Take Care with CFLs - Where to Recycle them

CFL- Compact Flourescent Lights have become the new norm for light bulbs. I think most of us feel good about using them knowing that we are saving energy. Many light fixtures already include CFL bulbs in the box when you purchase them from the box stores. All good news for our electric budget.

Just the other day, I replaced a small flood light in the kitchen with a CFL floodlight. When I turned the light on I thought something was wrong with the new bulb. It barely gave any light and took quite awhile to warm up and begin to glow with full strength. Now I realize that CFL floods have not been perfected. Next time I'll be looking for an LED flood which won't have the delay -

Years ago, we were used to seeing workers throw the tube bulbs out without caring when they shattered into dumpsters. We've come a long way in that regard as well. Take care when disposing of old CFL bulbs. They do contain a very small amount of mercury.

If a bulb breaks- Clear the Room! People and pets should leave. Open a window/door for 5-10 minutes. Don't use a vacuum unless you absolutely have to-If you do, then immediately place the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag. The preferred disposal method is to use tape to pick up small pieces etc. Place glass and any powder residue into a sealed container which should be kept outside of the home for trash disposal.

Recycle your old CFL bulbs- I've noticed that Lowe's and Home Depot as well as our local Ace Hardware store here in Traverse City have recyling bins for used bulbs. If everyone took advantage of this recycle program it would make a difference in our environment. That's the "green" in me coming out- I just can't help myself.

Nancy with Grand Bay Building and Remodeling http://www.grandbaybuilding.com/

Keeping Bathtub Users Independent

As a lover of the bathtub, I am especially aware of the advancements being made in the area of user friendly tub accessiblity for the elderly and physically challenged. The accessiblity issues are many if the user can't climb over the edge to get in or lift themselves up to get out. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Grand Bay Builders can offer our customers various options to either modify their existing bath tub or to replace it with a newly designed unit.

The are many retro fit door inserts which can convert your tub to a walk in shower but we also offer a Safety Bath Door insert which will maintain its use as a tub as well.

If you would prefer to replace your existing tub with something new, Independent Living USA has addressed the problem by designing a Walk-In bathtub with a door shaped to pass over the bather's knees when he or she is safely seated. The Presidential unit is UL approved and has made in the USA since 2003.

Grand Bay Builders is pleased to be able to help people stay in their own home environments as long as possible. Keeping bathing accessible is just one of the many areas where we can help.

Long live the therapy of a relaxing bath, Nancy Lisabeth

Refrigerator Recalls

Maytag has recalled refrigerators marketed under the brand names Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley®. An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. This recall was announced March 10, 2009.


When I saw this recall, I checked my home unit which was purchased in 2001- and discovered it was one of those recalled. I called the Maytag corporation here in Michigan and spoke to a customer service rep who scheduled service that same week. The repair was done in about 20 minutes and I feel much better having the problem corrected.


For more information call Maytag's Recall Hotline 866-533-9817

Power Outage Protection

Spring can bring some wild weather here in the Midwest. We have been helping to bring some peace of mind to our customers. Grand Bay Builders offers the protection of personal home generators. Our customers know that in the case of utility power failure, their homes will continue to function without interruption.

Generators run on the home's existing natural gas or lp fuel. They automatically sense utility power failure and switch predetermined areas or the entire home to the generator. Once the utility restores their service, the generator reverses the switch back to the utility. This process is done automatically and creates a real peace of mind during extreme weather. - Nancy

Check out this video link for a demonstration:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid14602144001/bclid14539912001/bctid14621246001

ICF's - A solid building option

ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms) have become a very good energy saving option for foundations and walls. When we first began seeing versions at the IBS convention years ago, we were intrigued but not sold on their stability. Much has changed over the years and we now feel that ICF's are a very good option for not just foundations but entire walls. The decision is now which product to use and there are many.

ASTM International (American Society for Testing & Materials) is the largest voluntary standards development organization for materials, products, systems and services. ASTM has now introduced a new mininum standard E2634 for ICF's. This will help ensure that an ICF product will conform to a standard to meet building codes enforced by building code officials and specified by architects.

As with any new technology, products change rapidly and new ones are introduced constantly. Victor and I make a constant effort to stay informed. That's what keeps us involved and excited about building and remodeling. - Nancy