remodeling: Prepare Your Home for Wind or Solar Energy - 07/30/09 09:34 AM
Conserve now to save later. Reducing your energy use will keep a lid on the cost of your future alternative energy system. A smaller load requires a smaller system.
Doing simple things can cut your energy load
Install the most energy efficient appliances.
Replace your regular incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).
Eliminate your phantom loads (hidden electricity users like chargers left plugged in).
Use cold water to wash your clothes.
Insulate your basement, walls and attic.
Efficiency pays off
Refrigerators and freezers use more electricity per year than almost all other appliances. Your solar electric system would cost over … (2 comments)

remodeling: Home Renovations - 07/30/09 07:47 AM
So you bought that reposed home as an investment. You knew it was going to need some renovations. Where should you start, and what renovations give you the best return on investment? Is going green a good option?
Many homeowners want to live a little greener and reduce their carbon footprint. But not every green dream should become a reality. Some green renovation projects simply don't deliver the kind of return on investment to make them helpful to anyone but the independently wealthy - and the housing contractors doing the work.
Start with the low hanging fruit first.
An ENERGY STAR … (1 comments)

remodeling: A builders secret you need to know! - 05/11/09 03:32 AM
It is no secret that the housing market is still struggling.  However, the good news is you have a tool at your disposal that can be the difference in closing that deal.  With so many homes on the market, building a new home just isn't where the money is at.  Many builders know a secret you need to know.  Renovations is the buzz word going around the builders associations.  Builders can make any existing home into a dream home for your client.  They can give your client the home they always wanted with out the expense of new construction.  Take that home … (2 comments)

remodeling: ReGreen tip number 1 - 10/05/08 05:08 AM
Choosing to go green doesn't have to be a hard complicated process.  If you have fun it will make going green not only easy, but an activity everyone can enjoy.  Start with one room, I would suggest a bedroom.  The idea here is simple, start with paint.  Simply look for NO VOC paint at your local home supply center.  A quick search online for NO VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paint in your area will help you locate the supplier.  If you have carpet, consider buying wool or carpet made from recycled material.  Wool is a natural hypo-allergenic alternative to carpets that … (12 comments)

remodeling: Green Solutions 4 Expo - 09/11/08 04:26 AM
With fuel costs rising, a struggling real estate market, and a down turn in employment; building and renovating green, efficient homes for working class families goes a long way towards keeping homes affordable.
Green homes costs less than conventional homes over the long run and can even reduce construction costs. Green, high performance techniques, systems, and materials will deliver more efficient, durable, and therefore more valuable housing. The returns accrue to owners, residents, neighbors, local governments, and the regional economy.
To learn more about what is being done in Northwestern Michigan to support these efforts, visit the Green Solutions 4 Expo … (2 comments)

remodeling: October 25, 2008 Green Solutions 4: A green event. - 09/07/08 04:12 PM
I am proud to announce the Green Solutions 4: event/expo coming up this fall in Traverse City, MI.  It's an idea I brought to our area association of Realtors and local home builders association, and they ran with the idea.  I am proud of what they are doing and I ask for your support and attendance.  I have included the press release and look forward to meeting every one of you that can attend the event.  You may also contact me for all the details, directions, and information on the event.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2008
CONTACT:

Traverse Area Association … (2 comments)

remodeling: A green kitchen or bathroom renovation isn't truly green without careful countertop selection - 07/10/08 01:52 AM
By Linda Ohm, Editor, CounterTop BusinessImages courtesy CounterTop Business magazine
A lot of consumers may not think green when they're deciding on countertops for the kitchen or bathroom. When choosing countertop materials, the tendency is to focus on the style, trendiness, beauty of the material, cost and maintenance. Consumers may think that excludes green, but the reality is that one of the most-exciting and fastest-growing areas of the countertop industry is green materials, and they're anything but dull.
When it comes to recycled countertop material, the list is extensive. Materials used to create these beautiful and durable surfaces include recycled glass, … (5 comments)

 
Tony Zimmerman (Green Gamut)

Tony Zimmerman

Cadillac, MI

More about me…

Green Gamut

Address: 3665 West Lake Mitchell Drive, Cadillac, MI, 49601

Office: (231) 468-2037

Learn ways in which to incorporate green, energy efficiency, and sustainability into your home. New construction, re-greening existing homes, affordability, health and in-door air quality are just a few topics discussed


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