Traverse City, MI, December 6, 2006– Victor Lisabeth, co-owner of Grand Bay Building and Remodeling with his wife, Nancy, recently completed the Built Green Program from the Grand Traverse Area Home Builders Association, an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and the Michigan Association of Home Builders.

Candidates who successfully complete the course are certified as "Green Builders," which, according to Lisabeth, means being a smarter builder. "Everything from design to construction of the new home is aimed at conserving energy and resources," he says. "With smart design, there is no wasted space, so less building material is needed. In addition, the way the house is constructed makes it more energy efficient – and therefore more comfortable and economical for the people who live in it."

Among other things, building "green" involves using recycled materials and no chemicals, testing the home for energy efficiency while it is being built, and using foam, in addition to fiberglass for insulation. While the initial cost is slightly higher than with conventional building methods, there is a bigger payback in energy savings down the road, notes Lisabeth. "Energy costs are only going to increase," he says, "so it makes a lot of sense to make the investment now."

Grand Bay Building and Remodeling, located at 12719 S. West Bayshore Drive in Traverse City, specializes in custom-crafted homes, residential renovations and design/build projects. For more information, phone 231.995.9057.