Home owners with a home office, which includes about 3.4 million taxpayers, may be familiar with tax form 8829 that the IRS uses to determine what kind of tax break their home office qualifies them for. The form is features 43 lines of heavy calculations that are almost sure to make an impression. This year, […]
Fiscal Cliff Deal Helps Homeowners Pay For Green Remodeling
If you are thinking about doing a home remodel this year, there is a new tax incentive to go energy-efficient! As part of the fiscal cliff deal, there is a $500 tax credit for doing certain energy-efficient home improvements. The credit is 10% of the cost of materials for insulation, roofs, and exterior windows and doors that […]
The Subcontractor Relationship
Kathy Shertzer writes that after being in the remodeling business for a while, you begin to realize there are many negligent or even incapable subcontractors out there. Finding a good subcontractor can be a timely and expensive process. The best way is through word of mouth, but networking groups can also be a good way […]
Active House Planners Consider Orientation, Design, and Site Preparation
The first Active House in North America is currently under construction in St. Louis, MO. The focus of an Active House is a healthy indoor climate and superior energy efficiency with a minimal impact on the environment. The project manager of the Active House, Matt Belcher, explains a few elements of the project, beginning with […]
Consider the Following When Kitchen Remodeling, Graniterra Reports
The kitchen is an important part of the house: it is not only where meals are prepared but often where family members gather and socialize about their day. It should be little surprise then that more money and time is spent remodeling kitchens than any other room in most houses. It should also go without […]
Interiors: Kitchen-Remodeling Suggestions
Kitchen remodeling is a great new year’s project to undertake, but before you go diving in, take your time to do your homework first. Understand that this is oftentimes the most expensive room to remodel, so plan accordingly. It can increase the value of your home, though, so doing it right is worth the time. […]
An Innovative Net-Zero Solar Decathlon House
Since 2002, the US Department of Energy has run a competition called the solar decathlon. There are many rules for entries; however, the goal of the competition is student training and public education about clean-energy products and design, and its affordability. This past year, Appalachian State University’s entry, the “Solar Homestead” won the people’s choice […]
Remodeling Tips to Save Energy At Home
When remodeling a home, there are many choices a homeowner can make that will help reduce the energy bill. Adding insulation is the easiest way to save money. Make sure that you don’t have any leaks in door or window frames. Replace windows that are leaking and add coverings that help insulate further. Also, make […]
Comparing Fuel Costs
Since the 1970’s, one of the few predictable things about fuel costs is that they will fluctuate wildly. This can be driven by political unrest, big swings in demand and consumption, both real and perceived demand, and various other things as the world grows ever more interconnected. Regulated energy, such as electricity, tends to be […]
Solar Power Prices Should Continue Falling Through 2025
According to a survey performed by Near Zero, a nonprofit energy research organization, the prices of solar modules, which are the parts of solar panels that produce the electricity, will continue to follow a downward trend that has been set since 1980. In order for the price to continue to drop, however, solar panel research […]