Posted by Rebecca Langley on Thu, Jun 24, 2010
With summer upon us, most of us will be spending more time outside our home than inside it. Your outdoor environment should be just as comfortable as the interior of your home. In addition to landscaping, adding a few improvements to your outdoor space can not only make your yard more enjoyable, it can actually increase your home’s value. Here are some options to explore that may help make your home’s value increase and allow you to make the most of the summer season.
Make Necessary Replacements
Nothing makes your home look fresh like replacing the fundamental exterior components- roofing, siding and windows. These items not only make your home look appealing, they are vital to making your home safe from damage due to water, insect infestation, mold, mildew, wood rot and more. These repairs should take precedence over any other repairs because they directly impact your home’s value, safety and interior.
If you need a new roof, there are many options to consider since
shingles are available in a variety of colors to complement any home’s style. If it is energy efficiency you crave, try roofing shingles with granules that reflect the sun’s heat. Roofing isn’t the only area that has dramatically improved in technology. Siding has come a long way in the last few years and is now available in many textures, finishes and colors that make vinyl siding look like higher-end materials. Fiber cement, brick and stone are other options depending on your budget. Be sure to check the insulation when you replace these items as it tends to settle over the years.
Replacing your windows can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal and utilities. Technologies to look for are Low E glass that allows the home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Custom built replacement windows provide the best value because they fit snugly into the window frame and maximize the window’s energy efficiency.
These improvements will not only make your exterior look great but also make your interior more energy efficient and cooler during the hot summer months. Don’t forget to take advantage of the tax credits before they end on December 31, 2010. Many roofing, siding and window products discussed above qualify for this credit. For more information what products qualify for the credits, read our Tax Credit Explained white paper.
Adding a Deck or Patio
Decks and patios provide comfortable areas for families to gather, socialize and share meals. One key point to keep in mind, however, is that the size of the patio or deck must be proportionate to the size of your home. Adding an oversized deck to a small cape is not aesthetically pleasing and looks awkward. Your yard should be an extension of your home and reflect the same style. You can make the outside more pleasing and interesting by adding colors, stains and/or stamping to the concrete patio. Another option is constructing the deck out of sustainable “green” composite materials such as, wood, rice hulls or recycled plastic. These are not only eco friendly but also long lasting and low maintenance. Make the transition from inside to outside seamless with French doors.
Lighting and Décor
The lighting and décor of your outdoor space should be consistent with the indoor style but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. 
Outdoor fixtures of metal or faux-finish can add high end style without breaking the bank. Outdoor lighting kits are also available at a fair price if you are interested in getting creative. Don’t forget to keep the bugs away! Metal torches and outdoor fire pits can provide relief from mosquitoes and enhance the look of your yard. Patio furniture with cushions and pillows of bright colors and patterns can brighten up your space.
Consider your climate
Making your outdoor area reflect your region and climate is important because it should reflect your outdoor needs. For example, if you live in the southwest, adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard will not only add value but will get a lot of use due to the consistently warm temperature year-round. If you live in the Northeast, making a portion of your porch screened in or lined with windows will allow you to utilize the area during three seasons instead of one.
These improvements discussed not only perk up your outdoor living space, they may increase your home’s value. With summer in full swing, now it the best time to tackle any of the projects discussed. Get out there and get creative because the possibilities are endless!
If your home is in need of roofing, siding, windows or insulation, we can provide you with a FREE no obligation estimate if you call us at 1-800-975-6666.
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Tue, Dec 15, 2009
The federal program of cash for caulkers would allow each household to get a 50% rebate, up to $12,000, for making energy efficient repairs and improvements to their home. While it is still uncertain how the program will be structured, many believe that it will be based on the home energy efficiency program currently in place in New York State. If so, you would hire a contractor to come into your home and conduct an energy audit to check how much energy is being wasted. The audit consists of using a giant fan to draw the outside air into the home, showing leaks in siding, windows, insulation and doors. They will also look at your appliances and determine how much energy is being exerted. Then, a checklist will be compiled of items that need to be improved, how much savings in your monthly bills you can expect and how much it will cost upfront. It is up to the homeowner to determine which of the repairs they would like to make and negotiate the price. Once the improvements are completed, paperwork is submitted by the contractor and the homeowner would receive the 50% rebate (up to $12,000).
One notable question with this program is, what if I don't have enough money to pay for the improvements outright? Currently in New York, you can opt to take out a low interest loan instead of receiving the 10% rebate. Considering the federal rebate will be much greater, financing options are a must. The financing guidelines in terms of credit, income, etc are also a concern because financial institutions have become strict in their lending requirements. Also being considered is partnering with large home improvement stores to help offset the homeowners upfront costs.
It is also important to note that due to the large amount of money being allocated to this stimulus program, fraud is a huge concern. Therefore, it is unclear if the program will cover DIY projects. In the New York State program, you must hire a contractor that is licensed through the Building Performance Institute, a third party certification program. Currently, over 27 states have programs similar to New York. Due to the fact that over half of the states have some rebate program in place, the most time efficient solution would be covering the rebates and licensing on the state level. As with the tax credits that are currently in place, there will be stringent guidelines to be sure the product is indeed energy efficient.
Moonworks supplies New England homeowners with several of these qualifying products including: energy efficient Renewal by Andersen windows and doors, cool roofing technologies, Repower Home solar hot water systems, and Ownes Corning blow-in insulation. We also hire our own installers, making quality control and professionalism a priority.
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Flickr member: energy.circle.
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Thu, Dec 10, 2009
With the current housing market, many people are trying to find ways to make improvements to their current home. One of the most important things to consider when choosing which home improvement project you are going to take on, is your return on investment. You want to be sure that the improvements you are making increase your home's value in addition to making it a more enjoyable place to live. Most improvements that add value to your home are ones that become part of the house such as, adding a room, replacing your current roof, if needed, renovating the kitchen with new counter tops & cabinets and getting new windows.
Adding a room allows you to increase the square footage of your home, which increases your home's value. While this project will require you to obtain building permits and updating your information with the recorder's office, it also gives you the opportunity to add a room that you have always wanted or needed. For example, if you have a house with 3 or more bedrooms and only 1 bathroom, adding a bath or half bath could make your home more desirable to someone in the future should you decide to sell. If you don't want to add a new room, you could renovate a room that needs to be updated. One of the most common is the kitchen. Adding new counter tops and cabinets gives the room a fresh look that will increase your home's value. Be sure that the updates you make in regards to style and color are not too trendy and flow with the style of your home.
If your current roof is over 20 years old, it may be time to replace it. This is one project may not directly increase your home's value but will prevent major home repairs that ultimately could save you money in the future. If you wait too long to replace your roof, it could let water into your home and over time cause structural damage and mold. This is also an opportunity to make your home more energy efficient by adding shingles that slow heat build up by reflecting the sun's light and will save you money in the future. Another way to make your home look like new is by adding new windows. Like the roof, these windows over time will save you money by making your home less drafty and more energy efficient. Up to 30% of your home's energy is lost through the windows. By installing new energy efficient windows, they hold the heat in during the winter and keep the cooler air inside the home during the summer.
If you are considering replacing your old roof or windows, Moonworks offers a wide variety of shingles and windows that will save you money over time by increasing your home's value and making it more energy efficient.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Wed, Nov 18, 2009
Do you consider yourself to be a green individual? Do you foresee a green future for renewable energy and want to get a piece of the fiscal returns?
Well, you have several paths to green investments. Not only do you have your choice of investment vehicle (Stocks, ETF's, Mutual Funds), you also have a choice of green focus. By green focus I am referring to two different categories:
Environmentally Proactive Companies: A company, regardless of industry, that focuses on performing their daily business with green practices. This includes companies like Apple and Google, which strive to reduce their carbon footprint and are environmentally friendly.
Green Energy Companies: A company that is directly involved in the generation of green energy or helping the environment as their core business strategy.
If you are an investing veteran and have considerable confidence in your ability, you could invest in individual company stocks. Usually, investing in individual stocks carries more risk and requires a large amount of time and research. To avoid this burden, many average investors prefer to invest via ETF's or Mutual Funds. For those who aren't familiar, an ETF, exchange traded fund, is a security that is tied to an index, holds a basket of stocks like a mutual fund, and trades like a stock on the exchanges. To save you some legwork we list several green ETF's and mutual funds below.
ETF's
Alternative Energy ETF's (companies and products that use renewable sources of energy):
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy QCLN
iShares S&P Global Clean Energy Index ICLN
Market Vectors Glb Alternative Energy ETF GEX
PowerShares Global Clean Energy PBD
PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy PBW
Two solar ETFs:
Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy TAN
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF KWT
Two wind ETFs:
First Trust Global Wind Energy FAN
PowerShares Global Wind Energy PWND
Mutual Funds:
MF invest in both energy generating and environmentally proactive companies:
Alger Green SPEGX
Portfolio 21 PORTX
MF Invest directly in green energy production:
Calvert Global Alternative Energy CGAEX
Additionally, you could directly invest in renewable energy for your home. Here at Moonworks, we install solar hot water systems for homeowners across the North East through our sister company, Repower Home. The relatively modest cost and high energy savings make solar hot water a great longterm investment. Once you deduct many of the federal and state incentives, the solar hot water system cost is generally around $6000. A typical two-panel system generates enough power to save you $800 a year in utility costs. Our system has an average life of 25 years. So if you look at the system from an investment perspective, that's over 13% per year ($800/$6000) for 25 years - a lot more than you'd get at the bank if you were to take that same $6000 and invest in a CD.
Whatever route you take, it is important to do your research and feel comfortable with your ultimate investment decision.
*Moonworks is not an investment advisor. The above article is strictly for entertainment.
Source: CNBC