What winter upgrades do you need for your home?

This is no time to neglect your home, regardless of where you live. At this time of year, many homeowners – especially in colder regions – neglect the condition of their homes in anticipation of warmer weather. Even in warmer regions – where weather can be unpredictable – this is the time of year when home improvements take the back burner. Let’s take a look at some areas of your home that can benefit from your attention right now.

Doors/Windows. Perhaps you did all the right things before the colder weather set in…you checked for drafts, replaced weather stripping…maybe even replaced some of your doors and windows. Now is the time to determine if the improvements you made were effective. If you are still experiencing some drafty conditions, it’s time to call your local contractor in to perform an inspection and schedule the required work to fix the condition as soon as weather permits.

Roofing/Gutters. Again, you may have performed the necessary inspections/improvements to your roofing prior to the onset of winter, but are now finding that it’s not enough. Now is the time to inspect your roofing and gutters, or better still, call a professional to discuss any ice dams or icicles that may cause serious damage to your roof. In warmer climates, this is the time of year to address any gutters that may be sagging as a result of too much rain and debris.

Landscaping. Regardless of where you may live, there is no better time than now to consider your outdoor landscaping. Even if it’s currently covered in snow, by calling a landscape professional now, you’ll avoid being wait-listed when everyone else in your neighborhood decides to act. The process for designing and constructing your perfect paradise can – and should – take months, so even in warmer climates, why not start planning now, before everyone else does?

Remodeling. For many homeowners, holidays reveal that they simply don’t have enough room in their current home or that their existing space could use some remodeling. With proper planning by a remodeling professional, you’ll be ready the next time guests emerge on your home for any reason.

Siding/Fencing/Decks. This time of year also has a way of revealing imperfections or problems with your siding/fencing and/or deck. It may be time to upgrade to a newer vinyl or other available material for maximum durability and beauty.

After the holidays are over is the perfect time to start planning those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off for far too long. Get a jump on your neighbors who will all be envious of how great your home looks when spring and summer roll around. You’ll leave them all scratching their heads saying “why didn’t I think of that?”

Outside the home, an outdoor living space has become a necessary extension of indoor living space. Renovating the yard from lawn to paved party area expands entertainment space. Fire pits make outdoor entertaining in the colder months possible, and outdoor kitchens and bars bring the functionality of the house out into the yard. The addition of pools, hot tubs, and saunas multiplies the activity options available and creates a sanctuary of life and rejuvenation.

Outdoor entrances are receiving more attention these days. Gone are the old concrete sidewalk paths. New stone pavers lead visitors to entrances that have been updated with stonework, columns, and covered porticoes. Upgrades to front exterior spaces can add curb appeal and value and set the home apart from the competition.

Indoors, kitchens are still the heart of the home and rank high on most renovation lists. New kitchens are designed with entertaining in mind. The kitchen space is traditionally the greatest energy consumer and waste producer in the home. New high-efficiency appliances dramatically reduce energy usage in the kitchen. Built-in composters turn food scraps into useful fertilizer for gardens or houseplants.

In keeping with the trends toward greener living, many updated finish choices are also available. These can range from expensive stone and granite to synthetic materials that offer the look and durability of stone at a fraction of the price. Wood finishes have also changed.

Many older building materials, such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF) or pressboard, can give off harmful chemicals. Recycled or sustainable woods with eco-friendly finishes and nontoxic paints have become popular choices.

Master bedrooms and baths have changed from utilitarian spaces to private getaways. No longer a place to just wash up, the master bath can be upgraded with luxuries like doorless showers with multiple shower heads, spa tubs, heated flooring, and other spa-like comforts. Tankless water heaters offer a continuous supply of hot water for quiet baths or long, hot showers, as well as dramatic energy cost savings.

The Internet, wireless communications, and other advancing computer technologies have freed many people from having to go into the office every day. Dedicated home office suites provide both the necessary separation from home life that is required for productivity and a stress-free commute.

Living/family rooms have evolved into flexible entertainment areas that do more than provide a place to sit and watch TV. As the interactivity levels of video-game systems increases, more space is needed to jump, run, ski, and exercise.

Let your home-improvement specialist help you update your space.

If you made home improvements in 2009, make sure that you have what you need to claim the credits on your 2009 taxes. If you missed out in 2009, these credits still apply for 2010. Start planning now so that you can take advantage!

Here are some of the basics; for detailed information go to EnergyStar.Gov.
1. The eligible improvement must be placed in service or work must be completed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
2. A maximum of $1,500 can be claimed for qualifying products.
3. You must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement for the product in order to qualify. Save receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement; for new windows, keep the Energy Star label.
4. Improvements must be made to your principal residence. However, certain products also qualify for second homes.
5. Claim improvements made in 2009 on your 2009 taxes using IRS Tax Form 5695.
6. Tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters are not available for new homes. Certain other improvements do qualify for new homes.

Items that are eligible for the tax credits include:
1. Exterior windows, skylights, storm windows, and doors that have a U factor below 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC, of less than 0.30.
2. Certain types of insulation – specific lifespan and warranty requirements apply.
3. Energy Star brand metal or asphalt roofing – specific lifespan and warranty requirements apply.
4. Central air conditioning
5. Furnaces – either natural gas or propane
6. Heat pumps
7. Hot water boilers
8. Hot water heaters – either gas, oil, or propane
9. Biomass stoves
10. Photovoltaic solar panels
11. Wind energy systems
12. Residential fuel cells and micro-turbine systems

All qualifying products must meet certain energy-efficiency levels; thus, not all products qualify for the tax break. Only those with higher energy efficiency ratings are eligible, and these products typically cost more than standard products. Also remember that the $1,500 maximum (as a percentage up to 30% of the cost of the upgrade) is cumulative for ALL improvements.

If you’re thinking about making home improvements this year, the time is definitely now! Your home improvement professional can provide you with additional information on qualifying products and exceptions.

Here are some indications:
There are damaged sections that need repair.

Existing siding requires excessive maintenance.

Your home needs additional insulation (certain rooms in your home are too warm or too cold or you have areas of blistering wallpaper or peeling paint). New siding can increase the insulating ability, or R-value, of your home.

Existing siding has dry rot, insect damage, staining, shows uneven weathering, buckling, or decay.

If you decide to replace your home’s exterior, there are a number of things to consider. What look do you want? Do you want your home to stand out or blend in? What’s your budget? How long will you live in your home? What type of climate do you live in? Here’s an overview of the most popular choices:

Vinyl
Vinyl siding is manufactured in a variety of styles and colors and never requires painting. Vinyl is an economical choice with low maintenance and a long life. Vinyl resists insects and doesn’t fade, crack, chip, blister, or flake. Vinyl, by itself, is not a good insulator, so it must be installed over insulating material or look for insulated vinyl siding products.

Wood
Solid wood siding remains popular although it’s a more expensive option. Wood requires ongoing maintenance—sealing, staining, and repainting to prevent water damage, sun damage, and rot. Engineered wood products offer a similar look at a lower cost and with less maintenance. Plus, engineered wood products can be cut and installed quicker and cheaper than wood and can be treated to resist mildew and deterioration.

Fiber-cement
Made of cement, ground sand, and wood fibers, fiber-cement siding provides the look and feel of wood at a much lower cost.
Fiber-cement siding is durable and requires less maintenance. It’s fire and insect proof and doesn’t warp. Fiber-cement resists heat and cold well, so it’s energy efficient.

Stucco
Stucco is a good choice for Spanish, Italian, or Mission-style homes. Stucco is durable and provides good insulation but can crack from poor workmanship or weather. Cracks must be patched to prevent water damage, and the surface requires routine painting. Stucco is normally more expensive to install.

Masonry
Masonry siding using real or manufactured brick or stone is the most expensive option. The look of brick or stone can be replicated with some newer products, or brick or stone siding can be used as an accent to emphasize an architectural feature.

Your home improvement professional can help you determine what’s right for you. Properly installed siding can add insulation, protection from the elements, style, and value to your home.

Inspect your roof periodically from the outside. Don’t walk up on the roof; you can do more damage that way. Get a pair of binoculars and look for any of the following problems:
Blistered, curled, or split shingles.

Loose, broken, or missing shingles or tiles.

Loose or exposed nails.

Dark patches on asphalt shingles or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters (this indicates advanced wear).

Sagging on the ridges or in the center of the roof.

Rusty or corroded metal flashing.

For flat roofs, look for blisters, depressions near vent pipes, separations in the flashing, and clogged drains.

Also inspect your roof from your attic. Check for the following problems:
Sagging decking between the rafters.

Outside light that can be seen through the roof (check with a roofing professional—this may not signal a problem in all types of roofs).

Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). Test dark spots with a screwdriver to see if they are old or new problems. The spot will be wet or soft if it is a current problem. Wet spots may not be directly under the actual leak; water travels to the lowest point before dripping. Bacteria, fungi, and mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours.

Signs of leaks (usually in the form of water stains or sagging ceilings)—these may be caused by an active leak in the roof or by condensation resulting from poor roof ventilation.

If you have wooden shakes, look for damage from termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring pests.

If you notice problems, don’t assume that you’ll need to start all over with a brand new roof. If your roof was properly installed and is less than 15 to 20 years old, it can often be repaired rather than replaced.

If your roof is in need of replacement, you may benefit from the new federal tax credits. If you purchase shingles that meet the federal guidelines for energy efficiency before Dec 31, 2010, you could be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500.

A roofing professional can help you decide what’s best for your home and should have all of the information about the tax-break eligibility of the available materials.

Roofing & More, Inc., uses Guardian E-Z Attic Insulation for their projects. E-Z Attic is a yellow, loose-fill fiberglass and is installed manually by spreading the insulation over an area to a specified thickness to achieve the desired thermal value. The U.S. Department of Energy has established minimum recommended insulation R-values for 7 distinct parts of the country, or insulation zones. “R” stands for ‘resistance to heat flow.’ The greater the R-value, the greater the insulative power. R-value requirements depend on factors such as local climate and the surface you are insulating (walls, ceiling, floor, etc.) will be regulated and by your local building code.

Fires can be prevented with a little common sense. Review these important tips about fire safety.

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended. If you cook on a gas stove with an open flame, don’t wear loose sleeves as these can drag into the flame.

Loose clothing, dish towels, and curtains are a danger around flame sources, including candles. Use care with open flame sources.

Place fire extinguishers near ALL potential fire hazards, like stoves and fireplaces.

Keep clutter away from heaters, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and ovens. Clean lint regularly from your clothes dryers.

Fire alarms cut the danger of being hurt or killed in a fire by 50%. Two-thirds of all fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Test fire alarms once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year. Install fire alarms in or near every bedroom and on each level of your home, including the basement. If you have an oil- or wood-fired heating system, also use a carbon monoxide alarm.

Devise an escape plan in case of fire. Designate two exits from every room. Practice regularly. Put fire ladders in all rooms above ground level. Teach everyone the “Stop, drop, and roll” technique.

Teach kids that matches, lighters, and candles are not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check for telltale signs, like burned matches under beds and in closets. Store matches and lighters in a secure spot.

Statistics from the National Association of Realtors® show that home prices have fallen by an average of 7 percent nationally in the past year. However, according to Remodeling’s 2008–2009 Cost vs. Value Report the value of investments in home remodeling projects declined only 3.86 percent between 2007 and 2008. If you are wondering where to use your money safely during these uncertain economic times, you can still confidently invest in your home.

Currently, one of the best cost versus value projects is replacement windows. Many homeowners are concerned about energy efficiency, and replacement windows are one of the best ways to make your home more efficient and cut down on overall energy costs. New windows contribute to curb appeal, and any project that improves the appearance of your house will hold its value.

Curb appeal can be greatly improved by changing the appearance of your home’s exterior; siding replacement is also at the top of the list. Fiber-cement siding cost versus value ranks slightly above vinyl siding in value, although it costs slightly more. Fiber-cement siding gives the homeowner the look of wood without its disadvantages. Plus, it is guaranteed for up to 50 years and is ideal for hot, humid climates.

Wooden decks complete the list of the top projects, although in some areas of the country the cost versus value is lower. Climates in areas like Florida, Texas, and New Mexico make outdoor construction projects more of a gamble, as oppressive summer heat drives people indoors. The demand for outdoor living and entertaining space in places like South Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts, however, is on the rise.

Kitchen and bath remodeling is a perennial top-ten in cost versus value projects, but homeowners must spend their money wisely. If a remodel strays too far from classic appeal, then potential home buyers may turn away.

The overall trend in cost versus value projects is focusing on smaller, cost-effective projects. This suggests a more discerning attitude in light of the financial downturn. A healthy dose of common sense is always beneficial when planning a project to make sure it is appropriate for the space and resources. Ask us about the cost versus value considerations for your project.

Sunrooms let you enjoy natural light year round and can be designed to suit nearly every floor plan. Adding a sunroom to your home is an economical way to expand your living space. Sunrooms typically have a lower construction cost than traditional additions and can be completed in just a few weeks with minimal disruption. Since a sunroom adds to the square footage of your home, adding one can be an upgrade with a good return on investment.

To design a sunroom that suits your needs, enlist the help of a remodeling professional. You may be surprised at the types of sunrooms and options that are available.

Conservatory or Four-Season Sunroom
In the past, a conservatory meant a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants. Today, a conservatory sunroom, often called a four-season sunroom, is a room with mostly glass walls and possibly even a glass paneled roof. They are generally fully insulated, with duct work for heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Insulated, energy-efficient windows are durable and are designed to block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, while providing maximum exposure to natural light.

Conservatory and four-season sunrooms can serve as kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. Most homeowners want to be able to use a sunroom year round, so this option is what most people have in mind when they think about adding a sunroom.

Patio Room or Three-Season Sunroom
A three-season sunroom generally has no heating or cooling system. Thus, a three-season sunroom is less expensive than a conservatory or four-season sunroom and may not be suitable for year-round use.

Patio rooms generally are constructed on, or are converted from, an existing structure like a deck or a patio. The supporting structure must be sufficient to support not only the weight of the structure itself, but also any snow or rainwater that falls throughout the year. For this reason, an existing deck may need to be replaced to ensure that footings are sufficient to support the entire structure. Warming from the sun makes the three-season room comfortable in summer and in portions of the spring and fall, but is generally not sufficient in the winter months.

Ask your remodeling or sunroom professional about other options for making your sunroom unique, for example, varying the amount and type of glass or opting for a solid roof structure with skylights. Options are available to satisfy almost any personal preference, meet specific needs, or complement existing architectures. Consider bringing sunshine into your space with a new sunroom.

Some of these changes include:
The percentage of the cost of the upgrades allowable as tax credits has been raised from 10 to 30 percent.

Tax credits that were limited to specific dollar amounts have now been changed to 30 percent of the cost of the upgrades.

The maximum dollar amount for improvements per homeowner for the year has been raised from $500 to $1,500.

Items that are eligible for the tax break are:
Exterior windows, skylights, storm windows, and doors. These items must have a U factor (the ability of the product to prevent heat from escaping) of <= 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC (the amount of solar heat that a product allows in), of <= 0.30. Eligibility can vary based on features and by climate zone.

Metal or Asphalt Roofing. Must have an Energy Star rating to qualify. The roofing material must be expected to last at least five years or must come with a minimum 2-year warranty.

Insulation. Certain types of insulation qualify for the tax break; however, insulated siding does not qualify. The main function of the product must be to insulate, and the product must have at least a 5-year lifespan or come with a 2-year warranty.

Other items that may qualify within certain guidelines include:
– Central air conditioning and heat pumps
– Furnaces
– Hot water heaters or boilers
– Photovoltaic solar panels
– Wind energy systems

Specific efficiency levels must be met, so not all Energy Star items qualify for the tax break. Only those with higher energy efficiency ratings are eligible. The $1,500 maximum is cumulative for ALL improvements. So, if you install approved windows and a new water heater this year and 30 percent of the cost of both improvements is $1,700, you will only be able to claim a total of $1,500.

Strict regulations dictate which systems are eligible for the tax break. All items and/or systems must be installed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and must be in the homeowner’s principal residence to qualify. If you own commercial property, additional deductions are available for commercial buildings.

For specific information about all of the home improvement credits that are available, visit Energy Star and click the Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency button. Remember to save receipts and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. For new windows, keep the Energy Star label. You will need these items when filing your taxes.

If you’re thinking about making some home improvements, the timing couldn’t be better. Contact your home improvement contractor for more information.