Posted by Damien Cabral on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
The economy has recovered and America is back on track…I know it doesn’t feel like it yet but there are some early signs, like the venture capital money flowing again. A prime example occurred this week, when Lowe’s Home Improvement injected $8 million of financing in a home energy efficiency start-up Recurve Inc.
This investment is historic in its nature because Lowe’s has never invested in any other early-stage company. The synergies with this relationship are not too difficult to uncover. Currently, there are billions of dollars of government money waiting to be released with the potential passage of the Homestar Bill. Additionally, energy audits and the subsequent retrofits lead to the purchase of energy-efficient home improvement supplies – which Lowes carries. Lowe’s can supply the exposure through in store displays to catapult Recurve into the big leagues while ensuring a steady stream of sold products.
What is Recurve going to do with $8 million? Good Question! Recurve plans on adding to its staff of 65 to push through it's existing business pipeline, which is filled with hundreds of orders for their energy auditing software. In addition to actually running energy audits and retrofits, Recurve has designed software that aids other contractors through the energy auditing process. This package is sure to take off as the energy auditing market begins to ramp up from its current infancy stage.
So what does this all mean? The immediate impact is not great but this investment is symbolic of the future of home improvement. Very large players (the government, Lowes, etc…) are now taking notice in the opportunities available to us in the energy-efficiency building industry. Soon, every home improvement, from paint to roofing shingles, will be tied to energy efficiency and green building. Energy-efficient building is arguably still in its infancy and will be sure to explode with future cash injections.
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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 Damien Cabral on Mon, Jun 14, 2010
Just when you think you think you have blogged about everything there is to blog about in home improvement, you stumble upon something else new and exciting. Today we 
discovered tree houses for adults. BlueForest, and award winning sustainable construction firm, has been building everything from tree houses for children to tree house hotels.
Thinking of building your next home in the forest canopy? Well you will want to make sure the host tree is healthy and mature. Ideal trees include Oak and Beech. Worried about the trees long-term health? No Need! BlueForest sends a site surveyor out before one nail is hit to be sure the site will remain healthy and sustainable. They make sure to leave adequate space for the tree to grow and move naturally in the future. No trees on your building site? This isn’t a problem either. BlueForest can build your home entirely on stilts and incorporate small trees and shrubs into the design.
Don’t want your entire house to be above ground? Perhaps you could consider only raising your pool house. Instead of building a deck, create a treetop dinner house for those cool summer nights and family get-togethers. Be sure to check out the amazing pictures below.
Treetop Dinning
Castle in the Trees
Castle in the Trees Inside
Adult Tree House
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Posted by Damien Cabral on Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Chances are you haven't had a chance to tour our entire website yet so we figured we would highlight some of the great resources we provide at no charge.
#1 Home Improvement Tax Credits Explained- Home Improvement Tax Credits are complicated! That is why Moonworks created an 11-page article walking you through (and decoding) the fine print, product by product, with: Home Improvement Tax Credits Explained.
#2 The New Lead Laws: What You Need to Know- New lead laws, what new lead laws? Exactly! Many homeowners do not know that new home lead laws took effect on April 22 , 2010. Moonworks has put together this guide to condense the large amount of information into a short, easy to read document, to help keep you and your family safe and up-to-date: The New Lead Laws: What You Need to Know.
#3 Residential Solar Technology Made Simple - Talk of renewable energy is everywhere you turn - the news, the web, and even by the water cooler at work. At Moonworks, we know the details and sheer number of different renewable energy technologies can be difficult to grasp. That is why we put together an article to explain it all: Residential Solar Technology Made Simple.
Bonus: Be sure to check out our Home Improvement Photo Gallery for inspirational ideas for your own home.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Wed, Jun 09, 2010
Today's article is dedicated to very cool inventions that can be used around your home. If this post receives a healthy amount of comments, we will make this a regular series.
Cool Home Gadget #1: 360 Degree Rotating Power Outlets
Honestly, how cool are these? We have all been there. You have a cumbersome plug to some device and you hate to plug it in because it covers both wall sockets. Well Smarthome has the solution. The online store carries wall power outlets with 2-4 swiveling power plugs. Now you can plug in your cell phone and your Glade air freshener with no worries!
Cool Home Gadget #2: Java-Log Firelogs®
Did you know that coffee grounds have more energy than cordwood when combusted? Me neither! Java-Log Firelogs inventor, Rod Sprules, has turned this fun factoid into a useful green product. The Java-Log utilizes coffee grounds, that would otherwise be discarded by local coffee houses and divertes 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from landfills per year. They are available in both 2 and 3 hour burn times and emit 78% less carbon monoxide than traditional wood.
Cool Home Gadget #3: Retractable Clothes Line
If you're like me, sometimes you get yelled at for hanging your wet bathing suit or drip-dry laundry on the shower rod (dripping the excess water onto the tile floor.) The question at hand is where else can you hang your laundry if you don't have a permanent clothesline outside? Well the Hideaway Clothesline provides a solution to this ever-pondered question. The product provides an 8-foot retractable clothesline that can be fastened to just about any surface; including your bathroom, laundry room, garage or camper. You can keep the line extended permanently or retract it and reclaim your space once your cloths are dry.
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Posted by Rebecca Langley on Thu, Jun 03, 2010
With the warm weather upon us, many homeowners are looking forward to working outside gardening and landscaping. But, did you know you can increase your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency by strategically planting shade plants or pruning your current landscaping?
Trim the Trees
Unruly branches on large trees may be preventing a breeze from entering your home. By pruning the branches of the tree as to not obstruct the windows of your home, you can open up the space to allow a welcoming breeze that may help you save money on your energy costs. Placing shrubs under windows also allows the air flow to move upwards and into your window.
The more shade, the cooler the home
Trees and scrubs shade your home thus slowing the home’s heat absorption rate. This will naturally make your home cooler during the summer months, saving you money on energy costs. To maximize effectiveness, examine your home and see which sides of the home get direct sunlight or what areas are affected by the late-morning/early afternoon sun, which is when the rays are strongest. By planting the trees and shrubs in this area, you can assure you are getting the most bang for your buck as shaded air is about 6% cooler than air in direct sunlight.
Another item to consider is the type of tree or shrub you want to plant. If you want to shade the roof, planting a tree with a large canopy is best but will take a while to grow to the height needed. However, if you want to shade the lower portion of the home, planting a tree that grows quickly will allow you to start reaping the energy savings sooner. Vines and ivy also cool down your walls by creating a natural canopy. Just be careful not to plant trees and scrubs too close to the house- you want to give the tree enough room for root growth as to not damage the home’s foundation in the future. Just be sure to read up on which plants and trees thrive in your location and soil.
Enhance your cooling technology
By surrounding the outdoor air conditioning unit with plants, you can save up to 10% on your energy costs. Plants help offset the energy exerted by the unit during the hot summer months work that the unit Just be careful not to create a natural wall that may block the unit from getting the air it needs to perform. Leaving about 2 feet around and five feet above the unit should be sufficient. If you have a window air conditioning unit, place it on the north side of your home, which typically receives the least sun.
If you are looking for other ways to make your home more green and energy efficient, Moonworks offers energy efficient roofing shingles, replacement windows, and renewable energy solutions.
For a FREE estimate, contact us at 1-800-975-6666 or visit us at www.moonworkshome.com.