We’ve gone paperless; we’ve gone plastic-less…now there’s a new phase to the ‘green’ era. A Deep Energy Retrofit: a way to make your home more comfortable and eco-friendly.

A Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) is essentially refitting your existing structure by super-insulating and making extensive improvements to enhance energy performance, usually with reductions in energy of 50-90%.

Before you start, it is important to know how your existing home is using and consuming energy. To achieve this, you can study utility bills from the past year. You can also perform infrared imaging, blower-door testing, or duct-blaster testing for more specific results. There is also an energy feedback device available to measure how much electricity your home is using. Testing should also include the exterior parts of the home (building envelope), such as the exterior walls, insulation, roof and ceiling, and air sealing. In order to know which areas to concentrate on, these tests are vital to the retrofit process.

This type of green remodeling takes a great deal of planning for such a comprehensive and invasive project. Space heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, appliances and electric loads are the systems that are considered as part of the retrofit. More specifically, insulation/super-insulation, air sealing, moisture management, replacing roof/windows/doors, properly vented combustion appliances, alternative a/c, more efficient plumbing and insulation of hot water pipes, high-efficiency water heaters, increased natural day lighting, provisions for an easy way to turn off equipment to eliminate phantom electrical loads, and possible installation of alternative energy sources are what will be closely looked at for renovations. In addition, because moisture is such an important issue that must be managed, other possible improvements may include perimeter drains in the basement, exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, solar energy installations on the roof, and solar hot water collectors.

A deep energy retrofit will improve the indoor air quality of your home, which will ultimately improve your health and comfort. It will also make your home more durable and safe, as well as, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save on energy costs, and increase long term affordability.

There is one other benefit that you might be able to take advantage of, if you’re thinking of “going green”. It is the Deep Energy Retrofit program from National Grid. If you’re interested, see our blog “National Grid’s Deep Energy Retrofit Program” for general information.

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / General and Remodeling and energy-efficient

National Grid is providing financial incentives for deep energy retrofit projects from 2010 through 2012.

What:

The program is for projects that entail super-insulation upgrades as well as other procedures involving projects such as re-siding and roofing.

Who:

• Owners of residential 1-4 unit buildings or 5+ unit apartment buildings in National Grid’s gas service area that heat with natural gas
• Owners of residential 1-4 unit buildings in National Grid’s electric service area that heat with any fuel besides natural gas
• Owners of 5+ unit apartment buildings in National Grid’s electric service area that heat with electricity

Benefits:

• Potential reimbursement of 75% of cost up to $42,000 of single family homes, or 25% of cost up to $10,000 per unit for apartment buildings, involving a deep energy retrofit of the whole building (Incentives will be prorated for partial deep energy retrofit projects)
• Energy savings of 50% or more
• Healthier indoor air quality
• Increased comfort and quality of life

Requirements:

Candidates must team up with a contractor that has applicable experience to identify and propose deep energy retrofit project. Candidates must also be able to secure their own financing of up to $50,000 or more for a comprehensive single family project. Support from the building owner, a willingness to test new technologies in the building, as well as, cooperation and access for program monitoring, learning, and publicity is also required.

For additional general information and a case study, go to Power of Action – National Grid Case Studies.

For specific details on incentives, process steps, time tables, requirements, and selection criteria, go to Power of Action.

For general information on Deep Energy Retrofits, see our blog “Going Green!”

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / Remodeling and energy-efficient

Since the housing market is low and no one wants to chance selling their home right now, the more sensible thing to do is to remodel. These days, remodeling to enhance your existing living environment is the way to go. Even in this economy, there are benefits to renovating your home now.

The thought of spending thousands of dollars to add-on or improve your home may seem impractical, but if you use it to better utilize the space you already have, you will benefit from a more comfortable, practical, and appealing living space. In addition to improving interior living spaces, many families are enhancing their outdoor living space. People are now using the renovations as an opportunity to reconnect, using their new screened porches, sunrooms, pergolas, and decks to spend time with family and friends.

Renovating in this economy also comes with the benefit of better availablity for more reputable contractors. Due to less demand, contractors may now be available at the time you need them. And because of the increased competition for jobs these days, you might be able to negotiate a better price for your project.

If you’re on a strict budget, be ‘choosy’ about your project. Most people who are opting to remodel are choosing less expensive luxuries and frills, and instead are seeking energy-efficient upgrades and low-cost cosmetic improvements. These home improvements will save you money in the long run by lowering your utility bills. Other unexpected benefits are rebates and tax credits from the government and utility companies that you may be eligible for. (Check our blogs on the Nstar Renovation Program and the Mass Major Renovations Program to find out more.)

As you research and gather information for your project, think about what will benefit you and give you the most enjoyment. Decide which renovations will increase the quality of your life. With good information, it’s easy to remodel a home full of options that perfectly suits your family’s lifestyle.

Question:

What are some of the projects that you may be thinking about to enhance your existing living environment, now or in the future?

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / Remodeling

Attention: Massachusetts Homeowners!!

Did you know that you could be eligible for a renovation rebate?

If you’re thinking about making a major renovation to your home, you could be in for a welcomed surprise. The State of Massachusetts has a rebate program that will give a rebate of up to $2000 for renovating, remodeling, or making home improvements to your existing home.

Massachusetts Major Renovations Program

• Amount: 75% of envelope upgrades (existing building) plus 15% of costs of “above code” envelope upgrades (renovated section and/or addition).
• Maximum Incentive: $2000
• Eligible Size: At least 500 sq. ft. of space must be added to the existing home to qualify.
• Expiration Date: December 10, 2010

There are certain areas in Massachusetts that consist of sponsoring utilities and energy efficiency service providers* where you can improve your home and possibly receive a $2000 rebate, as well as other freebies, such as compact flourescent light bulbs.

In order to participate and become eligible for the benefits, you must contact the program and sign up before any demolition work takes place. You must then select a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating company to assess and identify home efficiency upgrade opportunities, according to a certain set of criteria. The Rater will submit your application on your behalf. The Rater will also be actively involved throughout the entire project, making inspections, to guarantee that specific goals are being met.

You must be adding 500 square feet or more to the existing home. In addition, there are certain requirements for the exterior walls, attic, ceilings, crawl space, and sealed duct work that must be met in the existing structure. Gutted areas also have specific mandatory requirements to be met.

This program provides a great benefit to not only the homeowner, but also to the environment by improving the amount of energy and electricity used. In order to find more specific details, an application, and contact information, go to check out Mass Energy Star Homes.

Please post any questions to the blog if you would like to know more.

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / energy-efficient

Why not improve the quality of your home and save money in the process? Completing an energy audit and upgrading to energy-efficient products will literally ‘pay off’ in the long run. By purchasing energy-efficient products, you may be eligible to receive a federal tax credit. In addition, those products will make your home more efficient, which will ultimately result in lower utility bills.

Energy Audits

An energy audit is a process that assesses how much energy your home uses and provides you with recommendations to make it more efficient.

There are two ways to perform an energy audit: Do-It-Yourself and hiring a Professional Home Energy Auditor.

• Do-It-Yourself- This type of audit is simple and easy. Set aside a small amount of time and gather utility bills from the last year. You can use the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick to complete the audit. This will compare your home’s energy with other similar type homes around the country.
• Professional Home Auditor- If you want detailed recommendations to improving your energy efficiency, you would be better off hiring a professional auditor. They will have special techniques and equipment to perform specific tests. Make sure you hire an auditor that is certified.

Federal Tax Credit

Purchasing energy-efficient products may qualify you for a federal tax credit.

Details: Credit of 30% of cost up to $1500.00*

Must be an existing home and the principle residence** in order to qualify. (Does not include new construction and/or rentals.)

Expires: December 31, 2010

*Maximum of $1500.00, no matter how many products purchased. If $1500.00 was credited in 2009, then nothing will be given in 2010. For multiple unmarried people living in the same residence, owning it jointly, each are eligible for credit on the amount of money each spent for home improvement, up to $1500.00 maximum for the home.

** A ‘principle residence’ is defined as a home you own and live most of the time. (US residence) It can include a house, houseboat, mobile home, co-op apartment, condo, or manufactured home.

In order to find specific details on exactly what products the tax credit includes, go to www.energystar.gov.

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / energy-efficient

From HVAC to roofing products, the American Recovery and Reinvestment and Act (ARRA) initiated tax credits for a range of energy-efficient home improvements, mostly related to a home’s mechanicals or building envelope. With the legislation focusing on reducing the biggest aspects of a home’s energy use, other product categories were not addressed in the Act, despite being classified as sustainable products.

One such area is kitchen cabinetry, which the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has worked hard to “green” with its Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). But with the proposed legislation, cabinetry, carpeting, countertops, flooring, and other home furnishings may also become eligible for tax deductions and credits.

Read full article

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / General

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — A federal tax credit of up to $8,000 is nudging many Americans into buying a home for the first time, good news for those trying to sell one.

Still, selling a home isn’t easy in most markets today. To get the typical first-time buyer to bite and submit an offer, a house has to stand apart from the competition — and there’s a lot of it, including foreclosure homes that are selling at hefty discounts.

One big thing working in favor of the traditional seller: A lived-in, maintained home is easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in than a vacant foreclosure. That has great appeal for someone buying a home for the first time, for practical and financial reasons.

“First-time buyers are skeptical of buying homes that need improvement. Sellers certainly don’t need to remodel the kitchen, but they want to make sure that their home showcases very well,” said Eric Mangan, a spokesman for ForSaleByOwner.com.

Read the full article

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / General

Many folks think that remodeling is about gutting the kitchen or bathroom or adding a large family room. This doesn’t have to be the case. A good designer can find many economical ways of upgrading and using the existing footprint better instead of starting from scratch.

New countertops, lighting updates, a beautiful stone backsplash and new energy efficient appliances can have a significant impact on a budget kitchen remodel. Basic and thoughtful change can have dramatic effect in any room without breaking the bank.

One such upgrade we did in Northborough, MA. After the work was complete my client was transferred out of state and had to sell the home. It sold in about 30 days with three people putting in offers. The owner called to thank us because the key reason the home sold so quickly was because of the kitchen upgrades.

Northborough MA Kitchen upgrade – before

Northborough MA Kitchen upgrade – after
So where do you start and how much does it cost? Designers are well equipped to help you through the process of remodeling based on your predetermined budget. A professional design and build company is familiar with the many choices that are available in today’s marketplace and can counsel you in choosing materials and finishes for your home that represent good values and within your budget.
In these challenging economic times budget minded remodeling may make more sense for many of us. We know that we are tired of looking at worn out bathroom vanities, beaten kitchen countertops, or maybe the family is just too close for comfort. Changing floor plans and some of the basic materials within the rooms of our homes can help us feel a better about the spaces we inhabit without breaking the piggy bank.
Project Plus Builders can help you with all of your remodeling, building and maintenance issues. Call us at 1-800-371-8766 or 978-464-5707.

1 Comment » Posted by Kyle Dube / General

According to the poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%). In another survey, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here’s how to avoid their mistakes and save:

Don’t rush in. Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling gaffe, adding $1,500 to kitchen projects and $650 to bath remodels. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.
Prepare for the unexpected. There’s a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17 percent of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10 percent of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.

Don’t chase the low ball. Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for the lowball ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don’t sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials — these are called “allowances,” in contractor speak.

Get the paperwork in order. Have the contractor attach copies of his up-to-date license, insurance, and workers’ compensation policies to the written contract. He should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.

Focus on the boring bits. Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / General

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) comes at an opportune time for the remodeling industry. Intended to boost the overall economy, the stimulus package also advances energy conservation policy with more than $4 billion dollars earmarked to create, extend, or remove dollar limits on tax credits for energy-related home improvements and renewable energy systems.

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Summary chart

No Comments » Posted by Kyle Dube / General