New Garage

It has been a busy summer/fall and while that's a good thing in this economy it's also my excuse for not blogging like I should be. This project was during this last summer. 24' x 24' detached garage, on an alley, in Traverse City. Aside from the Permit hoops one must jump through, it was relatively painless. The city was very cooperative and helpful. Give them a shout out! Unfortunately, I had to comply with the requirement that the garage match the house, hence the vinyl siding and shingle choice.

The Green elements of this project:

• 2 x 6 studs on 24" centers (O.V.E. framing)
• 1/2" OSB sheathing covered w/ Typar (because durability is Green)

• Attic trusses on 24" centers.
• 2 skylights for daylighting upstairs
• Re-use of window that had been removed from house.
• Recycled all cardboard from project.

Serious Windows in Traverse City

I met with Tim Louis from Access Window, Door and Hardware, the new distributor of Serious Windows here in Traverse City, to get pricing for a green project. We discussed these phenomenal products and the r-factors these windows achieve. 

GreenAdvantage

I'm pleased to announce that I received GreenAdvantage certification today. 

"GreenAdvantage is a nationally recognized environmental certification for building-related practitioners that prepares you to use green practices more effectively."

This was a 16-hour class and 2-hour exam offered by Northwestern Michigan College in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. 

The instructor was Sue Norman, LEED-AP.

Stephen Hammontree 

Hammontree Builders

Stimulus Success! Shut Down Window/Door Maker Gets A Second Chance

Stimulus Success! Shut Down Window/Door Maker Gets A Second Chance

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Serious Materials Finalizes Purchase

As seen on  the "Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC last night-(and mentioned here in a previous posting)

Serious Materials purchased troubled Republic Windows in the Chicago area. I love this company! Great Green products and Great social responsibility. Triple bottom line. People, Planet, Profit.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Stimulus and Energy Tax Credits

Now this is better... 

I've been writing a bit about the Federal Energy Tax Credits and the incentives available to homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This can be a real boost to our economy and to the Greening of America! You can find more information for specific elements (windows,insulation,HVAC etc.)here.

This is from the energystar.gov site:

How has the new Stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy efficient home improvements?

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. the highlights are:

           The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.

           The tax credits has been raised from 10% to 30%.

           The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ie: $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of   the cost.

           The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1500 maximum.

           The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Serious Materials to buy Republic Windows

Thanks to Jonathan Sweet (The Sweet Spot Remodeling Blog) at HousingZone.com, 

Serious Materials, makers of ThermaProof Windows and EcoRock is awaiting the final OK to purchase Republic Windows and Doors. Republic was in the news last November, when the Chicago plant was closed suddenly, throwing many people out of work. The workers staged a sit-in to rally the public's interest. My previous blog entry discussed their green products and their sustainable philosophy. If the purchase goes forward and they manufacture their 

ThermaProof windows in the Chicago area that will be great news for both the employees of Republic and Green builders in the midwest.