Across the country, house hunters are selecting where to buy based on the schools their children can get in to. Seeing a house hunter carrying a school catchment map that indicates the cut-off points for school zones is not an uncommon sight.

Tim (33) and his wife recently purchased their first property in the North Sydney suburb of Dee Why. They have a two year old son and Tim is happy to admit that buying close to a good school was a factor in their decision.

“We found a place in Dee Why that was in a location that would enable our son to be eligible for a primary school just ten minutes north. We had been told about the school through a friend and discovered that it has a very good reputation.”

A school’s proximity to a property can be a vital selling point for real estate agents, with many young parents prepared to pay extra for the privilege of getting their young one into a certain establishment. Websites that issue scores to individual schools such as MySchool.com.au are helping to increase the demand for property.

Recent data from Australian Property Monitors showed that for the top-20 ranked primary schools in Sydney, the catchment area for 17 of them had experienced price growth over the past year compared with the Sydney median house price, which slumped 1.6 per cent over the same period.

Tim says he had never heard of the MySchool website, but admits to having done his own research.

“We were looking for a very long time for an apartment all over the Northern Beaches and this one was probably slightly out of our price range. But because we knew from our friends that it was near a good school that Sam could get into, it really just sealed the deal for us.”

There are some cheap and easy improvements you can make to your house to increase the chances of fetching the greatest return on your property.

When you sell your house, you’re normally in profit maximisation mode – ie, lowest cost, maximum profit. However, to obtain that sale  for the greatest return, you’ll possibly need to spend something to improve your property’s appearance.

What should you be aiming for with your improvements? One of the greatest sins at sale time is to have over-capitalised on your property. So, what improvement options do you have on a budget? Remember, the cost will be a function of materials, time and labour and local market conditions.

Potential improvement ideas you could think about include:

• Parking – it’s always at the back of purchaser’s minds. Does your property have a garage, carport – or at least cleared space for, ideally, more than one vehicle? If there is no parking space, consider possibly trying to create some.
• Does your property have indoor/outdoor flow? The addition of a sliding door to a pleasant outside area is a relatively cheap method of added value improvement.
• Look at your kitchen and bathroom areas – upgrading them may not be as expensive as you believe.
• Is your property fenced? Or, at least screened from neighbours? Privacy is very important for most people.
• Consider updating the light fittings. It’s a relatively cheap means of automatic property modernisation – and may attract a different calibre of buyer (or tenant).
• Remove shrubs or cut back trees to maximise natural sunlight. Properties with plenty of natural sunlight are more appealing in winter months when it can be more difficult to attract purchasers.
• If the property has a carport or garage, you could investigate converting this into a sleepout.
• If your bathroom or kitchen doesn’t have ventilation, add it. Trapped cooking fumes and steam can cause permanent damage.
• If you need to purchase any materials, investigate buying them direct from the supplier – this could save you 10 – 15 per cent off the price.
• Re-stain your decks. This instantly refreshes the area and tidies the overall appearance of the property. If there are no decks, check out how expensive it would be to add and determine if the rent increase justifies the expenditure.
• Resurface any benchtops if they look dated or dirty. Changing cabinetry and benchtops can often be relatively inexpensive. Look at online auctions for whole kitchens that are being sold off.
• Change the floor coverings. Phone around carpet and flooring retailers to investigate the availability of off-cuts and end-of-line inventory. Many of the more expensive coverings have cheaper look-alikes (often it is hard to tell the difference). Again, check what might be available on online auction sites.
• Replace the shower or update the tapware. Any sign of mould or dirty showers can have prospective purchasers running from the property.
• Think carefully before taking on all your renovations yourself. Often it is cheaper, less stressful and a lot cheaper to call in the experts. A D-I-Y attitude can sometimes be more of a hindrance.
• If kitchen storage is lacking, add more. Buy a ready-made pantry unit and put units in bedrooms with no wardrobes.
• Tile kitchen, laundry, bathroom and toilet areas to reduce water damage and improve value.
• Add a heated towel rail to the bathroom.

The Genworth Homebuyer Confidence Index, which polls sentiments about buying as well as mortgage stress, found a recent drop in people struggling to make repayments and an “increasing comfort with debt”.

Real estate listings typically increase in autumn, data from property website realestate.com.au shows, in what could serve as a double boost for the market after a slack two years.

Genworth CEO Ellie Comerford yesterday said the dream of home ownership was not dead.

March quarter research found the number of home owners struggling to make repayments had fallen since last year, from one in four mortgage holders to one in five. Fuel, electricity bills, groceries and necessities are affecting the ability to repay the mortgage more than interest rates, unemployment and other debts, with 71 per cent of people in mortgage stress blaming the cost of living.

“While cost of living pressures and an increase in unemployment are likely to strain households, currently these problems are being offset by positive factors such as wage growth, low inflation and interest rate cuts,” Ms Comerford said.

The median NSW house price fell 3 per cent year on year in January to $427,000. Property adviser Margaret Lomas said: “We are at a time when housing is the most affordable it has been for a decade.”

realestate.com.au data found autumn was the time for the most new property listings and prospective buyers, with May attracting more than 7.5 million unique browsers.

“Our website traffic over the past three years shows a spike of activity in March,” spokeswoman Joanne Whyte said. “Autumn accounts for almost 30 per cent of total listings for the year.”

RP Data reports found Sydney has fewer homes in negative equity than the national average, with 3.6 per cent lower than their 2011 purchase price.

Property expert Margaret Lomas and realestate.com.au have combined forces to debunk four common property market myths and provide the facts to help Australians successfully navigate the property market.

The other myths at the top of the list are that ‘First home buyers are being forced out of the market’ and ‘Low auction clearance rates mean houses aren’t selling’.

Lomas has urged those looking to buy or sell not to be misled by hearsay and to take the leap into property throughout autumn.

Consumer research indicates that over half of Australians (51 per cent) believe the time of year bears no impact on the success of buying and selling property, with only 9 per cent acknowledging autumn as the best.

‘’Autumn is definitely the most opportune time to enter the property market,’’ she explained.

Data from realestate.com.au has revealed March and May as the two most popular months of the year for new property listings in 2011, with over 7.5 million unique browsers hitting the website in May last year.

Research has also shown more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of first home buyers in Australia believe they are being forced out of the market. In fact, realestate.com.au data suggests there are more affordable properties on the market now than in 2011. In 2011, there were 23,000 more properties at $500,000 or less listed on the site, compared to 2010.

Lomas explains: ‘’Today I see many first home buyers entering the property market on a lower rung, as investors first. While many of the more exclusive suburbs of capital cities are indeed unaffordable to the first home buyer, considerable affordability can be found in outer suburbs with excellent infrastructure and in larger regional areas which offer diverse employment opportunities and an excellent lifestyle.’’

So that leads to the question: ‘Are property prices overvalued’?

More than 60 per cent of Australians believe property prices are currently overvalued.

Lomas explains that this misconception has been perpetuated by sensational headlines that consider affordability only in relation to yearly household income – painting a largely inaccurate picture.

‘’We are at a time when housing is the most affordable it has been for a decade,’’ says Lomas.

‘’From a peak of 34 per cent of the average household income in 2010, average mortgage payments on the median priced home have declined to 32 per cent and are expected to fall beneath the long term average of 30 per cent by early next year.’’
When it comes to popular conceptions such as ‘Low auction clearance rates mean houses aren’t selling’, Lomas reasons that these days ‘’buyers are much more educated and far keener negotiators’’.

She says the connection that is placed on clearance rates and market health is misleading.

Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of Australians believe low auction clearance rates indicate houses aren’t selling but numbers from RP Data indicate houses are selling, it’s just taking a bit longer. Across the country, there was a slight increase in days on market when comparing January 2011 to January 2012.

Australians who are considering entering the property market are encouraged to see what the autumn season has to offer.

Joanne Whyte, General Manager, Brand, Communications and Insights realestate.com.au added: ‘’Autumn is a terrific time of year to buy and sell. Whether you’re looking to invest, upgrade or even renovate your property, there’s plenty of inspiration at realestate.com.au.’’

The poll of agents by Turf Australia found in Sydney, where the average house costs $440,000, a lawn could add $83,000 to the price.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, buyers could pay almost $80,000 more on an average $420,000 home for a real patch of green.

Nationally, a lawn could add 18 per cent, or just over $75,000 in value on the average $420,000 home, the survey found.

The survey of 114 agents, conducted between November and January for the body representing the turf industry, found Victorian lawns add 19 per cent of value to a home, ahead of NSW at 16 per cent, Queensland and South Australia, both 12 per cent, and Western Australia, 8 per cent.

A third of agents said buyers believe a lawn adds to the look and feel of a home while almost three quarters say buyers want a safe playing area for the kids.

But the benefit of having your own green turf is also seen by young couples and those wanting to upsize.

Most buyers also want a backyard to be at least a third of the size of their property, the survey said.

LJ Hooker chief executive Janusz Hooker said house hunters factor in having a lawn or backyard as part of their budget.

“A townhouse or larger suburban home with an area of grass is still important in 2012,” Mr Hooker said.

“For sellers, the key is to put some time into making the lawn look well cared for and perfect for the new owners. That’s how they’ll capitalise on the added value a lawn can offer.”

A third of house hunters have a decent sized backyard in their list of top three requirements, along with a quiet street and more than one bedroom, according to agents.

Landscaper and TV personality Jody Rigby said the survey shows most buyers feel their backyard should be real grass.

“New types of grass are not as thirsty as many believe, and of course, all have environmental benefits,” she said.

“It’s the Australian way of life to grow up running around in the backyard and it’s not as hard as many think to keep a lawn looking beautiful and green, despite the kids’ wear and tear.”

With daily showering, shaving and…shampooing, the bathroom is frequently in overdrive – it’s also prone to considerable wear and tear.

This is precisely why bathroom renovations are often in order prior to selling your home. Ensuring your bathroom is in tip-top shape will help you win over discerning buyers.

Cost factor

Although often one of the smallest rooms, the bathroom can be one of the most expensive to renovate.

According to online tendering website, ServiceSeeking.com.au, basic bathroom renovations cost an average of $5,800*.

This price typically includes the removal of the existing bathroom, tiling, waterproofing and the installation of fittings and fixtures, including electrical work.

You should also make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected costs that may arise, such as moving plumbing or wiring. To avoid a complete budget blowout, it’s a good idea to factor in an extra 10% on top of the initial quote.

Persistence pays

If you’re wanting all the materials and fittings included, the cost of your bathroom renovations will obviously increase.

For all the bells and whistles, such as underfloor heating, expect to pay upwards of $12,000.

While bathroom renovators can include a provisional sum in their quote for bathroomware, you are sometimes better off sourcing your own products.

If you put in the legwork yourself (think eBay, auction sites and factory outlets), you can often track down better quality products for just a fraction more. Your efforts will be rewarded on inspection day. A potential buyer is much more likely to be dazzled by Kohler or Grohe tapware than some no-name spout.

If you’re just after a bathroom renovator on a project-by-project basis, such as installing fixtures you’ve sourced yourself, you can expect to pay an average of $57 per hour. To keep costs down you might consider using a handyman for the job. At an average hourly rate of $46 you’re set to save a stack of cash.

While a handyman can handle small odd jobs, like simple carpentry work and plumbing repairs, with little or no formal qualifications more complex renovation jobs should be left to licensed tradespeople. Cutting corners on your bathroom renovations will only cost you more in the long run – when you need to call in a professional to “patch up” the job.

Fail-safe bathroom renovations

If you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom on a shoestring budget you’ll have to shelve the grand design and décor ideas for now and focus on the more practical elements. That means getting back to basics and ensuring first and foremost that there are no dripping taps or plumbing leaks.

Tiles are also a crucial part of any bathroom. Cracked tiles should be fixed and replaced where required. If you can’t afford a full tiling job (the average bathroom tiling job on ServiceSeeking.com.au costs $3,419) a lick of tile paint will give your bathroom a fresh look. At a minimum, you should make sure the grout is clean and free of mould.

To really value add you should consider installing a skylight. For around the $500 mark you can transform your damp and dreary bathroom into a light-filled haven.

A well-executed bathroom renovation is a great investment. Not only does it add value to your lifestyle, but when the time comes to sell up and move – it’s a real turn on for buyers.

More Australians are now combining funds in order to purchase a property, whether it be with a spouse, friend or family members.

So, would you go down the path of sharing a mortgage with your best mate?

It seems you would…well some of you anyway, in fact truthfully, it’s about a 50/50 split!

Realestate.com asked some of their online followers and the reactions were definitely mixed.

There were many who gave a flat out ‘No, never’, some who had already signed up to a co-ownership agreement and others who said they would ‘definitely consider it’.

Paul indicated co-ownership of a property was not for him.

“People’s life situations change at short notice causing selling when it’s not the right timing,’’ he wrote.

Trace had a different view.

“I bought a house with my best mate years ago – must have been good because now we are married!’’

Western Australia’s Centrewest Insurance Company took the cautious approach.

“Situations can change drastically from when you decide it’s a good idea to a couple of years down the line, so always a good idea to draw up a legal document just in case,’’ they explained.

HQF Lawyers shared Centrewest’s sentiments.

“It can be the only option for some, but before doing so both friends should discuss with each other their short, medium and long term goals in respect to the property. Putting in place an agreement setting out what is to happen if one owner wishes to sell and the other doesn’t should also be considered.’’

Joely believes it is the best thing he’s ever done.

‘’We agreed on an exit plan and set up a joint account that we contributed to evenly each fortnight to cover all and any issues that arose. Sold it 7 years later for more than double the purchase price and allowed me to invest in my own property.’’

We couldn’t help but acknowledge David’s approach to co-ownership as one of the best…

“My wife and I bought a property together with her Dad and then built a Grandpa flat (actually a small house!) out the back. Fantastic setup. Got us into our own home and free babysitting and lawnmowing!!!’’

Hope this has shed some light on your property purchasing options. If you need any advice give us a call on 4965 7299.

1. Efficient design pays off
An efficiently designed house uses 60 per cent less energy. Think how that would reduce your bills! A ‘green’ house doesn’t have to be a way-out house, nor do you have to despair if your present place is badly designed. There’s no reason why your new extension shouldn’t be a model of energy efficiency and eco-friendly design, which means implementing good passive solar design techniques, choosing building materials from sustainable sources, and seeking out appliances and fittings that are as energy and water efficient as possible.

When you’re planning, take into account the orientation, layout (which includes creating zones that can be sealed off when not in use), insulation levels, windows, landscaping, heating, cooling, ventilation and water conservation and re-use.

2. Consider your home’s aspect
Good design will enable you to capture winter sun, but block out summer heat and UV rays. Maximising sun is important if you live in Australia’s cooler southern states. The north side of a house will be the warmest all year, the west side will be colder in winter and hotter in summer, the east side marginally less hot in summer, and the south aspect coolest all year.

If you’re not sure which way is north, take a tip from an energy expert and don’t go house-hunting without a compass. If the house faces the wrong way, don’t step inside the front door, then you can’t be tempted.

3. Features to try and avoid
When you’re house-hunting, try to avoid certain features. Be wary of steeply sloping, south-facing blocks; living areas with large east-, west- or south-facing windows; wide verandahs, buildings or other big obstructions on the north. Also keep an eye out for unshaded skylights and glass roofs in living and sleeping areas; ceilings with heights greater than four metres; open stairwells and ‘voids’ between storeys.

Gaps and cracks in walls, under doors and around windows and large central heating or cooling systems without zone controls are also cause for concern.

4. North is always best
Areas used most during the day, such as living rooms, are best facing north. The idea is to angle eaves or a verandah so you can still get winter sun. Formal rooms are less important because they’re not used as often and it’s likely to be at night.

Bedroom windows can face east, as long as you can block out unwanted summer sun; or south, because, it’s cooler and darker. Utility areas such as the bathroom and laundry are best sited on the south, or on the hot west side where they can act as a buffer against the heat. And make sure there are doors so you can block off heated and unheated areas.

5. Calculate the thermal mass
A concrete floor or internal brick wall will slowly absorb winter warmth from direct sun and release it back into the room later. In summer, they will absorb excess heat from the air in the room, and make it more comfortable. A brick or stone fireplace will also help to control a room’s temperature.

6. Plan windows with care
Windows should be carefully planned to keep out summer heat and stop it escaping in winter. Maximise north-facing windows to catch winter sun, limit east-, west- and south-facing windows. Double glazing can reduce winter heat loss.

If you install a high window or a glass roof to admit winter sun, remember that warm air rises, so it could act like an open hole in the ceiling. The heat will escape unless the glass is covered with something such as a roller blind, which could likely come in handy on hot summer days as well. Some skylights will also need shading.

7. Protection for windows
Windows on the north can be protected externally from summer sun with eaves, awnings or a slatted pergola. Grow a deciduous vine on the pergola and you’ll have greenery as well as sun protection.

East- and west-facing windows need vertical shading to control the low-angled morning and afternoon summer sun. Blinds might make a room too dark, so adjustable louvres are a good alternative.

Be careful with verandahs. Those that are wide enough to block afternoon sun from west windows often make rooms cold and dark in winter. Down south, a 1.8m wide verandah should be adequate.

8. Landscaping to reduce heat
Landscaping plays a role in keeping a house at the right temperature in summer and winter. Consider dense planting for protective winter wind breaks, planting to cool hot summer winds, ground cover to reduce reflecting heat into windows, ponds or pools for evaporative pre-cooling and planting to shade walls as well as windows in summer.

Forgetting the scientific side, you’ll feel better if you’re surrounded by gentle green lawn and leafy trees, rather than dry earth or hard paving on a blazing hot day.

9. Curtains mean more comfort
You’ll lose most of your heat in winter without curtains or blinds on single-glazed windows. Heavy curtains with a pelmet are best while vertical blinds are the worst at retaining heat. Check around doors and windows for gaps and draughts. One way to do this is to stand near the window with a candle and see how the flame moves.

10. Ceiling fans certainly help
A room with high ceilings will be warmer on a cool day if you install a ceiling fan. Rather than have all that warm air sifting against the ceiling, the fan will help to disperse it. Conversely, the fan will circulate air and cool the room on hot days. And you won’t have the cost or negative environmental impact that comes with some air-conditioning systems.

11. Choose the right appliances
Choose appliances with a high energy-saving rating (go to www.energyrating.gov.au to find out more). Also take care with placement. For example, don’t place the fridge next to the oven.

How you use appliances is also part of the energy-wise equation. Don’t run clothes washing machines or dishwashers unless you have a full load; switch off appliances such as the microwave, computer and phone charger when you’re not using them; switch off heaters when you’re out of the house.

13. Install all insulation properly
Insulation won’t work efficiently unless it’s properly installed. Make sure it extends to the corners of ceilings, walls and floors or you’ll have heat leaks there. Be safe and leave a 90mm gap near hot flues or exhaust fans. And don’t put it over or around recessed light fittings. Leave a 25mm gap at the edges. The wrong gaps from careless installation are expensive. If only five per cent of an area is left uninsulated, you could lose up to 50 per cent of the potential benefits.

14. Insulation makes a difference
Insulation in the roof, floor and walls will help to retain heat in winter and keep it out in summer. There are many kinds of insulation, so pick the one that suits you best. Consider fuel cost, the severity of the climate and whether summer is harsher than winter where you live. All insulation has an ‘R’ value which is the resistance of the material to the heat passing through it. The higher the number, the better it is.
It’s best if external walls are insulated when they’re built, because it’s difficult and expensive to do it later. Ceilings need the greatest quantities of bulk insulation. It’s also wise to install reflective foil insulation directly under the roof to combat the hot summer sun.

15. Window size is important
It’s an advantage if as much of the window area as possible can be opened. The best types are double-hung, casement, sliding and louvre windows. Size is also important. If the area of the opened windows on the windward side of a building is smaller than the area of opened window on the leeward side, then the velocity of air movement inside will increase, enhancing its cooling effect. In most parts of Australia, and particularly in the cooler south, this means windows should be smaller on the south side of the house and bigger on the north.

16. Lights to become greener
The federal government has announced that incandescent lights will be phased out within the next couple of years, to be replaced by Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), which use less energy and last longer. You can get a jump on things and start replacing incandescent lights with CFLs now. You can get globe, coil or spiral-shaped bulbs and while they cost more upfront, there are long term savings.

The downside at the moment is that it’s hard to find dimmable CFLs. Also, some people find the light a bit stark but we’re beginning to see new colour tones (all variations on white) coming on to the market.

For the garden, consider LED and solar lights as a supplement to your regular low-volt exterior lighting.

17. Old houses not so smart
In the real world, many houses, particularly those designed a century or so ago, are not energy smart. However, a new extension can be. You can angle it instead of placing it square against the existing house, incorporate a courtyard or light well to trap the sun and make clever use of glass and skylights.

If you would like to be sure your proposed extension is energy efficient, have your plans checked by an expert. For a small fee, energy experts will double-check them to see you have windows in the right place, efficient cross-ventilation and ensure you’re making the most of the aspect.

18. Watch that fireplace
You could lose a lot of heat through a fireplace. After all, they’re designed to extract air. And they do this whether or not a fire is burning. Chimneys can be blocked off with a damper when they’re not being used.

One type of damper fits on the top of the chimney and is controlled from inside with a chain and a handle. It will also stop rain and insects from coming into the house. Another type sits just inside the chimney above the hearth where the chimney starts to narrow. These dampers give great control at room level and reduce heat loss up the chimney. Metal firebox inserts come complete with a damper which can be adjusted when they’re not being used.

19. Which heating is best?
Heating accounts for around 40 per cent of a home’s energy costs. You will spend more if you buy the wrong system, or one that is too big for your needs. Rather than heat the whole house at the same time, it’s more efficient to use a system that heats different zones according to what rooms are being used.

Before you decide on a heater, take into account whether your home has high ceilings, a second storey, and what fuels are the most economical, and available, in your area.

20. Keeping your water hot
Water heating accounts for about 30 per cent of an average household’s total greenhouse gas emissions and about the same proportion of total household energy use. Installing a solar water heater can greatly reduce your energy bills as it will use energy from the sun to heat water at zero cost.

A solar water heater can provide between 50 per cent and 90 per cent of your total hot water requirements, depending on the climate and the model of heater. The upfront costs are higher but there are long-term savings.

21. Conserving water is vital
Thanks to climate change and ongoing drought conditions, water restrictions are a fact of life for many of us. There are many things you can do to reduce water use such as installing low-flow shower heads, dual-flush toilets and a rainwater tank. And when it’s time to replace your clothes washing machine, think about a front-loading model. They use two-thirds less water than a top-loading one.

Also consider a grey water system to recycle water from hand basins, the shower and the final load of the washing machine to be used to flush the toilet or water the garden. But first check your local and state regulations regarding which type of system you should use.

22. Water-wise products indoors
With a plethora of products claiming to be ‘water-wise’, how do you know what to choose? For appliances within the home you can look for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme label. WELS is based on a six-star rating system – the more stars you see on the label the better. The label also shows a water flow or water consumption figure so you can compare products. WELS covers showers, tap equipment, flow controllers, toilet equipment, clothes washing machines and dishwashers.

Registered products are listed on the website (www.waterrating.gov.au).

23. Water-wise products outdoors
If you’re looking for water-saving products outside the home, the best symbol to look for is the Smart Approved Watermark. It is Australia’s only national scheme and is a sister scheme to WELS. More than 100 different products have been awarded the mark and the number is growing. The scheme covers various categories including car cleaning, gardening and watering, grey water, rainwater collection, household plumbing, and pools and spas.

The Smart WaterMark website (www.smartwatermark.info) has the full list of approved products and services along water-saving tips.

24. Know your local regulations
State and local governments have implemented a variety of guidelines and regulations pertaining to energy and water efficiency which you need to be aware of before embarking on any structural work. In NSW, for example, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) sets out a range of criteria that new homes and apartments must meet. This has been extended to cover proposed home alterations and additions worth more than $50,000, and new swimming pools larger than 40,000 litres, which have to have a BASIX certificate before planning approval can be given.

The BASIX website (www.basix.nsw.gov.au) has more information.

25. Check for government rebates
Many councils and water utilities offer you a rebate when you purchase water efficient products such as washing machines, pool covers and rainwater tanks so give them a call or check their websites to see what incentives might be available.
Some state governments and councils also offer rebates for energy efficient initiatives such as replacing peak electric water heaters with more efficient gas or solar models or installing ceiling insulation. Once again, check and see what you might be entitled to.

26. Look for green products
Home decorators now have an ever-expanding rage of eco-friendly products at their disposal. You can find wallpaper made using recycled paper and environmentally friendly dyes, plantation grown timber flooring, and furniture featuring CFC-free commercial-grade upholstery foam. You can even get a biodegradable carpet made from 80 per cent recycled nylon.

Other companies offset the greenhouse emissions generated during the manufacturing process by purchasing emission reduction credits.