Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Windows, Doors, and Skylights If you replaced any windows, doors, or skylights, or installed new ones that meet Energy Star standards, you are eligible for a tax credit. You don't have to replace all your windows and doors to qualify, and you can claim the credit if you installed a window or door where there wasn't one before. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, up to $200 for windows and skylights, and up to $500 for doors. Does not include installation.

Roofs (Metal and Asphalt) Roofing materials that meet Energy Star requirements reflect more of the sun's rays and can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100 F. Qualifying roofing materials include metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, not including installation, up to $500.

Water Heaters (Nonsolar) Water heating can account for up to 25 percent of the energy used in your home. Qualifying water heaters include gas, oil, and propane units with an Energy Factor (overall efficiency) of 0.82 or more or a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent. Electric heat-pump water heaters with an energy factor of 2.0 or more also qualify. Tax credit: $300.

Insulation Typical bulk insulation productssuch as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-placecan qualify for a tax credit, according to Energy Star. Products that reduce air leaks can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement and weather stripping, spray foam in a can, caulk, and house wrap. Tax credit: 10 percent of the cost, up to $500. Does not include installation, but you can install the insulation/home sealing yourself and get the credit.

Biomass Stoves To heat a home or water, biomass stoves burn wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), agricultural crops and trees, plants (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues, and fibers. To qualify, stoves must have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75 percent and meet 2020 clean-air standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Tax credit: $300.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Some heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment qualifies for an energy tax credit. For full details see the Energy Star website. Here are the improvements: Central air conditioning, $300 tax credit. Air source heat pumps, $300 tax credit. Gas, propane, or oil boiler, $150 tax credit, including installation costs. Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace, $150 tax credit.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but they use the ground temperature instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning, and, in most cases, hot water. Because they use the earth's natural heat, they are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available. Tax credit: 30 percent of cost with no upper limit (second homes qualify).

Residential Wind Turbines A wind turbine harnesses energy from the wind and converts it to electricity compatible with your home's electrical system. Tax credit:30 percent of cost with no upper limit (second homes qualify).

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Don't Miss Out on These Federal Energy Tax Credits - Consumer ... - ConsumerReports.org

The constant temperature of the earth we live on is a sustainable resource that, when tapped with heat pump technology, can be used to supply comfort in our homes winter and summer and, at the same time, support New York States goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 (from 1990 levels).

Recently Lansing's representative to the County Legislature, Mike Sigler, suggested that NYSEG's moratorium on new gas installations might be expanded from Lansing alone to the whole county. Thats an exciting idea! Its consistent with the County's carbon emission reduction goals and challenges us to think creatively about alternative heating and cooling.

The initial cost of geothermal heat pump systems has been a barrier to widespread adoption. In a proposal that will put New York at the forefront of support for renewable energy use, Governor Cuomo earlier this month proposed a two-year, $15 million rebate program for the installation of ground-source heat pumps. It awaits approval from the legislature. If approved it would provide about $6,000 for an average residential geothermal installation. No other state provides such strong support to encourage leaving fossil fuels in the ground and move to sustainable renewable energy sources.

The barriers to widespread adoption of geothermal heat pumps are ebbing. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have concluded that geothermal heat pumps are the most environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way to heat and cool your home. With 50,000 to 80,000 geothermal heat pump installations per year in the US alone, homeowners are beginning to learn more about these energy saving systems.

Once installed, geothermal systems perform reliably for many years. They are environmentally beneficial, replacing onsite fossil fuels. They require local labor for the installation, thus helping the local economy. Because they are 300% efficient, they use very little electricity. They provide not only heat in winter, but with a flip of the switch, cool your home in summer. All this buried treasure right under our feet!

There are many examples of geothermal systems at work in Tompkins County. The town halls in Dryden and Caroline are but two examples. The locally, volunteer-run, Heat Smart program will soon be sponsoring tours such that anyone can go visit a home where the owners have installed heat pumps, and talk about their experiences. The schedule for the home tours is posted at SolarTompkins.org.

Stephen Emlen Town of Lansing, NY v13i10

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Letters - Buried Treasure at our Feet? - Lansing Star

(Family Features) When you renovate an older home, the goal is not always to replace old with new. In fact, some renovations are all about preserving the past with a design that reflects and pays respect to the yesteryear features that make your home unique.

Whether youre planning a renovation for a 60-year-old home, or working to infuse some retro charm into a newer place, the ultimate goal is capturing the nostalgic feel of older homes: the classic lines, hardwood, moldings and woodwork, and features like fireplaces or stonework, bannisters or windows and doors.

The kitchen can be a particularly challenging room to renovate because the blend of old charm with modern convenience and functionality can seem at complete odds. These ideas from the design experts at Elmira Stove Works can help you combine practical function with timeless features for a room filled with character and purpose.

Keep cabinet facades true to the era. Updating the cabinets is practically a necessity for any vintage kitchen remodel. Although many older kitchens lacked the cabinet space modern homeowners desire, you can still achieve a retro look with ample storage by focusing more on the shape and style than on the quantity. With this approach, you can add as much storage and as many functional amenities as your space allows while still capturing the right look for the era. Opt for sleek and understated styles, or for some extra flair incorporate exaggerated angles and curves common to mid-century design. Material and color options abound, so youre free to go bold and glossy or more subdued.

Design with a focal point in mind. In a retro kitchen, standout elements such as colorful appliances can enhance the space and act as a focal point in the room. Stainless steel has become almost default in kitchens from coast to coast. Whether your home is on the beach, in the mountains or in a suburban neighborhood, for those who find beauty in the past, choosing a retro refrigerator or a vintage stove might be a better choice. These appliances act as a major design element in the space, and fortunately there are plenty of options when it comes to retro appliances with exciting pops of color. One example is the Northstar line offered by Elmira Stove Works, which offers the ideal blend of form plus function: soft lines, rounded corners and refreshing colors including a dazzling Robins Egg Blue along with the premium performance you'd expect from the most modern appliances. Visit elmirastoveworks.com to explore a product catalog and find more design inspiration.

Let the details bring it all together. Vibrant color is the signature of any retro kitchen, so dont forget to carry that design element through the space with accessories like dishes, cookbooks and vintage relics that celebrate bygone days. Other details like hardware, small appliances and utensils that harken the past can bring a cohesive look to the kitchen for a seamless style that feels like stepping back in time.

Bringing old character to life can be a tricky proposition when it comes to remodeling, however, with the proper focus on appliances, major features like the cabinetry and small details that make a big difference, you can confidently create a new space that takes you to another time.

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Tips for a Vintage Kitchen Remodel - Bloomer Advance (subscription)

By Garrett Ohlmeyer Staff Writer

This weekend, the Bayou Home Show and Cannatas Festival of Food will feature hundreds of options for renovating and remodeling homes.

The festival, in its eighth year, will have about 120 booths with companies that specialize in home and garden renovation and about 40 booths with a focus on food.

It will be held at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Admission is $6, with free admission for children under age 12.

The home-renovating section will have home and gardening supplies, and companies that can help with installation.

One of the main focuses of the show is to make remodeling certain aspects of a home easier,said show managerTony DEramo.

Its just a place that you can come and kind of do everything that you were looking to do all year for your home, DEramo said. So if youve got big plans to do a kitchen remodel or anything like that, you can really get it all done at the home show.

If you want a room remodel, you dont have to go and have 10 different people come to your house. You can kind of talk to everybody around here, set up appointments and get it all done, he added.

The festival of food will feature Louisiana-based companies such as Tony Chacheres, Zatarains and PJs Coffee, with food samples and coupons available.

DEramo said the food booths are a great addition to the home remodeling aspect of the event.

They just kind of really go together, DEromo said. People in Louisiana love to eat.

-- Staff Writer Garrett Ohlmeyer can be reached at (985) 850-1149 or garett.ohlmeyer@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @GOhlmeyer.

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Home show, food festival kicks off Saturday - Houma Courier

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners.

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. At a work session following an executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years, but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse and jail kitchen projects are the most important. Other matters include the 911 Central Dispatch communications system, a new animal control facility and expansion of Three Rivers Commission on Agings senior center. County administrator Pat Yoder was instructed to research details related to the proposed courthouse and jail kitchen tasks, with the intent that commissioners will begin moving forward to address the issues. Several years ago, commissioners fielded, but did not act upon, a $14 million quote to expand the current courts building. Remodeling is projected to cost at least $4 million and potentially would address a few pressing concerns, including moving employees out of the basement and improvement of an area where jail inmates are held in advance of court appearances. For some time, commission chairman Allen Balog had not realized the courts building basement housed full-time employees, he said. After studying the basement environs, Balog said he is motivated to move employees out of the basement and into a work environment at or above ground. The basement, initially intended only to store records and documents, houses Friend of the Court, District Court probation and Community Corrections. The three departments have about 20 employees among them. There are no windows, theres only one way out ... its just not right, its a horrible situation, Balog said. From day one, it has always bothered me that we have employees in the basement. We need to do something over there. To what extent? I guess thats up to us, but even the judges chambers, theyve got that 1970s look and something needs to be done. The inmate-staging location, meanwhile, remains another area of concern, due to the design of the courts building. Commissioner Kathy Pangle said the female holding room, for example, was designed to accommodate fewer women than what it now can hold. In general, the lockup area is not sufficient for prisoners anymore, Pangle added. You bring the males over and they sometimes have to be kept separated if they are witnesses against each other, she said. There are only two rooms back there, so that means you have to have an officer sitting outside the lockup area in the garage with that other person to keep them away from the witness. Pangle, who previously worked as a security guard at the courthouse, said there also are situations when attorneys and clients have no privacy. Weve had to have them sit out in the hallway, over by the bathrooms, she said. The need to remodel the jails kitchen stems in part from a $14 million estimate to develop a new jail building. Balog said remodeling or expanding the kitchen might not address every need at the jail, but for the money involved, it would bring a much-desired improvement. Food for Commission on Agings Meals on Wheels is prepared with inmate help at the jail kitchen. Following a discussion with SheriffBrad Balk, Balog said he is concerned about the caliber of inmates assigned to kitchen duty. We have so many felons in jail, that people arrested for misdemeanors arent or are very rarely going to jail because theres no room for them, Balog said. So now the felons, who technically shouldnt be trustees, especially in an area such as a kitchen, are now trustees and probably not the most desirable group of individuals preparing meals. Balog said the dozen inmates used for kitchen help are supervised thoroughly, but he and Balk agree its a matter of time before something regrettable happens. Balk told Balog COA meal production is at full capacity, with about 550 meals prepared on-site each day.

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Priorities: Courts building, jail kitchen - Sturgis Journal

In an effort to compete with modern office buildings, which are packed with luxury amenities, many older properties have had to undergo significant renovations to maintain occupancy and attract new companies. As employees unchain themselves from their desks and cubicles, demanding an improved work/life balance and room to roam, properties have already spent or plan to spend $71M on capital improvements.

New office construction deliveries will spike in 2017, to matchDenver's 25% employmentgrowth. The city also ranks No. 11 fortotal office inventory in the U.S. In the Denver central business district, JLLreported 1.45M SF of new, Class-A construction in Q4 2016. The remaining supply is dated.

Which types of upgrades make the biggest impact on tenants? JLL senior vice president Andy Ross has identified five key improvements that buildings are making to stay competitive.

Courtesy of JLL

First impressions are important. Offices that invest in brighter, more open and more accommodating entry areas can help prospective tenants fully imagine occupying the building. In LoDo, 17th Street Plaza updatedits two-story lobby with bright walls, lighting, high-tech security and high-speed elevators. The plaza matched the cosmetic changes with an award-winning concierge on the ground floor, keeping tenants up to date with the latest building events or helping them plan a company gathering in the plaza's numerous shared spaces. Buildings also have taken advantage of rooftop space, creating landscaped terraces for the entire building and providing another area for tenants duringthe workday. Shared office space promotes spontaneous interaction, a popular goal for work productivity.

Larger companies often have to rent space in nearby hotels to accommodate all of their employees for a meeting. Others look for space to break into smaller groups. Newer office buildings tout roomsthat can seat upward of 100 people or be broken into smaller, more intimate work areas. New conference rooms are also equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs, conference phones and built-in audiovisual technology.

The influx of younger professionals in the workforce has brought a renewed interest in fitness. As the typical 9-to-5 business becomes outdated, it has become harder to havedaily workouts. Office fitness centers provide a convenient way to stay healthy without traveling out of the way or paying a steep membership fee. Building owners have incorporated showers and lockers into these facilities, making it easier to maintain work/life balance.

In 2016, Denver began its B-cycle bike sharing program, offering residents a cheaper, healthier commute. It has been successful, with 47% of the B-cycle rides last year replacing vehicle trips, according to the Denver Post. While many Class-A office buildings offer covered parking spaces for cars, an increasing number have secure, climate-controlled bike storage rooms to accommodate this new type of commuter.

Consistent, high-speed WiFi can make or break an office building. Tenants want to be able to read anemail on their phone going into an elevator and have it sent to the recipient by the time they get out, all without a dip in service. Ever-present WiFi keeps tenants mobile, letting them get their work done in communal spaces without being confined to their desks.

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Five Capital Improvements Denver Office Buildings Can Make To Stay Competitive With New Construction - Bisnow

San Francisco Examiner

30 Van Ness sale returns to help fund new city-owned office building San Francisco Examiner San Francisco moved closer to building a new $440 million office building at Mission and 11th streets Thursday with the approvals for the sales of other city-owned parcels that would fund the project. Most notably, the sale of 30 Van Ness Ave., which ...

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30 Van Ness sale returns to help fund new city-owned office building - San Francisco Examiner

Thursday night, a fire broke out in an under-construction apartment building at the site of the former Greyhound Terminal in downtown Raleigh. The building that caught fire, Metropolitan Apartments, is owned and developed by Chicago-based Banner Apartments and was designed by JDavis Architects, an architectural firm in Raleigh.*

Raleigh Fire and Police Department personnel responded to the 400 block of W. North Street in connection with a multi-alarm fire, said Laura Hourigan of the Raleigh Police Departments Public Affairs office.The main building that is engulfed is currently under construction. Preliminary information is that there are no injuries.

The fire spread to two neighboring buildings. A construction crane has also fallen as result of the fire.

We had a little fire on the roof that was burning, said Steven Holloman from the Raleigh Fire Department as he pointed at the First Baptist Church. [The fire] started due to insulation from the fire.

The building is owned by Banner Apartments, which owns another apartment complex downtown. Metropolitan Apartments was a $52 million development, according to the Triangle Business Journal.

We saw it on Twitter so we decided to come out here, said Jonathan Glover, a junior studying accounting. It looked a lot bigger on Twitter, in the pictures.

I agree, said Morgan Truesdale, a witness on the scene.

The Raleigh Police Department is on the scene and have the surrounding streets blocked off. Nearby buildings have been evacuated.

Do you hear those explosions? said Officer Brian Scioli of the Raleigh Police Department, as he attempted to push the crowd away from the scene. There are power lines coming down.

The intersection between Hillsborough and McDowell Streets two blocks from State Capitol is closed and covered in ash and soot. The intersection of Editon and Dawson streets is also closed. In the area around the corner of McDowell and Jones Streets there is no power.

I overheard an officer say its low, its not out yet, but its a whole lot better than it was, said Cody Justus, a sophomore studying plant and soil sciences. When I asked the officers, they didnt elaborate further.

According to Steve Newton of the Wake County Emergency Management Shelter, shelter for those evacuated due to the fire has been opened at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 125 Hillsborough Street.

A few of our members are with emergency management, thats how we found out about this, said Cameron Clement of Raleigh Off Road, a local club. The club is currently taking donations for those affected by the fire, as well as handing out blankets and water.

A livestream from WRAL can be found here.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.

*Editor's Note: This article originally inaccurately identified JDavis Architects as the constructors of MetropolitanApartments.

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Multi-alarm fire burns through construction site in downtown Raleigh - N.C. State University Technician Online

It doesnt take long to find a review of Lee Windsors home renovation work online.

This guy is a scam! an anonymous post on Craigslist warns. He will get a down payment and you will not hear from him again.

Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office deputies apparently agreed. Investigators on Friday arrested Windsor during a sting operation, booking the 39-year-old New Orleans man on a count of residential contractor fraud.

The investigation began with a complaint from an alleged victim, according to a probable cause affidavit for Windsors arrest.

Deputies said that the victim, a resident of Waggaman, found Windsor on Craigslist and contracted with him for residential repairs. The victim sent Windsor a down payment of $300, or about half of the total, on March 5.

But then Windsor went silent, according to the arrest report. He failed to return the victims calls, text messages and emails. Deputies said that the victim used the internet to uncover a trail of allegations of similar contractor fraud in Louisiana and Florida.

On March 10, deputies used a different phone number to make a proposal under the guise of a homeowner seeking his services. Windsor agreed to a cost for the project and told the homeowner that he would meet in Metairie to accept a down payment.

Deputies were waiting. They stopped Windsor at the meet-up spot in the 8000 block of West Metairie Road. He could not provide an occupational license or business records so he was taken into custody, according to the arrest report.

Col. John Fortunato, a Sheriffs Office spokesman, said that detectives would like to speak with anyone else who had business dealings with Windsor, who told investigators that he moved to New Orleans from the Jacksonville area just a few months ago.

Fortunato said that Windsor speaks with a strong British accent. Deputies said that he advertised on social media and Craigslist under a variety of business names, including NOLA Tile, NOLA Property Repair, Affordable Custom Deck and Patio, and Affordable Siding Installation.

Windsor was released on Saturday. Fortunato said that anyone with information on his contracting activities should call the Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau at (504) 364-5300.

Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge.

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New Orleans man booked on Craigslist contractor scam allegation - The Advocate

Published: March 10, 2017 3:00 AM

CANTON -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced a lawsuit against a home improvement contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services to northeast Ohio consumers.

Clinton A. Matthews, of Canton, and his business, Matthews Home Services LLC, are accused of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act. In the lawsuit, DeWine seeks reimbursement for consumers and an end to any violations of the law.

According to the lawsuit, Matthews did business as Matthews Home Services, offering home improvement services, such as basement or home office remodeling and vinyl siding installation.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office has received three complaints against Matthews Home Services. Estimated consumer losses total approximately $4,550. Additional complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. In their complaints, consumers generally said Matthews took their money but failed to start the work as scheduled, provided multiple excuses for delays, and either never did any work or did work that was shoddy.

The lawsuit, filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Matthews of failure to deliver and shoddy workmanship.

DeWine offers consumers the following recommendations to help prevent home improvement problems:

Research a company before making any payments. Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General's Office or Better Business Bureau. Also conduct an Internet search with the name of the business and words like "reviews" or "complaints." Be skeptical if you find no information. Some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to detect their record of shoddy work.

Get multiple estimates. For a large job, consider contacting at least three different businesses before making a final selection. Keep in mind that the company that gives you the lowest estimate may not necessarily deliver the best results.

Check your cancellation rights. If a home improvement contractor does not have a fixed place of business or comes to your door to offer services, you may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohio's Home Solicitation Sales Act. Make sure you receive detailed written information about your cancellation rights.

Make sure verbal promises are put in writing. Get a detailed written contract including any verbal claims the contractor makes and other important details, such as the estimated cost of the work, the expected start and end dates, and the names of the individuals who will perform the services.

Be wary of requests for large down payments. It's reasonable for a contractor to require a down payment, but be skeptical if you're asked to make a large down payment (such as half or more of the total cost) before any work begins. If possible, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at http://www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney General Office's website, http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

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Canton contractor accused of failing to deliver promised services - The-review