, stains and odor hide and flourish. Quartz for the past few years has been the most popular countertop surface. Some Quartz manufactur-ers and solid-surface companies offer antimicrobial surfaces to keep harmful germs away.

Sealed granite helps keep bacteria away, while marble, a popular high-end countertop option is porous and requires regular cleaning.

Large range hood: Proper ventilation is key. The constant circulation of air keeps temperatures comfortable as you cook, protects walls from grease accumulation, and removes impurities such as smoke, steam, and gas fumes. A large range hood will keep your air cleaner, and you, health-ier. When remodeling your kitchen, consider updating your range hood to a larger, more efficient one.