ConstructionDeal.com Update

We Discover Homeowners are Unaware and Not Taking Advantage of the $1,500 Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Home Improvements

2009-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, CA., August 12th 2009, Construction Deal, Inc. (www.constructiondeal.com). Half way through 2009, ConstructionDeal.com surveyed approximately 5,000 project owners, primarily homeowners and discovered that nearly 40% were not planning on taking advantage of the $1,500 Tax Credit for energy efficient home improvements. 25% were completely unaware of this tax credit while 10% said they had already taken advantage of energy efficient home improvements. ConstructionDeal.com helps homeowners find contractors to complete home improvement projects and have evaluated the trends regarding awareness and usage of this stimulus plan.

ENERGY STAR has noticed an increasing trend of awareness as the popularity for their tax credit page and website has gone up since February 2009. ENERGY STAR representative Karen Schneider said, “Traffic to our tax credit page is up about 500% and overall, traffic to energystar.gov is up about 50% in the past 5 months.” ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy with the purpose to help consumers save money and protect the environment.

For large remodeling or addition projects, senior editor of Remodeling magazine, Nina Patel says “that during the project planning phase, a homeowner might ask about the tax credit and how it could affect their project. In terms of usage, I’d say that our full-service remodelers are not seeing an increase in business because of the tax credit.” Homeowners are more likely to select small home improvements that qualify.

This tax credit came into effect February 17th, 2009 when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed. The official name is “Non-business Energy Property Tax Credit” and qualified home improvements that are ready and available to use between 2009 and Dec. 31st 2010 can receive a federal tax credit for 30% of the purchase price - up to a maximum of $1,500. Improvements made during a remodel or addition also can qualify.

All the home improvement products have energy-efficiency requirements. For example, replacement windows must have a U-factor at 0.30 or below and SHGC at 0.30 or below to earn the tax credit. To learn more about various requirements, visit the ENERGY STAR website for more information.

Some of the qualified home improvements include:

• Windows
• Insulation
• Water Heaters
• Doors
• Metal & Asphalt Roofs
• Central Air Conditioners
• Heat Pumps
• Furnaces & Boilers

These improvements can only be made to the primary residence and homeowners will need to keep manufacturer efficiency certifications from products they have installed and the receipt from their contractor. The IRS tax form 5695 will be available in late 2009 or early 2010.

Popular home improvements are air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces and new windows. The tax credit will offset the cost of the energy efficient products and in the long run, result in savings through decreased energy bills.

Large green improvements or additions may be eligible for another provision – the “Residential Energy Efficient Property Tax Credit” which also is a 30% tax credit but has no dollar cap, second homes qualify and this provision is available until December 31st 2016!

The qualified improvements include:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Wind Turbines
• Solar Water Heating Systems
• Solar Photovoltaic Panels

About Construction Deal, Inc.

Construction Deal Inc. has been helping homeowners and business owners complete their building, remodeling, and repair work since 2004. They have a nationwide network of quality contractors and service professionals waiting to provide quotes on projects. Property owners post residential or commercial requests at no cost and are matched to local experts, usually within 24 hours. Construction Deal, Inc., a trusted member of the Better Business Bureau, is the fastest growing contractor referral service in the industry.

Contact Information:

Aaron Rose
(818) 657-8015
marketing@constructiondeal.com

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $19 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles.

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Ideas to Enjoy Your Stay-cation

2009-07-31T15:04:00.001-07:00

Home Vaca!

So a month long trip for five to Hawaii or Europe is out of the question this year? Too much work to take a long vacation far away or simply not in the budget?

Well here are some ideas to create that get-away feeling for a few days – in your own home!

Where to start?

First, clean your home—but let’s not go overboard, I’m not talking about spring cleaning but instead spend 10 minutes in each room clearing surfaces and picking up the floors. Take out the trash and take all dirty clothes to the laundry room. After straightening each room, start over, this time armed with the vacuum, glass cleaner and wipes and hit all surfaces for 10 minutes per room.

No matter your ideal vacation setting, first things first – improve your bedroom.

The bedroom is a key room to find peacefulness and true rest. Even after this mini-vaca, your bedroom should continue to be your sanctuary. Here are some quick checks to make sure you are on your way:

Your bedroom is not your children’s playroom nor the laundry room nor the office and therefore de-clutter accordingly. If you truly have no other options for the location of the computer, then turn it away from your pillows so it’s not the first and last thing you see in the morning and evening.
Decorating should be minimal compared to the rest of the home.
Q: What instantly feels like you’re in a 5 Star resort hotel?
A: Soft, luxurious bed linens! With 6 to 8 hours a day contact, what better way to provide ultimate relaxation? (The higher the thread count the better!) If price is an issue, monitor department store sales and go early as soon as they are on sale. The linens should also be restful to the eye, so pick a color or pattern you love!
Finally, rearrange your bed and bedroom furniture. Make it feel like a completely new room.

Consider what scent you want for you vacation. If you're going for an oasis - essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are great aromas to providing a calming atmosphere. You can even put some drops behind your pillow to help improve your sleep. If you want a more invigorating experience then citrus and mint are for you.

Now survey your home and think about your families preferences. Are you looking for a spa-like-getaway in the mountains or a warm beach atmosphere with plenty to do? Keep this in mind as it’s time to get the supplies (view this as traveling to the destination!) Go find your scents! Don’t forget to stop at the grocery store: make sure you have plenty of water, pineapple juice for the children, lots of fresh fruit, fresh flowers, the family’s favorite foods and fun drinks for the adults.

One last room changing idea before you enjoy all your hard work. Find a spare room, den, or any easy-to-segment space and put soft blankets and large pillows all over the floor to create a comfortable and relaxing room for napping or story telling time. Make it inviting for the whole family (don’t forget your pet’s bed!) to come together or individually enjoy this new space.

Now it’s time to go on a home vacation!

Rule Number 1: No Electronics!
Although sometime it is impossible to resist the quiet created from the kids playing their Gameboys – so do what’s best for your serenity.

Some Activity Ideas: Board games, painting, put on a play, choreograph a dance routine, or go on a treasure hunt. And of course there is always pitching a tent and camping in the backyard – don’t forget the flashlight!

For those who want a more long term investment, add a stone pizza oven so you can have delivery at home! Or better yet – go for the old and build an outdoor kitchen for long hot summer nights. Adding a sauna or hot tub is always great for the cooler nights and an amazing way to release tension.

Enjoy your stay-cation!

Dripping Paint

2009-07-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Paint Disaster

Thinking about painting this summer?

Before you start, you might want to read this story. One of our customer service team members at ConstructionDeal.com, has a “how–not–to–paint” story that will make you cringe.

A few summers ago, Robert and his brother, Carlos, were repairing a property they rent after a tenet vacated. This family had been living on the property for five long years, painting over walls at whim and letting their children have complete creative control with their crayons and makers on the walls. The result was a mess. The walls had been painted over at least 8 times at various points without any scraping of old paint resulting in thick layers caked on the walls.

Over the course of three rainy, humid summer days, Robert and his brother stripped paint to the drywall. In addition to the muggy weather they had one other problem – because the tenet was gone, the electricity had been turned off, so all work was occurring in two bedrooms with no air flow. Robert sums up the experience as painful and it hadn’t even begun.

After stripping, it was time to prime and paint. This took two days. Their father had 7 cans of paint laid out and being in a rush to finish the job and with the muggy, non fresh air – they didn’t realize that 4 of those cans were for furniture. They were colored varnish, the kind containing O-I-L. As luck would have it, those were the cans they decided to start with.

They applied the oil-based varnish on the walls with very thick with rollers and by the time they were about to start on the last wall, their father walked in to check their progress. To say he was unhappy taps the surface. What could they do but wait for the paint to dry so they could re-strip it and start again?

It took four days for the paint to dry. And by dry, that meant it had become a gummy substance. The combination of the weather and the oil resulted in thick drops running down the wall – disaster.

After additional days to strip and paint but the result was successful - two beautifully painted bedrooms, finally!

In total, it took eleven days to strip the old paint, prime, paint, dry, then re-strip and repaint. I hated to remind him, but with a quality painting contractor, this process would take about three days. If you have painting plans this summer, make sure not to use oil-based paints in humid weather and always double check your supplies!

Keeping Your Home Safe While You're Away

2009-07-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

Keep Safe

Here are a few ways to protect your home while you're out of town.

Whether you're away on business or on a family vacation, it's important to give the impression someone is in your house. Anyone can tell you to stop your mail and newspaper delivery, but ConstructionDeal.com has a few tips you might not have considered:

1. It is important to stop mail and newspaper delivery, but stock up on a few lighting timers. Don't just set one timer to turn a light on and off. Buy two or three to turn several lights on. One in the living room, family room/den, and in a bedroom should do it. Set them to go off at different times.

2. Leave a radio on in one or two rooms. Tune to a talk radio station so you have the sound of voices filling your house. It can deter a thief if they hear the sounds of voices talking (but music may not be as effective.)

3. Even if you normally park your cars in a garage, make sure you leave one vehicle in the driveway while you're gone. Opportunistic criminals will avoid a home with lights on and a car in the drive. If you're taking your only car, or cars, then ask a neighbor if they wouldn't mind parking at your house while you're gone.

4. Leave your air conditioning on. Turn it down, so it's not cooling an empty house, but it's obvious no one is home on a hot summer day when the a/c is not running.

5. Even if you normally keep blinds and curtains closed, open things up while you're gone. Your lights and radio noises will help and it won’t seem like the house is closed up because you're out of town.

6. It's not recommended to leave on the exterior lights when you leave. During the day, when most break-ins occur, it’s fairly obvious no one is home when the outside lights are on. Add a photo electric cell, which screws into the socket and the light bulb goes into that, because it will automatically turn on the lights when it gets dark. The light turns off when the sun comes up.

It should go without saying, but make sure all your doors and windows are locked when you leave. If you have an alarm system, arm it before you go. Finally, tell a trusted neighbor to help out and let them know you’ll return the favor. Have them look for package deliveries, mow the lawn if needed, and give them your contact information of where you’ll be.

Taking these precautions will not only make your home safe while you’re gone, it will help you relax knowing you did everything you could.

Construction Deal Summer Video Pick!

2009-07-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Clean that Green Pool

Have a swamp for a pool?

Watch this video and turn that pool blue!

Make sure to watch Part 2 as well.

We Have a Winner of the Home Depot $200 Contest

2009-06-30T12:26:00.001-07:00

It's official.

We have a winner in our $200 gift card contest from Home Depot Rental Center.

Cindy Choyke of Warren, Michigan, is our winner!

Cindy and her fiance are working on finishing their basement.

She submitted a few photos of their basement as it stands. She also described her plans:

"We would like to finish our basement by adding drywall because the basement walls look bad, add drop ceilings and paint the basement floor with basement paint. We also want to put moldings around the whole basement after we paint the drywall. My fiance' will be using all his Dewalt tools to complete this project. We are hoping to have this project completed sometime this summer but with our upcoming wedding, money will be tight so it might have to put off until the fall."

We can't help her complete everything, but we have FedEx'd her gift card out to her. $200 can help with tool rental and supplies so they can complete their basement renovation!

Congratulations, Cindy! Send us your "after" pictures of your basement remodeling project and we'll show them here!

If you need tool rental for your DIY project, go to Home Depot and check out their tool rental services. Got a project that's too big for you to handle? Why not submit your details to ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with local service pros and contractors in your area. You'll get multiple quotes, which will help save you money. And contractors call you, which will save you time.

Keep an eye on our blog for more giveaways and contests! Thanks to all who participated!

Don't Get Burned This Summer!

2009-06-26T14:34:00.001-07:00

Don't Get Burned

Don’t let this happen to you this summer as you enjoy grilling with friends and family. Our graphic artist at ConstructionDeal.com has a devastating version of a BBQ she doesn’t wish on anyone.

Last summer, Heidi and her roommate invited a few friends over to their condo for a late-afternoon BBQ. At one point, the men were outside grilling and smoking cigars on the deck while the women were inside making the salads. While the meat and portobellos finished grilling, everyone headed inside to prepare plates and start feasting. About 4 minutes later, they heard fire truck sirens and realized they could smell smoke but didn’t concern themselves with it. As the sirens got progressively louder, they all looked outside and saw that the deck was a huge orange fireball!

Everyone started yelling, someone grabbed a fire extinguisher... but even after 4 extinguishers and several attempts, the flames were unaffected. Seconds later, the firemen burst in and ran to the deck and quickly got the situation under control.

Later, the firefighters were able to figure out how the fire started. It appears that a cigar, which wasn't completely extinguished, rolled out of the ashtray and ignited a nearby, full charcoal bag - hence why the fire was so massive and escalated so quickly. The fire damage included half of the deck, part of the neighbor’s deck, as well as the awning and a portion of the roof. The firemen had to cut through the walls to make sure the fire wasn’t smoldering inside the structure.

Before they could begin the repairs, they needed to figure out if their insurance or Home Owner's Association would cover the damages. Their insurance believed it was the responsibility of the HOA but the HOA thought the opposite, so it took nearly a year to resolve the situation.

Once the insurance issues were resolved, they hired a contractor to handle all the repairs. Heidi learned much from the experience and now stresses the importance of knowing where your fire extinguishers are and making sure your smoke detectors are in working order.

She recommends knowing what your insurance will cover and if you have a Home Owner's Association, to know what they will cover so you're not in the dark about responsibility. Finally, please don’t put out cigars or cigarettes anywhere near a charcoal bag!

Have a happy, safe and fun Fourth of July!

Keep Us In Mind
If you have any... problems during your holiday celebrations, we can help you find quality fire and smoke damage repair pros. It's a free services - just tell us about your damage restoration project and we'll match you to local contractors. There's no obligation to hire anyone, but it's a fast and easy way to connect with service professionals in your area.

ConstructionDeal.com Video Pick!

2009-06-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Video Pick

These People Should Have Went to ConstructionDeal.com

5 Ideas for a Productive Fourth of July Weekend

2009-06-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

5 Ideas

1. Put Your Flag Up
Give Old Glory some fresh air this July 4th and put up a flag holder on the house.

2. Clean the Pool
Know one wants to go swimming in a green pool! Get out your bathing suit, pool brushes and chlorine and get ready to have a pool party.

3. Dust of the Grill
Even though your barbeque tastes so good you might want to clean that grimy grill.

4. Get Out The Paint
Stop procrastinating and take advantage of the long weekend to get some house painting done. When you’re finished you’re guaranteed a big bang.

5. Recycle!
Now that the fun is over and you have a large trash can of glass bottles and other recyclable items. Head down to your local recycling facility and cash in…

The Fourth of July is supposed to be enjoyable. We BBQ food, swim, enjoy the sun and gather together with our family and friends. But with all the joys of the holiday comes potential safety hazards, so be sure to take extra precautions and be safe.

Green Summer Tip

2009-06-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Green Summer Tip

Ready to Go Green? Start with Your Green Lawn
Nearly 20% of all waste in an average landfill is yard waste. If you're throwing away your grass clippings, you're missing out on a valuable resource.

Your yard produces about 200 pounds of grass clippings each year. Consider using those clippings as fertilizer for your yards, as compost in your pile, or mulch for your garden.

Mulching Power
You can use your mulching mower, if you have one, to accomplish all this. If you don't have a mulching mower, you have options. Raise the setting on your mower and cut the grass more often, leaving the smaller clippings on your lawn. You could also borrow a neighbor's mulching mower, but that can get old in a hurry. Finally, you could save your longer clippings and create a compost pile. Grass is mostly water and breaks down quickly.

The best part, it means less work for you! You'll avoid carrying heavy bags or cans of dead grass to your curb each week. And you'll have a beautiful, lush lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Then you'll have a great excuse to pass this tip on to your neighbors.

Tips for Great Grass Maintenance:

Make sure your blade is sharp. Your lawn mower blade may be dull after years of use. If the blade is sharp, you'll keep your grass healthier because it doesn't chew up the grass. Damaged grass is more prone to disease and other problems

Depending on your type of grass, keep the blades between 2 and half and 3 and a half inches. The shorter it is, the more water you'll need to keep it healthy and alive. You can raise the height of your mower and cut more often, but you'll water less - saving you money.

Look for organic fertilizers and herbicides. They are biodegradable and safer for family, friends, and pets. Check the contents and read the instructions carefully.

Bathrooms Enjoy Makeovers Too

2009-06-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sure we all know the economy is down and a chunk of our 401Ks have vanished into thin air. Money is tight. But that nasty master bathroom from 1977 keeps calling your name...

What to do?

Typically the average cost to remodel a bath is over twelve thousand (and by over, I mean it can easily exceed 20K) but there are solutions to bring those costs down, to maybe even less than $5,000... it may involve giving up some weekends - can't say I didn't warn you.

Save On Your Bathroom Remodeling Project!
There are many paths to cutting expenses when you renovate your bathroom.

Do some of the demolition work yourself. Remove the old flooring, cabinets, toilet, or nasty wallpaper and save a few dollars that a bathroom renovation contractor would charge
Don't touch the plumbing or walls
Don't buy the most expensive fixtures or appliances (do you really need that jacuzzi tub with all ten jet settings?) and using that money for new flooring or sleek countertops.
If you're handy, you can even do some of the tiling, painting, and other detailed work yourself, which will really cut down on the labor expenses.

Don't Just Renovate - Decorate!
Yes, you can completely gut your bathroom and start from scratch. But if you really have no budget, consider just changing out a few inexpensive items. Painting the room is great start. Other simple changes include new window curtains, new towel racks and soft lighting to freshen the room.

Okay so I've convinced you its possible. Its even affordable. Now here are some hot ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Hot Trends in Bathroom Remodeling for 2009

Wall-Hung Cabinets - especially with clear doors are in. Who doesn't love the increased storage or display space??

Concrete Floors. I know, I know - sounds boring and strange but its actually cheap and will last through all the water exposure and you can paint it or stain it any color you want! Radiant floor heating can be added underneath to keep that concrete warm in the winter

Bright Fiberglass or Clear Sinks. To be more exact, floating sinks, sinks that are above the counter, are all the rage. It can give the room an elegant and artsy feel.

Combining Materials - such as glass or chrome or stone or wood - in the same room! Take this idea further and instead of the dated tile detailing, create a mosaic border of different materials (child broke your favorite china plate and haven't had the heart to throw it out - recycle!).

CoLoRs - everyone is adding bolder splashes of color. Of course white will always be common and there is the good ol' standby of natural tones but it's fun to pick a color and design around it. Paint the walls, paint the cabinets or other fixtures or even bring in a bold patterned rug to spice up the room.

Hopefully these tips will help you save money and spice up that old, ugly bathroom you've been avoiding.

Talk to a local bathroom remodeling company in your area. They may have even more ideas and designs for you to try. We can even help you get 4 quotes from local bathroom contractors today - just submit your project idea and they'll call you. It's fast, easy and free to find service pros at ConstructionDeal.com.

We help you get your project done!

Want to Win a $200 Home Depot Gift Card?

2009-05-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

UPDATE - This Contest ended 6/30. Keep checking back on our ConstructionDeal.com Update blog for more contests! Here was our winner!

Announcing a new contest where you can win a Gift Card from Home Depot! At ConstructionDeal.com we want to help you get your projects done. And at Home Depot, they're helping out, too. With their tool rental department.

Didn't know that Home Depot rents tools? They do!

I recently completed a bamboo flooring installation in my house and used the Home Depot rental center to get a floor stapler. They provided the hammer that goes with it and they even sell the staples you need for your flooring installation. The helpful staff will even give you instructions on how to use the tools properly.

And it's not just floor staplers. They've got dozens of other tools you can rent by the hour, day or even longer. They rent concrete breakers, pressure washers, trenchers, sod cutters, wet saws, drywall lifters and a whole lot more.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer like me? This is a great chance for you to win a $200 gift card from Home Depot to handle your next remodeling or repair project. With $200, you can buy materials, products, or even... rent tools!

Check out all the tools available for rental today.

How To Enter the ConstructionDeal.com Gift Card Contest
Entering our Home Depot gift card contest is easy.

Just tell us about your next renovation project that you want to do. Do you want to install new floors? Install a new patio? Renovate your kitchen? Or just pressure wash your deck?

Send an email to Blog (at) ConstructionDeal(dot) com.

Describe what your next home improvement project will be. Send us a "Before" picture if you can. Tell us what tool from the Rental Center you might be using. And... that's it!

We'll pick a winner from the entrants on June 30, 2009! Winners will be announced on July 1st by email. So, include a valid email address with your entry.

In the meantime, check out the rental center at Home Depot. You'll be glad you did. Hopefully, we can get an "After" picture from our $200 Gift Card winner to show how things went on the project!

ConstructionDeal.com - We Help You Get Your Project Done!

Need a Contractor to Help you Finish your Remodeling Project? We can match you with local Contractors at NO Cost. Submit your project and get 4 Quotes from local remodeling contractors. There's no obligation to hire anyone.

Simply tell us about your project and have contractors call you - it saves time. And 4 quotes means you'll get the best price - which saves money!

Official Contest Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, send an email to ConstructionDeal.com to the address listed above. To be eligible, entries must be completed and received on or by the closing date of the draw. Only entries with a description of a home improvement project will be considered. Photos are optional but recommended. All entries and photos shall become the property of Construction Deal, Inc. Construction Deal, Inc. is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed email entries. Entries received by telephone, fax, courier or personal delivery will not be accepted. Only emails will be accepted.

The contest is open to all U.S. citizens. No prize will be mailed to an address outside of the United States. Decisions of the ConstructionDeal.com judges are final. No cash prize will be awarded in lieu of the Gift Card, provided by Home Depot and not Construction Deal, Inc.

In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Construction Deal, Inc. may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize. This contest is subject to all federal, state or municipal laws, if applicable.

One entry per person. Duplicates will be discarded (which may include originals.)

How Much Does it Cost to Re-Wire a House?

2009-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

The cost to rewire a house is a common request at ConstructionDeal.com. Since one service we offer is to match homeowners to home rewiring electricians, we wanted to give you an idea of the costs involved.

Re-Wiring a Home
Depending on the size and age of the home, rewiring a house can be a very big project. It means that your electrical service must be upgrade, a new main panel installed or upgrades installed, new wires are run throughout the house, new outlets are installed, and aesthetic repairs may be needed after all this installation.

Rewiring a house is best left to a professional, licensed electrician. Even if you are handy, it's not something safe to be dealing with (and may not even be legal in your area.) Also, rewiring should require permits and inspections in your state, so check on it and have your electrician handle those requirements. It's for your safety and the protection on your property.

Do You Need to Have Your Home Rewired?
The average age of an American home is just over 30 years. Electrical wiring technology has changed a lot in just the last five years, not to mention since a home that was built in the 50's, 60's or 70's. If your home is older, it's more than likely near, at, or over capacity when it comes to the electrical load. You've got big, new appliances that didn't used to exist.

Many homes were built with less than 100 amps installed. Wires were encased in fabric. The electrical system code was not as stringent as it is today and most homes built only met that minimum code. Do you have enough outlets? Are you easily losing power? Do fuses blow regularly? Do you have two-pronged outlets instead of three? Do your outlets and cords get warm? Do you get shocks? Do you have GFCI outlets in bathrooms and the kitchen and laundry?

Cost of Re-Wiring the House
Materials for the rewiring project can cost you up to $1,000 to $3,000 alone because of rising copper prices and other products involved.

House Re-Wiring Tip - before we get any farther on the costs, one tip can be useful in saving you money on a re-wiring project. If you need an electrical rewiring job done, and you don't have the money - don't do it all at once. Start with the upgrade to your main panel and service and have the most important room rewired. Do it in stages to save money. Have your electrician complete the kitchen or laundry facility first and come back at a later date.

For a smaller home with great access, like attics and a basement, and simple requirements it's going to cost from $4,000 to $8,000 for a complete rewiring job. In three, four and five bedroom houses and a lot of energy requirements and outlets, the costs go up. Also, if there is no good access and a lot of work will be needed to run new wire, it will be in the range of $8,000 to over $20,000.

Of course, those costs usually include parts, labor, permits, and repairs needed to drywall and plaster. Make sure you know what's included in the estimate so there are no surprises.

Also, where you live, how long the rewiring takes, the size of the house, how many floors there are, and how many extras you want added (extra 220v lines, extra outlets, low voltage installations, etc.) can bring the costs up or down.

Talk to a local electrician today to get an estimate. In fact, get several quotes. The more you have, the better idea you'll have of how much it costs in your area.

Submit a request to ConstructionDeal.com to save yourself some time. Electricians will call you. It's a fast, free and easy service and there's no obligation to hire anyone.

Ready to improve your home?

10 Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Maker

2009-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Chris Crimmins has some great advice on his website that includes 10 questions you should ask your cabinet maker when having custom cabinets built for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Most people stress over trying to find a cabinet style they think will look in their newly renovated kitchen. Aesthetics are part of your choice, but if you don't seriously think about what it's going to be like to live with these cabinets for the next twenty years... you'll end up miserable. Chris' questions will help give you a plan. A plan will make sure you end up with no surprises.

Having custom cabinets made is not cheap. And the cabinets are usually not refundable. So, if you end up with problems you'll be stuck. Write down the questions and do a little research online so you can see what your options are.

Here are a few of my favorite questions from his list:

4. How are the drawers and slide out shelves made? Dovetailed drawers are the standard of strength, but material and an alternative type of mechanical connection are the most important. Solid wood sides are best, but please no stapled MDF. In fact, please no MDF at all in cabinets. MDF is not a structural material when attached perpendicular with like materials. I have seen a few painted shelves that turn out okay in MDF, but I still prefer quality sheet goods.

8. What is behind the doors? This is a tricky one because when you approve drawings, many times the number of shelves, slide out drawers, trash bin receivers, and many other items can be left out of the conscious. This is a great time to tackle expectations on what is included.

10. Is the installation included? Installation is a big factor, and I prefer that the cabinet maker installs. That way any mistakes or adjustments are their responsibility. Also ask if the knobs and pulls will be installed as well.

He asks for recommendations for additional questions, but I can't think of anything he missed. Check out the rest of his questions here.

Chris is a general contractor and owner of Crimmins Construction in Nashville, Tennessee and with his building and renovation experience, he knows a thing or two about cabinets. He even includes a great list of definitions for cabinets so you'll have all the jargon down before you ask your questions.

If you're looking for custom cabinet makers, ConstructionDeal.com can help. We can match you to 4 quality cabinet makers in your area - at no cost. If you're near Nashville, contact Chris and he can give you some recommendations. If not, submit your request today.

We'll save you time - cabinet makers will call you. And we'll save you money - you'll get at least 4 bids from local cabinet pros and you can choose the best price. There's no cost and no obligation to use our service.

Need Replacement Windows?

2009-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Now more than ever, people need to watch every penny. But if you own a home that still has the original windows in it, you might as well be throwing money out of them. Windows are not like your walls that have insulation inside to protect you from the elements.

A single pane of glass in an old window will transfer 85% of the heat energy within a room to the cold air outside.

There have been significant advances in window technology over the past decade and it goes beyond just dual pane replacement windows. There are low-e (emissivity) coatings to help lower the heat transfer of glass. Many manufacturers are putting an insulating gas, like Argon, in between panes to aid efficiency.

If you're window shopping, look for the sticker on the window that shows how well the window performs when it comes to energy efficiency.

The sticker will contain details on the U-factor, Solar Heat Gain, Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance.

U-Factor - the number usually ranges from .20 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better the window is as retaining heat.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient - this number tells how well the window can block incoming heat from the sun. The number ranges from 0 to 1. The lower that number, the better.
VT, or Visible Transmittance - it measures how much light gets in and also runs from 0 to 1. The higher this number is the more daylight - but not heat - gets in so if it's higher it is better.
Air Leakage - the number runs from just 0.1 to 0.3 and tells you how much air can pass, or leak, through the glass. The lower the better here, of course.
Condensation Resistance - measures how susceptible the window is to condensation. The higher the figure, from 1 to 100, the better it is at fighting condensation.

Those are the numbers to look for, or to ask your replacement window contractor about. Another thing to discuss is whether or not the replacement window is covered by the 2009 Federal Stimulus Package. 30% of the cost of your windows, to $1,500, could give a big tax break on energy efficient window installation. Make sure you keep your receipts and the sticker on the windows to verify the right type were installed so you can get your tax credit.

Many fear, during recessionary times, to take the plunge and spend a lot now on windows. They would rather wait. But each winter, more warm air pours out your windows and in the summer... the cool air from your air conditioning is escaping, too.

Utility companies are not in the practice of lowering their rates and the tax incentive to get energy efficient windows means that now is the time. Talk to a window contractor today to see what your options are. Save money on your utility bills today.

Get 4 quotes from window companies. It will save you time. Window installers will call you. And you'll save money because multiple quotes mean you get the best price. ConstructionDeal.com will match you with quality window installation services - at no cost.

Start today and save tomorrow.

Save Money on Utility Bills with Radiant Roof Sheathing

2009-04-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's one of the best kept secrets to helping home owners live more comfortably and save money on their utility bills - radiant roof sheathing.

But let's not keep quiet about it anymore!

Radiant roof sheathing is plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) with a thin layer of aluminum on one side to help reflect the suns radiant rays.

Radiant roof sheathing helps your attic stays cooler, your home stays cooler and that leads to a more comfortable living environment and lower utility bills. The product is Energy Star-rated and according to its website, "can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100-degrees" and "can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent."

Radiant roof sheathing used to cost more than standard plywood/OSB, but I recently installed the product on a new home we're building near St. Louis for the same cost as plywood. Lumber prices are down and product competition is up, making radiant roof sheathing an affordable option.

But, you don't have to be building a new home or a home addition to take advantage of the benefits. A radiant barrier can be installed in an existing attic. ToolBase Services offers helpful information and several installation options.

Don't keep it a secret anymore. My clients are learning all about radiant roof barriers and I plan on installing a lot more of it because of the performance and competitive price.

- Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes, LLC in Chesterfield, Missouri

There's more real advice from real home builders. Kim is a quality green home building contractor in the St. Louis area. If you're looking to go green, save money on utility bills, and build a home the right way for our planet, contact Kim at Hibbs Homes today.

Tax Credits Make Geothermal Heat Pumps More Affordable

2009-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip from St. Louis to Greenville, Illinois to visit Enertech Manufacturing, LLC, a GeoComfort distributor.

I had a meeting with owner Steve Smith to discuss our presentation at the upcoming Green Building Conference in Dallas. When I arrive, Steve showed me around his offices. We walked into the warehouse, where I saw hundreds of geothermal HVAC units still wrapped in cellophane and I thought - oh no, another casualty of the housing downturn.

Not this time.

The units had just arrived from Enertech’s manufacturing plant in Mitchell, South Dakota and most were waiting to be picked up for installation. There is a bright spot in the current housing market. And it’s called geothermal – using underground loop systems to take advantage of the earths near constant temperature to heat and cool the home.

As a Certified Green Building Professional, I’ve often tried to convince my clients to consider geothermal. With costs twice as much as conventional HVAC systems, most clients weren’t interested.

That is changing thanks to a 30% Federal tax credit.

The new legislation covers installations from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016. Homeowners who install geothermal systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the cost in tax credits.

But, there’s more to it than just a tax credit. Geothermal is highly efficient and can save homeowners 40%-60% on utility bills. Mechanically, geothermal systems are relatively simple and require little maintenance. They are safe – no flame, no fuel, no odor. And because there are no fossil fuels, indoor air quality is cleaner.

From the Dept. of Energy website: "Even though the installation price of a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop."

A large tax credit and a good product - I have a feeling I’ll have more clients asking about geothermal. That means distributors like Steve Smith need to keep their warehouses full. After all, Steve says, "Business is up 60!"

Kim Hibbs
Hibbs Homes, LLC
St. Louis, Missouri

Looking to build a green home in the St. Louis area? Contact Hibbs Homes and they will help you design and build your ultimate green dream home - 314-581-8205

And, if you're looking to have a geothermal heat pump unit installed in your home, submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy way to get 4 quotes from heat pump contractors who install geothermal units. And ask about the tax credit to make sure you save!

Reasons to Remodel During the Recession

2009-03-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Found a great blog post by Jamie Goldberg on her Gold Notes site. She's a top design consultant down in Tampa, Florida.

Jamie talks about her top ten reasons to take on a remodeling project during these tough economic times.

I agree with all them and found two particularly interesting:

"3. Many of the weaker players are being weeded out by the economy before you ever meet them. The remaining pros are better project managers with stronger referrals. This will reduce your chances of running into the kind of con artist that's drawn to a boom and moves on during a bust."

And:

"10. If you're spending more time in the house these days, as many folks are, improving your home will provide some anti-recessionary joy. And who couldn't use that taste of sunshine these days?"

I couldn't agree more. So, if you've got the job security and access to finance a home renovation project... now is definitely the time. Upgrading any part of your home will increase your equity and value as well as improving your life.

Check out her blog for even more useful information!

Ready for Earth Hour?

2009-03-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late to the game, but I wanted to let everyone know that Earth Hour is this Saturday, March 28th, at 8:30.

What is Earth Hour?

There's a Climate Change conference coming in Copenhagen in December of 2009. Earth Hour is a way for people to vote for our planet and not for more policies that increase global warming. Earth Hour is a chance for as many people as possible to turn off their lights on Saturday, for one hour, and to make a statement.

Hopefully all those votes will be counted - you can start here at EarthHour.org for details on how you can make your vote really mean something - and the votes will be recognized at that conference on Climate Change.

Take a photo on the night, upload it to Flickr and add it to Earth Hour's flickr group and tag it with your city and country.

Make a video of your event, upload it to YouTube and add it to our YouTube group.

Blog about it, Twitter about it... do what you can.

Even if you don't want to document the event, just turn off your lights and hang out with family or friends, in the dark, and talk about it.

Remember - 8:30pm (your time zone) on Saturday, March 28th, 2009.

Make a difference.

Tell as many people as you can, too. Spread the word and we'll see what we can do...

And, if you're interested in reducing your carbon footprint on our planet even more, consider hiring a green remodeling company. Our green contractors can inspect your home and make recommendations to help you save energy, save money, and save the planet. Even if you're remodeling your kitchen, our contractors can help you go green with eco-friendly products and eco-friendly materials.

ConstructionDeal.com is a smart, fast, and easy way to find a green contractor - at no cost.

Home Renovation Trends for 2009

2009-03-19T13:58:00.001-07:00

ConstructionDeal.com 2009 Renovation Trends
The condition of the economy has really halted many homeowner remodeling plans. Everyone has been affected and very few are thinking about major renovations, like an expensive new kitchen or a swimming pool.

Once the economy strengthens and consumer confidence picks up again, there will be some new trends when it comes to the home. The 2009 stimulus package recently signed into law will help steer a lot of people toward more green renovation, green remodeling, energy-saving home repairs and improvements, and ways to help save more money.

For many homeowners, that trend has already started. A long winter has been high utility bills. Many are already coming to our site to submit requests for window replacement, solar panel and wind turbine installations, as well as home energy audits.

Another trend could be the increase in home additions and sunroom additions. Quite a few people are in houses they couldn't sell if they had to. Or that the house might actually be worth less than they owe. This means a lot of people across the country will not be "trading up" to a newer, larger, or just a different house. They'll be staying put.

To stay put, many are planning to add on. Give themselves more room to live, more room for storage, more room for kids moving back in. A room addition will help or even a huge project like a second story addition will practically create a whole new house. Finding the funds to finance these projects will not be as easy but there should be a loosening of credit as banks realize they're not going to make any money without charging fees and earning interest.

Back to the green renovation trend... It's probably a bad idea to even label it as being green. So many people have politicized "Green" that in some circles, it could be considered a four-letter word. Let's say the trend will be energy and money saving. The green will be more cash savings.

People will be making changes to their home that will help their wallet as well as their planet. They've been wasting food so they'll try composting. They've been wasting water so they'll install low-flow shower heads. They've been wasting heat and air conditioned air so they'll put in insulation and triple-paned windows. They've been wasting electricity so they'll install a programmable thermostat and switch to a Energy Star washer and dryer.

The economy has soured and many homeowners will continue to do a lot of the work themselves. Others will find local contractors to help with their installations and home repairs. One trend may even come out of all this will be that more and more people may barter for services. A mini economy could spring up that has homeowners and small business owners trading their expertise for the services of another. Or trading a car or motorcycle for services. It's possible in any economy but more so these days.

Even with people who have plenty of money and job security, the trends for the American homeowner have shifted away from the extravagant. Gone, for a while, are the $80,000 kitchens and the $75,000 heated swimming pools. For most, they'll make due with what they have and hope for few, if any, major home repairs. Many more are tired of the $400 a month electric bill and the lack of room. They'll make changes but changes that increase their home value and help them live a better life.

For the services I've mentioned in this post, if you need to find any local contractors to help you, I've set up a set of links so you can submit a request. Submitting through ConstructionDeal.com works like this:

Get 4 quotes from local contractors
There's no cost
There's no obligation
It saves you time - contractors call you
It saves you money - multiple quotes lets you pick the best price

Ready to get started with your home renovation plans for 2009?

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Going Green: Home Window Tinting

2009-03-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

Spring is here! As we're slowly crawling out from under the heavy blanket of winter, we'll soon want to prepare our homes for the warmer weather of Spring and Summer.

Summer heat usually means cranking up the air conditioner to keep your rooms cool and comfortable. And... that means higher utility bills.

Not only does your HVAC unit put a dent in your wallet, it can also harm the environment. The more energy your home consumes, the more oil or coal has to be burned to provide you with the electricity. Going green is on the tip of everyone's tongue these days and for good reason.

Would you like a tip on how to not only save money on your electric bill but also cut down on the amount of electricity you use?

The California Energy Commission states that 40% of all the heat that comes in to your home is moving through the glass of your windows. My suggestion is not to board up your windows. You want to let in natural light, of course. Natural sunlight keeps you from needing electricity to power your lights and it also can add warmth on cool mornings and evenings.

But, you can make a difference. And it's the same technology you use on your car. Adding window tint can dramatically reduce the amount of heat transfer while still letting in sunlight. There are different window films to choose from.

Some add a darkening tint, similar to your sunglasses to cut down on heat and light. Another type of tint has a reflective surface to push heat and light away from the windows. There are also clear window films that do not prevent as much heat gain as the others but will still allow the same amount of natural light into the room.

You can vary the window tint around your house based on which windows have more or less direct sunlight. Window tinting can be a do-it-yourself process or you can bring in a professional for a quality installation. The California Energy Commission says that the DIY kits may not last as long as the installed window tinting kits, but are more affordable.

Depending on the variety, the window films can cut the amount of heat entering through windows by 15% to nearly 40%! This can lead to lower utility bills because your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to cool your home. If you're building a new home, it could also mean the installation of a smaller or more efficient a/c unit for the house.

Everyone wants to do more for the environment. It's the only one we've got and we need to start doing every thing we can to protect it. Adding fluorescent light bulbs to every light fixture, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones, and tinting your home windows are just a few steps you can take to improve your environmental footprint and help your bank account.

RELATED POSTS:
Time to Rethink the Ceiling Fan
Solar Water Heaters
Hot Modular Homes with Green Construction in Mind

If you need to find a local window tinting service for your home, ConstructionDeal.com can help. Simply submit your window tinting project and get 4 quotes - at no cost - from installers in your area. It's that easy.

You're under no obligation to hire any of them, and there is no charge to find any contractors on our site. It's fast, free and easy to use.

Stop Drafts & Save Money on Energy Bills

2009-02-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the heat loss, cold drafts and wasted energy! If your home has a folding pull-down attic stair, a whole house fan, a fireplace or clothes dryer, that may be just what is occurring in your home every day.

Drafts from these often overlooked holes waste energy and cost you big in the form of higher energy bills. Drafts are the largest source of heating and cooling loss in the home.

Drafts occur through the small cracks around doors, windows, pipes, etc. Most homeowners are well aware of the benefits that caulk and weatherstripping provide to minimize energy loss and drafts.

But what can you do about drafts from the four largest "holes" in your home - - the folding attic stair, the whole house fan, the fireplace and the clothes dryer? Here are some tips and techniques that can easily, quickly and inexpensively seal and insulate these holes.

Attic Stairs

When attic stairs are installed, a large hole (approximately 10 square feet) is created in your ceiling. The ceiling and insulation that were there have to be removed, leaving only a thin, unsealed, sheet of plywood.

Your attic space is ventilated directly to the outdoors. In the winter, the attic space can be very cold, and in the summer it can be very hot. And what is separating your conditioned house from your unconditioned attic? That thin sheet of plywood.

Often a gap can be observed around the perimeter of the attic door. Try this yourself: at night, turn on the attic light and shut the attic stairway door - - do you see any light coming through?

If you do, heated and air-conditioned air is leaking out of these large gaps in your home 24-hours a day. This is like leaving a window or skylight open all year 'round.

An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add an insulated attic stair cover. An attic stair cover seals the stairs, stopping drafts and energy loss. Add the desired amount of insulation over the cover to restore the insulation removed from the ceiling.

Whole House Fans and Air Conditioning Vents

Much like attic stairs above, when whole house fans are installed, a large hole (up to 16 square feet or larger) is created in your ceiling. The ceiling and insulation that were there have to be removed, leaving only the drafty ceiling shutter between you and the outdoors.

An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add a whole house fan shutter seal. Made from white textured flexible insulation, the shutter seal is installed over the ceiling shutter, secured with Velcro, and trimmed to fit. The shutter seal can also be used to seal and insulate air conditioning vents, and is easily removed when desired.

Fireplaces

Over 100 million homes, in North America are constructed with wood or gas burning fireplaces. Unfortunately there are negative side effects that the fireplace brings to a home, especially during the winter heating season. Fireplaces are energy losers.

Researchers have studied this to determine the amount of heat loss through a fireplace, and the results are amazing. One research study showed that an open damper on an unused fireplace in a well-insulated house can raise overall heating-energy consumption by 30 percent.

A recent study showed that for many consumers, their heating bills may be more than $500 higher per winter due to the drafts and wasted energy caused by fireplaces.

Why does a home with a fireplace have higher energy bills? Your chimney is an opening that leads directly outdoors - - just like an open window. Even if the damper is shut, it is not airtight.

Glass doors don't stop the drafts either. The fireplace is like a giant straw sucking your expensive heated or air-conditioned air right out of your house!

An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add a Fireplace Plug to your fireplace. Available from Battic Door, a company known for their energy conservation products, the Fireplace Plug is an inflatable pillow that seals the fireplace damper, eliminating drafts, odors, and noise. The pillow is removed whenever the fireplace is used, then reinserted after.

Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ducts

In many homes, the room with the clothes dryer is the coldest room in the house. Your clothes dryer is connected to an exhaust duct that is open to the outdoors. In the winter, cold drafts in through the duct, through your dryer and into your house.

Dryer vents use a sheet-metal flapper to try to reduce these drafts. This is very primitive technology that does not provide a positive seal to stop the drafts. Compounding the problem is that over time, lint clogs the flapper valve causing it to stay open.

An easy, low-cost solution to this problem is to add a dryer vent seal. This will reduce unwanted drafts, and also keeps out pests, bees and rodents. The vent will remain closed unless the dryer is in use. When the dryer is in use, a floating shuttle rises to allow warm air, lint and moisture to escape.

For more information on Battic Door's energy conservation solutions and products for your home, visit www.batticdoor.com or, to request a free catalog, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to P.O. Box 15, Mansfield, MA 02048.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and an attic access door. Battic Door is the US distributor of the fireplace plug. To learn more visit www.batticdoor.com

Ice Dams - Prevent Damage to Your Home

2009-02-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Throughout the long winter, snow will fall and ice will form. And temperatures will warm up and melt a lot of the snow and ice on your roof. This can cause some problems.

If you own a home in a snowy region of the country, you need to be concerned about ice dams forming on your roof. An ice dam can allow a lot of water and moisture to work its way up through your roof and into your attic where it can cause a lot of damage.

What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam forms on a roof that is covered with snow. Temperature changes between the inside attic and the air outside can cause one to form. When warmer air from inside the home cause snow to melt, it pushed the water down to a lower and cooler part of the roof. This water re-freezes and forms the ice dam. As more water melts and collects above the ice dam, it can get pushed back under the shingles and through the roof. This water can cause damage to your ceilings, mold, and wood rot.

Is there an Ice Dam Solution?
The trick to stop ice dams from forming is to eliminate that change in temperature that's rising up from inside your home to your roof. The warm air that is melting your snow is coming most likely from heat rising up through a poorly insulated ceiling, through lighting fixtures, or through heating ducts in your attic. Chimneys and stove or dryer vents can also create heat needed to melt snow.

You can go up to your roof and remove the snow every time it falls and accumulated on your roof. But this is a temporary fix.

The key to solving the problem is sealing off the heat access to your attic and adding additional insulation. This prevents the hot air transfer that heats up your roof and melts the snow.

Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?
An insulation contractor can look at your roof to determine if you have the potential for ice dam damage or if there already is a problem.

By allowing moisture and water to get into your attic, you're allowing the wood structures to start rotting which can weaken the structure and cause expensive damage. You're also creating the perfect environment for mold to grow and create toxic airborne particles that can harm your family. And water flowing into a home can easily accumulate on your ceilings causing leaks and damage to drywall, furniture and flooring down in your house.

And, if you do nee to add new insulation, you will also see a reduction in energy costs. It will take less energy to heat your home because of the protective barrier up in your attic that is preventing heat transfer. Whether you add loose-fill insulation, batt insulation or spray foam, you will be increasing the R-value (ie, resistance to heat loss.)

Ready to talk to a qualified insulation company? Get 4 quotes within minutes from our qualified contractors at no cost to you. Multiple quotes means you'll be getting the best price. It saves you time because you won't need to call insulation contractors, at random, from your phone books.

Don't let your ice dam problem eat into your bank account. Save your roof, save money on energy, and protect your health. Submit your request to find insulation contractors, for free, right now and there is no obligation.

Now May Be The Perfect Time to Remodel

2009-02-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal on how now may be the perfect time for home renovation projects, "It's not the best time to be selling a house in much of the country. But increasingly, it's a good time to build or renovate one.

The housing slump has pushed down prices on everything from lumber and drywall to labor and design fees. Legions of carpenters, tile layers and landscapers are idle. Architects are taking on small renovation projects they once would have sniffed at and contractors are offering their services at a discount. Some people in the building trades are even posting fliers at construction sites to drum up business.

It's a striking contrast from the heady days of the real-estate boom, when builders and contractors could hardly keep pace with demand, prices of materials soared and a six-month wait to start a kitchen renovation was commonplace.

Now, some homeowners are moving forward on renovation or building projects they've put off for years. Others are exacting substantial price cuts from contractors desperate for work.

A few months ago, Mike Bowes remodeled the bathroom and guest bedroom of his $200,000 condo in Las Vegas. The job, which cost $14,000, included a walk-in shower, a new vanity, bamboo flooring in the guest room and re-textured plaster on the walls and ceilings. Last year, the same work would have cost nearly twice as much, he estimates, "and I would have had to beg someone to do it." Now, the 47-year-old commercial roofing sales manager is planning to upgrade his kitchen, living room and porch. While prices remain low "I'm going to keep going," he says.

...More homeowners will renovate their kitchens this year -- 7.57 million, up from 7.44 million in 2006 -- but they will spend a lot less, $96.2 billion compared with $127 billion, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Bathroom renovations this year are expected to rise by 5.3% to 10.9 million from 2006, while spending on them will grow 3.8% to $70.2 billion from 2006, the trade group projects.

One reason some renovations will cost less this year is the falling price of many key building materials. The price of oriented strand board, a plywood substitute used for walls and roof sheathing, dropped 40% from the third quarter of 2005 to the same quarter this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. During the same period, framing-lumber prices fell 24%, says the association. And drywall prices -- which soared during the real estate run-up to a record -- dropped 35% from last year's third quarter, according to United States Gypsum Co., the largest manufacturer of drywall in North America.

'If you're going to do any kind of construction...now is the best time you're going to have to do that in the next five years,' says Bill Harrison of Harrison Design Associates, an Atlanta-based architecture firm that specializes in high-end homes."

Read more of the article at the Wall Street Journal.

If you're looking to take advantage of the low cost of construction and remodeling materials as well as finding contractors who may have an available schedule, start the process for free on ConstructionDeal.com. Just tell us about your project and we'll match you with businesses in your area - at no cost

Get Quotes from Outdoor Deck Contractors

2008-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ready to have a new outdoor deck installed in time for summer?

ConstructionDeal.com can help. We have a network of backyard deck contractors. You can get at least 4 quotes in just minutes - at no cost.

Don't wait until it's Spring or Summer to talk to a qualified deck contractor! They'll be busy building outdoor decks for your neighbors.

What Type of Deck Do You Want?
Wood decks are still the most popular choice for a new backyard deck. But they're not the only choice. Many are trying different materials.

Most Common Material Choices:

Wood
Composite
Vinyl

A lot of outdoor deck contractors are building decks out of vinyl and composite materials because of manufacturers claims that these decks can be maintenance free (or at least a lot less maintenance is required.) The engineered decking materials can resist rot, mold, and fungus. They usually require less re-painting and have longer warranties.

But, who can resist the look and feel of all natural wooden outdoor decks?

Talk to your deck contractor about the best choice of deck materials for your backyard improvement project.

Get quotes from outdoor deck contractors now! Save time and save money.