Technologist For Hire

In December of 2008 Katie, my Fiance, and I set out to buy our first home together. Our plan was to purchase the house sometime around May of 2009. We live in Michigan, so foreclosures are very common, so we focused on finding one to save some money. Well, we found the one that we loved, after looking at more than I care to mention, and have successfully closed on the house as of Monday, March 9, 2009.

The house was built in 1955, very solid construction, no structural issues, large basement, lath & plaster walls, and everything else that comes with a 50 year old house.

We have begun the process of updating everything. We have already torn out the carpeting, patched & sanded the walls, and prepared the house for our mini-renovation.

I made a decision early on that I wanted to be environmentally aware with everything that we put into this house. Below is a list of everything that is planned so far in my “Green Initiative”, some environmental and some economical:

• Every light bulb has been replaced with a CFL bulb.
• Every appliance is an Energy Star model, if available (which, so far, includes Fridge, Stove/Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer)
• Televisions are all Energy Star rated
• Carpet is Mohawk brand everSTRAND. An amazing, extremely affordable (cheaper than standard carpet!), very soft (softer than standard carpet, in my opinion), naturally stain resistant (but still treated with Scotchguard), carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Toilets are water conserving models.
• Windows were brand new when we moved in, so no worries about that.
• Water heater is Energy Star rated and wrapped in an insulating blanket (I would have preferred a tankless system, but I’m also trying to be wallet-friendly at my end)
• Kitchen cabinets are being purchased from a company that has very strict environmental policies.
• Thermostat is set at an Energy Star recommended daily programming schedule.
• Water heater is set to a lower temperature.
• Katie’s computer is made using “Green” products such as the new WD Caviar Green 1TB hard drive.
• Our city has a recycling program, which we intend to use heavily!
• I will be purchasing a battery operated Lawn Mower, which will mow my entire lawn using only $0.10 of electricity, zero emissions.
• Katie plans on having a garden, which is as Green as you can get.
• LOW/NO VOC PAINT!