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A pergola with curves Cool pools New garages = curb appeal, tax credits A service directory of qualified remodelers A consumer’s guide to residential remodeling in South Hampton Roads
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remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 1
Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring 2009
Features 6
Remodeling makeover: Breathing life into a vision
8
Plant in spring for fragrant summer evenings
14
Create curb appeal, earn tax credits with a new garage door
17
What you always wanted to know about insulation but were afraid to ask
19
Cool pools
20
Dress up your pool with a new surround
27
Paint problems? Here are some handy solutions
Carriage House Door
14
30 On the fence? 33
Simple home maintenance can prevent spring leaks
38
2009 Color Trends
44
Going green with home renovations
Departments 5
From the Remodelers Council Chairman to You
28
Advice from a Pro: Thinking about remodeling? Don’t overlook your foundation
Color Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
34
Products to ponder: Kitchen aids
Hamilton Fence Co.
36
38
30
Do-It-Yourself: Just zip it
40 Remodeling checklist 41
Financing Options for Your Remodeling Project
42
TBA Remodelers Council Directory
44
Advertisers’ Index
on the cover: For many people, a kitchen is the most important room in the home. And companies like B&T Kitchens & Baths can take an outdated space and create an elegant kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful. For more information about B&T Kitchens & Baths, turn to page 43 or call (757) 625-8400. 2 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
Affordable Closet
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Systems
20
spring/summer 2009 3
GOOD LIVING IS IN THE DETAILS. WE TAKE CARE OF ALL OF THEM.
Why do homeowners choose VB Homes for construction and renovation? The answer is in our Right Steps Process. From initial consultation to follow-up, VB Homes is committed to the process that ensures complete satisfaction with your new living space. We’re proud to have earned an esteemed Guild Master of Distinction award for our track record of quality and customer service. Let us show you how our professionalism and teamwork can lead to happily ever after in your VB Home.
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4 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
from the chairman Tidewater Builders Association leadership
Maximizing your home’s curb appeal By Chris Ettel TBA 2009 Remodelers Council chairman
A
s the saying goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” However, when it comes to your home, the exterior appeal is a good indication of the interior condition. In today’s Ettel housing climate, maintaining the value of your home can be as important as adding value to it. With home values suffering from the challenging market conditions, maintaining the value of your home will ensure that you are the “shining star” in your neighborhood. Making simple exterior renovations can dramatically enhance your home. Check out the big picture. The first thing you must do to enhance curb appeal is the hardest — become an objective observer. Really take a step back and look at your house. What is your first impression? What do your eyes see first? Or, better yet, ask a professional remodeler or architect with an objective view to take a look at your home and give you an honest list of potential improvements. Paint, polish or replace. Front doors and windows are critical areas. Your front door is your home’s focal point. Paint, polish or do whatever it takes, even if that means replacing it. Make sure your front door and doorknob complement your home’s architecture. Are your windows in keeping with your home’s architecture? If not, consider replacing them not only for design reasons, but also for energy efficiency. Update your home’s existing shutters by replacing them or giving them a fresh coat of paint in a brand-new color. Don’t forget that a fresh coat of paint does wonders for a lackluster house. Outdated brick homes can be brought back to life by painting the brick with an updated color. Drive around various neighborhoods to find color schemes you find appealing. Landscaping, driveways and sidewalks. Landscape changes can make a dramatic impact on a house. Remember the impression you had the last time you drove by a professionally landscaped home? Keep your grass green and replace dead spots with new sod or seed. Don’t neglect flowers, plants and trees. Add flowerbeds to provide color and interest to your front yard. Trim dead stems or branches off trees and bushes, and if they’re not looking good, replace them. Keep fresh mulch in all beds and make sure the edges are well defined. Although there are times when adding elements to your landscaping can improve curb appeal, there are other times when removing something is even more effective. Are large shrubs obscuring the front of your house? Taking out a few shrubs or trees can sometimes boost a home’s curb appeal. Are your driveway and sidewalks in good condition? If not, consider replacing or fixing cracked or broken concrete with brick, stone pavers or cementitious overlays. Architectural features. Porches and arbors add appeal and value to your home. Be sure these items are in good repair. To add curb appeal, stain or paint your porch or arbor with a fresh color. Porch railings may need to be updated both in design and materials. Also consider adding window boxes, installing picket fences or updating light fixtures. (See CHAIRMAN on page 9) remodeling magazine
Pete A. Kotarides, president William H. Halprin, vice president James E. Jackson, associate vice president Charles J. Miller II, treasurer S.L. “Sam” Cohen, secretary Channing A. Pfeiffer, chief executive officer
Remodelers Council leadership Chris Ettel, chairman Don Landle, vice chairman Frank Sgromolo, secretary/treasurer Jerry Pattenaude, past chairman
Remodeling Magazine staff Sandra Amidon and Joyce Hearn, APR, publishers Stacey Enesey Klemenc, editor Kim Powers, JoAnn Lucero account representatives Diane Trumbull, Rhonda Strong, graphic designers Randy Latham, financial manager Stella Council, production coordinator
Remodeling Magazine: A consumer’s guide to residential remodeling in South Hampton Roads (ISSN 1552-8677) is published quarterly by Tidewater Builders Association, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320, 757420-2434. E-mail address: info@tbaonline.org. Web address: www.tbaonline.org. Remodeling Magazine is mailed to neighborhoods throughout South Hampton Roads. Articles appearing in Remodeling Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and people quoted, and mention of specific products in editorial content does not imply endorsement by Remodeling Magazine. All advertising in this publication is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept advertising that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all services advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free number for the hearing-impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
spring/summer 2009 5
remodeling makeover:
The homeowners wanted a custom-designed and crafted structure that would enhance their already attractive outdoor living space and complement the overall style of their home. The design team at VB Homes created a pergola that repeated the shape of the patio and matched the trim of the house.
Breathing life into a vision By Sandra J. Pennecke
M
ike Brewer had a vision and now it sits proudly in the backyard of his home. Brewer and his wife, Deborah, built their single-family home six years ago in Virginia Beach’s Indian River Plantation neighborhood. In 2007 — with the craftsmanship and shared vision of VB Homes — they added a pergola. But it wasn’t an ordinary, run-of-themill variety. The Brewers’ pergola won the Tidewater Builders Association’s 2008 Stanley Award in the Outdoor Living category. It also won the Hanley Wood Remodeling magazine’s CotY (Contractor of the Year) 2008 in the Southern Region for Outdoor Living Space. “It was such a unique architectural structure we decided to enter it into the national contest,” says Chris Ettel, president and partner with VB Homes, who accepted the award at a banquet in Atlanta in March. Brewer had already invested a lot of time, money and energy into his backyard — even before his home was built. “I started from scratch. I saw this big hunk of empty gray clay and knew I could make something happen with it,” he says. “I designed the layout of it, drew a plan for landscaping and had different landscapers help,” he says of his yard that
6 spring/summer 2009
now encompasses a reflecting pond with goldfish, brick walkway, flowering plants, bushes and trees. A professional artist, Brewer knows his way around designing things and considered his yard equivalent to a blank canvas. “I see my yard as another portrait. I kind of look at it as all my garden,” Brewer says of the outdoor area that overlooks Arnold Palmer’s Signature at West Neck Golf Course. “I knew there’d be a pergola out there one day.” But, when it came time to build a pergola — the final stroke in this artist’s masterpiece — the Brewers needed help. “I thought I’d build it myself, but it was bigger than I could handle.” So, Brewer called VB Homes, a fullservice construction company with an architectural and interior design division that handles both custom homes and restorations. Started by Ettel and Chancey Walker in 1988, VB Homes specializes in new home construction, room remodeling, additions and outdoor living. VB Homes constructed a pergola — more traditional with wooden posts and lattice — at a neighbor’s home, which initially impressed Brewer. After budgeting for a couple of years, he decided to sit down with the Virginia Beach-based business to discuss building his own.
Brewer had long-admired a pergola at The Homestead, a mountain resort and national historic landmark in Hot Springs, Va. He shot many photographs of it and kept it in mind when sketching his own. While The Homestead’s pergola acted as Brewer’s inspiration, he knew he wanted his to be slightly different. “The curved lintel (of The Homestead’s pergola) is made with stretches of straight boards and angled approximately five feet each. This is typical of how most curved pergolas are built,” Brewer says, “The continuous curve of our pergola gives it a more elegant look.” In October 2007, VB Homes began the three-week process to construct the Brewers’ pergola. Rick Stageberg, production manager for VB Homes, oversaw the project led by Dave Estes, master carpenter, and his team of three including Clayton Terry, brick mason. Stageberg says they used Brewer’s vision and photos to determine the scale, size and design of their pergola. “He had a vision and knew exactly how he wanted it to look. We drew up a layout and made construction drawings. And since he wanted low maintenance, we chose cellular PVC made by Koma,” a company that specializes in a durable, economic wood-alternative composite often used for soffits and fascia boards. Although known for its longevity, cellular PVC, a solid, foam-extruded material that expands as it cools and hardens, is not very structural. In order to achieve the continuous curve in the Brewers’ pergola, Stageberg says it was built around a curved aluminum plate bent to match the arc of the pergola. “We fabricated the cellular PVC to go around it. It makes the main pergola beam structural and holds the weight of the beams that sit on top.” During the construction phase, VB Homes faced a slight setback when the cellular PVC wouldn’t properly bend into the semicircle. “We’d usually use a heating blanket, but they were too small, remodeling magazine
Let us
point you in
the
RIGHT
direction The biggest challenge VB Home encountered was to enhance the yard without obstructing the views of a golf course and pond.
so we called the manufacturer and they recommended using torpedo heaters to get it to bend,” Stageberg says, noting that did the trick. The Brewer’s backyard boasts a traditional Italian-like garden look. Six white Doric columns aligned in a semicircle match the patio and home’s exterior. Each column sits on a brick pedestal to match the coping on the adjacent reflecting pond. Both the pond and pergola are centered with the house and provide a focal point. “The dining room, living room and foyer all look straight through the center, out the French doors, down the pond, to the pergola and out to the golf course,” Brewer says, “I didn’t want to obstruct the view. I just wanted to enhance it. I paid a lot to have the golf course behind me.” (Photos courtesy of VB Homes.)
remodeling magazine
“It is a unique project and we’re thankful that he let us do it, help him design it and put it together,” Stageberg says, “Anyone can build a shed or garage, but something like this was fun and exciting. You can walk through all the backyards in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach and see this pergola is truly one of a kind.” As for the Brewers, they’re excited to have their vision a reality. “We thought it’d be a great finishing touch for the house and yard … and it is. We spend a lot of time outside,” Deborah says. “Our friends threaten to decorate it with Santa and his reindeer for Christmas. It’s exactly what we envisioned,” she adds. “And it makes us feel good knowing we have an award-winning pergola.” (Sandra J. Pennecke is a free-lance writer living in Chesapeake.) This one-ofa-kind curved pergola netted VB Homes the 2008 Stanley Award in the Outdoor Living category.
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spring/summer 2009 7
Plant in spring for fragrant summer evenings By Susan Brimo-Cox
S
pring has arrived, but it’s not too early to think about those warm summer evenings when many Hampton Roads residents socialize outdoors with family and friends and chat with passers-by out for an evening stroll. Relaxing on the front porch, back patio or deck is the perfect respite after a busy day. But you can get more out of the experience with a moon garden that includes plants best enjoyed in the evening. Because moon gardens are typically small, intimate spaces, city gardens are ideal for this purpose. If you have a large yard you can enjoy the same effects if you plant your moon garden plants close to wherever you spend time outdoors in the evening. If you don’t have a garden at all — perhaps you have a balcony — you still can create a moon garden if you select plants that are content growing in large pots.
about. Moon gardens are about sight, smells and sounds. Moon gardens are not a new idea. They have been planted for hundreds of years in places as exotic as China and India. You need to just keep a few things in mind to create your own moon garden. The first consideration is location. Yes, you should locate your moon garden close to where you relax in the evening. But that’s not what I’m referring to here. I’m talking about the physical location of your garden as it relates to the plants’ growing requirements. Is the location sunny or partially shady during the day? If it is a sunny location, plants chosen should thrive in the sun. If it is mostly Plant Angel’s trumpet (Datura) in a sunny location and you’ll shade, you will have to choose shadeenjoy flowers until the first frost. But be careful — this nightloving plants. blooming beauty is poisonous. Another consideration is if the spot enjoys ample moonlight. Moonlight will reflect off light-colored flowers and variegated foliage, Planning your moon garden providing a nice visual effect. If the location does not enjoy good moonlight, consider installing indirect lighting or choose Most people enjoy their gardens during the daylight hours. a spot where light from a window might spill over the garden. That’s nice, but a whole different world awakens in the garden Some people plant a moon garden in the shape of a crescent as the sun sets. Some flowers only open at night, while others moon or in the shape of a star, which isn’t necessary. Planting release their fragrance more effectively in the evening. Lighta moon garden may be as simple as adding select plants to an ning bugs appear, crickets sing and nectar-feeding moths flutter existing flower bed, or you may create a whole new garden area. Just make sure the garden is in a convenient location with comfortable seating.
Flowers for the moon garden
Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda), with its intensely fragrant flowers, is a tropical vine that grows easily in a container. 8 spring/summer 2009
For visual effect, it’s important to choose some flowers that are white or light in color. For example, daisies, white zinnias, white pansies, white or light-colored snapdragons and iris, and other annuals and perennials are good choices. As a rule, white and light-colored flowers are the last colors to fade from sight as the sun sets. They also are the most likely flowers to reflect any ambient light, be it from the moon or artificial lighting. Some flowers only bloom at night, and most of these rely on their fragrance to attract pollinators. Many are white, but you will find night-bloomers in other colors as well. The following are some fragrant night-blooming flowers you might consider for your moon garden: Angel’s trumpet (Datura) has an exotic appearance and features large white flowers that smell something like honeysuckle. remodeling magazine
Chairman (continued from page 5)
Another appealing addition is to install outdoor lighting along your driveway or sidewalks and uplighting trees or interesting architectural details of the home for a dramatic effect. Consult with a professional remodeler or architect to determine whether or not one of these features will make your home more inviting.
First impressions are lasting impressions. I hope some of these ideas
will help with your next project, as we all could use a little more value in our homes these days. For additional ideas and inspiration, seek out professional remodelers’ Web sites and check out HGTV’s show, Curb Appeal. Good luck with your next renovation. (Chris Ettel is a partner in VB Homes in Virginia Beach, a company that specializes in architecture, construction and renovation. He can be reached at Chris@vbhomesliving.com.)
With blooms that last for days, oriental lilies make good additions to moon gardens. Their fragrance intensifies during the evening.
Datura is an annual that grows 3 to 4 feet tall. Plant it in a sunny location and you’ll be rewarded with blooms through frost. Though beautiful, this plant is poisonous, so keep children and pets away! Evening primrose (Oenothera) is a sunloving perennial that grows in mounds about 1-foot tall. The small, white, cupshaped flowers fade to pink. Oenothera is a vigorous self-seeder and forms colonies. Evening stock (Matthiola incana) is an annual that does best where summers are cool, so it may or may not do well in your garden. But it has a delightful spicy scent, and its pink and purplish flowers can be enjoyed over most of the summer. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) is an annual that does well in full sun to partial shade. The draping branches of this plant may need staking, but they produce white, star-shaped tubular flowers that open in the late afternoon to fill the evening air with their jasmine-like scent. Four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) are an easy-to-grow, old-fashioned annual that gets its name because the flowers open around that time of day. The 1-inch, trumpet-like flowers smell like jasmine and come in a variety of colors. These plants do well in full sun to partial shade, grow 2 to 3 feet tall in a bushy shape and reseed themselves. Night phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis (See PLANT on page 10) remodeling magazine
ColorPlus Technology
™
spring/summer 2009 9
Plant (Continued from page 9)
keeps its blooms tightly closed during the day, but they explode open at dusk with a honey/almond/vanilla fragrance. These upright annuals like full sun and grow 1 to 1.5 feet tall. Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) is a broadleaved, evergreen perennial. The plant produces a flower stalk that can grow to 6 feet tall. While its bell-shaped flowers are open during the day, they remain droopy until evening when they lift up and release their soapy fragrance. Other flowers that make good additions to moon gardens are some oriental lilies (such as Stargazer), some hostas (choose fragrant varieties) and tuberose (a tender bulb). While these flowers open during the day, their fragrance often is intensified during the evening.
Perennial vines such as sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata), climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) and honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are fragrant during the evening. Climbing roses that sport light-colored flowers also can be considered. Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) is a tropical vine that can easily be grown in a container. It has white star-shaped flowers that are wonderfully fragrant. The nice thing about vines and climbing plants in the moon garden is that they can be trained to grow along a deck You should include a variety of plants in your moon railing, or over an arbor that has a bench garden with silver or white foliage, such as the varienestled underneath. gated hydrangea. Shrubs that feature light-colored flowers can be used to help enclose the space of the moon garden. One shrub with fragrant flowers that comes to mind is mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius). It is a Other plants for the moon garden fast-growing shrub that blooms in late May and early June. Finally, when selecting plants for your moon garden, don’t There are several other kinds of plants that you should conforget to include plants that have silver or white foliage — good sider for a moon garden. choices include dusty miller, artemisia and lamb’s ear — or Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a quick-growing, climbing vine variegated foliage with lots of white and cream colors. related to the morning glory. These annual vines can grow to (Susan Brimo-Cox is an award-winning garden writer who gardened 10 to15 feet, sport large heart-shaped leaves and produce sweetin Hampton Roads for more than 10 years.) smelling blooms spanning 5 to 6 inches across.
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spring/summer 2009 13
Create curb appeal, earn tax credits with a new garage door
Some steel doors on the market today are designed to mimic the look of real wood without the upkeep. Clopay’s Ultra-Grain, for instance, features a new woodgrain print coating available on the company’s threeinsulated Gallery Collection vintagestyle steel doors. (Photo courtesy of Clopay.)
By Stacey Enesey Klemenc
A
lthough it’s one of the most predominant features on the front of most houses — and definitely a home’s largest moving piece — garage doors aren’t often front and center in most homeowners’ minds when they’re buying a new home. “But when they remodel or replace existing doors, they often step up from what they had,” says Danny Guthrie, sales manager of Virginia Door in Chesapeake. Far and wide, area garage door distributors agree, an insulated raised-panel steel door is the most popular replacement choice in Hampton Roads. This is especially true for people who not only use their garages for storage but also as impromptu rec rooms, says Paul Wolfe of Overhead Door of Norfolk. “People are looking for doors with thermal efficiency so they can change the room out from a typical garage to an entertainment area where they can set up card tables or watch a game and be comfortable,” he says. A lot of people are discovering that the benefits of added insulation also include helping to keep rooms over garages much cozier, he adds. And with the government’s newest tax credit as an even greater incentive for homeowners to buy energy-efficient products, the popularity of this upgrade is expected to climb.
Tax credits and garage doors According to Tom Wadsworth, the national spokesman for GarageWowNow.com, a nonprofit information-oriented Web site that focuses on garage doors, the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expands a $500 or 10 percent tax credit for purchasing energy-efficient products in 2009 to a 30 percent or $1,500 maximum tax credit for 2009 and 2010. “It’s three times as good as the tax credits enacted in 2005 and 2008. Homeowners now have much more of an incentive to take advantage of this tax break,” he says. To qualify for a credit, homeowners must purchase an insulated garage door that has a U-factor of .30. Unlike an R-value that measures thermal resistance, a U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. “In past years, the focus has been on R-values but in the past few years the U-factor has become the critical measurement,” Wadsworth says. “Typically, the R-value applies to the thermal properties of a section while the U-factor applies to an entire installed assembly. You want the R-value resistance to be high and the U-factor transmittance to be low,” he adds. Just about every manufacturer, Wadsworth says, offers doors with a .30 U-factor. “You’ll not only get a tax credit if you purchase one of these doors, but you’ll enjoy energy savings and improve the appearance of your home, too.” Overhead Door, a company credited with creating the original overhead garage door in 1921 and the first electric garage door opener in 1926, continues its legacy of leading the way. Overhead is one of three companies that offers consumers a chance to see what new garage doors will look like on their homes via a design program on its Web site. (Photo courtesy of Overhead Door.)
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remodeling magazine
Not just another pretty face In the past few years, garage doors have come into their own, with more choices of styles than ever before. “Instead of just being a commodity, garage doors now can be a design element that enhances a home’s curb appeal and improves its perceived value. Instead of dropping in a door that looks like everyone else’s, you can get a gorgeous door that doesn’t cost much more than what you would have spent anyway,” Wadsworth says. Jerry Crain, owner of Northeastern Garage Door, a company with a location in Chesapeake, says he’s recently been impressed with the Gallery Collection from Clopay that his company carries. “It has a metal door with an Ultra-Grain finish that really looks like wood at a fraction of the cost,” he says. “I don’t know how they put the film on there. It looks like it’s tattooed into the steel.” The door, which sports the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, has a lifetime warranty on the finish. The Gallery Collection, as well as Clopay’s Coachman and Premium collection, all qualify for the tax credit. At Overhead Door, Wolfe says, there’s been a huge demand for the Courtyard collection. “These doors give a home more of a farmhouse look but they are made of steel,” he says. “They look like they swing open side to side but they roll straight up.” For a really authentic look, his company also carries wooden doors made by Carriage House Door in North Carolina, which are in big demand for high-end homes. “Spanish cedar and mahogany are our biggest sellers,” he says. These classy doors will not only earn a tax credit, but they also are certifiably green. The 100 percent wooden Carriage House Doors recently earned the Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody certification, which means wood timber used to make the doors comes from a “managed forest” and meets the “controlled wood standard.” According to Guthrie, some neighborhoods, such as East Beach in Virginia Beach’s Ocean View section, mandate that homes must have carriage house-style garage doors. These are typically stamped steel or overlays. “Carriage-style doors that are stamped run about 10 percent more than your
Try before you buy Shopping for a garage door can be an overwhelming experience, especially when your home’s curb appeal is on the line. To help homeowners visualize what their home will look like with new garage doors, (Photo courtesy of Overhead Door Co.) garage door manufacturers Overhead Door, Clopay and Wayne-Dalton recently have launched new design programs on their Web sites. Users upload a digital photo of their home and can “try on” whatever door strikes their fancy. Programs differ from company to company. For instance, with Overhead Door’s DoorView program, homeowners make an appointment with a company rep and are shown the options they select. Clopay’s Door Imagination System lets homeowners interact from their own computers and then print out a summary of the door components they like to take to the dealer. Several other manufacturers, including Amarr and C.H.I. Overhead Doors, have programs that allow homeowners to view a variety of doors on houses similar to theirs. To see firsthand how these design tools work, visit: • www.overheaddoor.com • www.clopay.com • www.wayne-dalton.com
(See GARAGE DOOR on page 16) remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 15
Garage Door (continued from page 15)
standard Colonial raised-panel,” Guthrie says. “But wood or composite overlays on a steel door can be double the cost of standard doors. And if you get into custom, expect to pay three or four times more.” A standard 16-by-7-foot uninsulated door costs somewhere between $825 and $1,100, depending on the manufacturer, with a good insulated door running around $1,100 installed. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1,300 or more to purchase an insulated door that meets the tax credit criterion.
Safety first Regardless of the style you choose, Crain says, make sure the door is installed by a professional or it could conceivably fall out of the tracking and harm someone. Wisely choose who you pick to replace your garage door, he advises. “You need to pick a company that’s in business and will stay in business,” because you’ll likely need them in the future. Visually check your door at least twice a year to make sure everything is in order, such as the cables are not frayed and the spring isn’t distended, he continues. Lubricate all moving parts with a penetrating oil in an aerosol can such as WD-40 or CRC 6-56, not a lithium substance. “This will make the door last longer and keep the spring from prematurely breaking,” Crain says. Guthrie says homeowners also should consider buying a door that has an enclosed spring system, such as the insulated products in Wayne Dalton’s 9000 series that come complete with a torque master spring system. “If the spring breaks, it will scare
Top-of-the-line insulated steel doors, such as this one in Amarr’s Classica Collection, easily qualify for a tax credit under the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (Photo courtesy of Amarr.)
you but it won’t go flying back into the garage,” he says. In an area such as Hampton Roads that is vulnerable to storm activity and power outages, “A lot of my customers are requesting a LiftMaster operator with a battery backup,” Wolfe says, so they can open and close the door when the power is out. Many are also putting in keyless entry pads on the exterior door jambs. “But we tell them not to use the street number of the home or a sequence like 1,2,3,4 because that’s the first combinations thieves usually try,” he says. Finally, Wolfe warns against using the cell phone and driving — even in the garage. “A lot of people will get in the car and get on the cell phone and, not thinking about what they are doing, back right up into the door before it’s had a chance to open.” Ouch. (Stacey Enesey Klemenc is editor of Remodeling Magazine and freelances for a variety of consumer-related and trade publications.)
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16 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
What you always wanted to know about insulation but were afraid to ask Not asking could cost you a lot of money
I
t’s common knowledge we spend a lot of money generating heat or air conditioning inside our homes. We probably need to figure out how to keep that heat and cold inside and not let it escape. That’s where insulation comes into play. In the olden days, it really didn’t matter if a little snuck out between the cracks because generating heat or cold wasn’t overly expensive. Fast forward to today. The global petroleum crisis and escalating fuel and electrical costs are going through the roof, so to say. And the walls.
all over, under and in between your home sweet home and give you a guess-timation of how to save you money. The good news is whatever you spend now will come back to you. You don’t find that in many places today. Properly insu-
lating your home to modern standards is an investment not an expense. Now’s the time to start down the road to saving on heating and cooling costs. Don’t put it off. Make that call today.
WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU LOOKED AT YOUR INSULATION?
Properly insulating your home to modern standards is an investment not an expense. What is insulation? Well, it can be your ground-up Sunday newspaper — that’s cellulose — or stringy fluff that resembles cotton candy — that’s fiberglass. Finally you have this frothy stuff that looks like the top of your cappuccino — and that’s spraying foam. No matter what it’s made of, it’s created to keep the heat in and the cold out or the cold in and the heat out (funny how that works). It all has to do with where you put the stuff and what you want it to do. Cellulose is used in walls or attics. Fiberglass is used in attics and walls, under floors and any other place where you can stuff it in. Foam is used mainly in new construction because you can get at most of the structure while it’s being built. Sure, you can use it to insulate an existing home but it’s easier when the home is under construction. It’s a great product. Foam is sprayed applied and expands to fill every nick and cranny in the cavity. So what’s all this have to do with you? You need to find a reputable insulation company that knows the business and can give you a professional opinion on what insulation can do for you. Call an established business that is a member of Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council today. Let a company rep climb remodeling magazine
Why are you throwing money away? Let one of our professionals show you how to keep some of that hard earned cash. Call today for a free insulation audit of your home.
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757-368-7999 Member Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council. spring/summer 2009 17
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18 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
by Valerie Myers
A
s warmer temperatures move in, families start to move out — to the outdoor living areas of their homes, that is. And for many families in Hampton Roads that area includes an inviting backyard pool.
Backyard pools have long been the focal point for warm-weather outdoor gatherings with friends and family. And today’s array of options that make maintenance easier has only increased the popularity of these outdoor attractions.
It’s automatic Due to increasingly hectic lifestyles where leisure time is a highly valued premium, many pool owners are seeking a lowermaintenance option for their pools. According to Ted Byng of Virginia Beach-based Resort Pools and Fences Inc., “More and more homeowners are seeking pools with automatic cleaners and salt chlorinators, often referred to as saltwater pools.” A saltwater pool uses a generator that produces chlorine so you don’t have to buy it, store it or handle it — a big advantage for many pool owners. These generators produce chlorine constantly when the pump is running, keeping a residual of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing. “Salt chlorinator pools are less caustic, don’t have the strong smell of traditional chlorine and maintain a more neutral pH level,” says Byng. Michael Shammas of Aegean Pools in Chesapeake agrees. “The majority of our clients now requests salt-chlorinated pool systems. Most feel the reduction in time spent on maintenance alone is worth the higher price tag of the system.” “While these types of pool systems may cost more upfront than traditional chlorine
pools,” notes Byng, “the maintenance costs in the long run are actually lower.”
Taking shape As more custom homes have been built over the past few years, more have been accented with custom-designed pools. Nowadays, many homeowners are forgoing the traditional rectangular shape and are choosing a more faceted design to better complement their home and suit their family’s lifestyle. “Basically, if you can draw it, we can build it,” says Byng, “Most clients have their own individual ideas of what they want in a pool, and as long as it’s within city code limits, we try to make their dreams come true.” Modern pool designs incorporate more angles and curves than ever before, reflecting the shift to more custom home construction and landscape design. Some sought-after features (See POOLS on page 20)
Waterfalls crafted from natural rock or simulated stone made of concrete or acrylic can be used to create a distinct focal point for a pool area. (Photo courtesy of Aegean Pools.) remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 19
Cool pools (continued from page 19)
include sun ledges and loveseats, which are seating areas built into the edge of the pool that allow you to sit or lounge in the water without diving all the way in. “These types of features are very popular right now,” says Byng. “Spa jets also can be situated in the seating areas for added enjoyment.”
To infinity and beyond Other innovative design elements more commonly found on high-end pools include beach entries and infinity edges. “A beach entry gradually slopes from the surface surrounding the pool into the water, as opposed to a stair or ladder entry,” explains Shammas. “An infinity edge is constructed so that water flows over one or more sides of the pool into a catch basin and is then re-circulated back into the pool.” This creates a stunning visual element with an illusion that the pool edge is disappearing. “We have built a few infinity-edge pools in the area,” says Shammas. “But they are most commonly found in areas where there is elevation in the landscape, such as homes built along cliff sides.”
Alternative waterways Other features such as spitters and waterfalls also are being used more to enhance the overall pool environment. These additions add visual interest and help to keep the pool clean by recirculating the water.
An infinity edge is constructed so that water flows over one or more sides of the pool into a catch basin and is then re-circulated back into the pool. (Photo courtesy of Aegean Pools.)
“Incorporating spitters and waterfalls into a pool design has continued to gain popularity in recent years,” notes Byng. “Spitters situated in a pool surround can eject a constant or intermittent stream of water into the pool. It’s a fun accent.” “Waterfalls can be configured into many different shapes to create a distinct focal point for a pool area,” says Shammas. “Using rocks or simulated stones made of concrete or acrylic can create virtually any look you want.” With the choice of amenities now available to enhance the residential pool experience, for many homeowners, the recipe for fun is to just add water and stir. Visit www.tbaonline.org to find local pool professionals.
Why settle for a plain Jane?
Dress up your pool with a new surround by Valerie Myers
H
aving a pool installed is a worthwhile investment and most homeowners fortunate enough to have one know the surface surrounding it is almost as important as the pool itself. A pool surround needs to be comfortable, safe and complementary to the rest of a home’s outdoor living environment. Years ago, plain gray concrete was the only option available for pool surrounds. These days, a pool surround can be created to fit just about any style, taste or visual aesthetic. Some of the materials commonly used to create an attractive and comfortable pool surround include wood decking, natural stone, stamped and/or colored concrete or stone pavers. Or, if concrete is already in place around a pool, new life can Low-maintenance resurfacing materials made from a mixture of concrete, polymers and acrylics make it easy for today’s pool owners to literally surround themselves with beauty. (Photo courtesy of Sundek.)
20 spring/summer 2009
be breathed into it with a re-surfacing technology such as the one offered by Sundek of Tidewater. “Sundek is a colored concrete coating composed of Portland cement and acrylics and polymers,” says Paul Fayle, manager of Sundek of Tidewater. “The coating is sprayed over an existing surface and is designed to beautify and protect old or new concrete surfaces. “Polymer-based resurfacing systems are a cool surface option,” he continues. “This means the polymer keeps the heat from getting trapped and remains much cooler than standard concrete.” The Sundek coating comes in an array of colors and patterns. A variety of aggregates and masonry effects also can be used with the overlay to mimic the appearance of stone, brick or tile at a more economical cost than the real thing. “Even if the existing concrete is cracked, those imperfections can be incorporated into a decorative pattern for a unique, custom finish,” says Fayle. “The textured surface is nonporous and both mildew and algae resistant,” he adds. “And it’s also slip resistant, providing safe traction even when wet.” For more information, visit www.sundekoftidewater.com.
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remodeling magazine
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BEFORE
Meet a Remodeler
Area of expertise in remodeling: We specialize in room additions, kitchens and whole-house remodeling. We pride ourselves on doing solid remodeling work for homeowners that makes them proud of their home and glad that they chose us. A-1 Additions Inc. is a remodeling construction and design company that does business with the understanding that remodeling and home additions is a customer service business. Owner Frank Sgromolo has over 13 years of remodeling work experience and has chosen to keep his business small in order to provide individualized attention to all of his clients.
Contact info: Frank Sgromolo A-1 Additions, Inc. 315 Big Pond Lane Chesapeake, VA 23513 (757) 672-9559 www.a1additions.com
24 spring/summer 2009
What advice would you give to homeowners looking to remodel? I feel strongly that homeowners need to approach hiring a contractor they way they would if they were interviewing candidates for any other type of job. Take the time to talk to the contractor and consider their experience, knowledge and character. It’s important that homeowners check the credentials of a contractor, including their licensing and insurance and references. I also suggest that homeowners visit a current jobsite of the contractors they are considering hiring. What has been the most challenging project you’ve tackled? We recently completed a large home addition for which the homeowner had previously used another contractor. That company unfortunately did not perform the job correctly and in fact, the homeowners had to enlist a structural engineer to come in and assess the damage and create a report that outlined everything that needed to be done to remedy the problems with the construction. The job ended up costing the homeowners nearly twice as much as it should have. I personally hate to see people having to go through such unfortunate situations, but it gave me a good feeling to know that we were able to help them resolve it and give them the addition to their home that they truly wanted.
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26 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
Paint problems? Here are some handy solutions Paint is a valuable ally that can help protect and rejuvenate your home’s exterior. And the spring or early summer is an opportune time to look for signs of early paint failure. Some paint problems may be caused by using a lowquality paint, not preparing the surface properly or painting when it’s too hot or cold. No matter what the cause, now is the perfect time to check those painted outside areas, identify any potential problems, and make valuable corrections before your minor paint problem becomes a larger issue.
Blistering: Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint from the underlying surface. Possible cause • Painting a warm surface in direct sunlight. • Moisture escaping through the exterior walls. • Exposing latex paint film to dew, high humidity or rain shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inad equate surface preparation. Solution
• If blisters go down to the substrate, try to remove the source of moisture. • If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate, re move them by scraping, then sanding. Prime any bare wood and repaint with a quality exterior paint.
Cracking and flaking: The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, leading to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks. Later, flaking of paint occurs. Possible cause • Overthinning the paint or spreading it too thin. • Using a low-quality paint that has inadequate flexibility. • If you’re painting when it is too cold or too warm, the paint dries too fast. Solution • If the paint is tightly adhered to the surface, lightly feather the edges, prime and paint. • If the cracking is all the way down to the surface, then the paint should be removed. Old flaking paint may contain lead, so precautions for lead paint should be followed.
Mildew: Black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth on the surface of paint or caulk. Possible cause • Location – forms most often on areas that tend to be damp and without sunlight. • Using a low-quality paint, with minimal or no additives to prevent growth. • Painting over a surface where the mildew has not been removed. • Applying paint in “too thin” a coat. Solutions • First, test for mildew by applying a few drops of household bleach to the discolored area and rinse. If it disappears, it’s probably mildew. • Remove all mildew from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water). • Wear proper safety protection, including rubber gloves and eye goggles. Power washing also is an option. • Rinse thoroughly, prime bare surfaces and paint. Wrinkling: A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a “skin.” Possible cause • Applying paint too thickly. • Painting a hot surface, painting on a very hot day or painting when humidity is high. • Applying the topcoat to a not completely dried first coat. • Painting over dirty or waxy surfaces. Solutions • Scrape or sand the surface to remove wrinkled paint. • Repaint with an even coat of top-of-the-line exterior paint. Make sure the first coat or primer is completely dry before applying the second or topcoat. • Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended spread rate. Source: Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Wrinkling
Cracking and flaking
Mildew Blistering
remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 27
advice from a pro
Thinking about remodeling?
Don’t overlook your foundation by Jesse Waltz, P.E.
If you’re thinking about adding an addition, a second story or even remodeling your kitchen or bath with tiles and granite countertops, consider the extra weight that’s going to be added to the overall structure. Most structures settle because the weight of the home is greater than the bearing capacity of the soil. Over time, this weight deforms the soil and causes the home to settle. In some cases, homeowners or contractors will proceed with a remodeling project without taking that into consideration. The result can be costly. Many builders follow the Uniform Statewide Building Code/International Residential Code family of codes when building a house. These codes are devised as the minimal building standards that should be applied. When determining what type of structure to place on a particular lot, they refer to a table in the Waltz code book titled Presumptive Load-Bearing Values of Foundation Materials. This important table sets the guidelines of how much weight can be built on a particular soil. The type of soil and its composition must be factored in when designing the footing to distribute the weight of the new home. For instance, the table shows that “Sandy, silty sand, clayey sand, silty gravel and clayey gravel” — which is prevalent in this area — can handle a “load-bearing value of approximately 2,000 psi (pounds per square foot).” Other factors such as compaction of the soil, its organic contents and the moisture levels within it can affect how well the structure will hold up. Our recommendation is to always go a step beyond and get the soil tested by a geotechnical engineer. In the late part of the last century, code required new advances in footing design. A combination of continual footing, which spans the perimeter of the house, and pocket footing, to support the interior of the house, assures better stability of the structure when code is followed. However, up until more recently, code was not strict on footing design or soil composition. So many neighborhoods in Hampton Roads were built on substandard soil without considering its bearing capacity. And that’s where the problem of a new addition may occur. Beyond the tables and the engineering calculations, it’s really quite simple. When additional psi are added that increase the total weight of the structure to more than the soil can support, settling problems occur. A new addition could start sinking and literally take a portion of the original structure with it. A new second floor can push the original first floor down into the soil. Our inspectors have seen many cases where 28 spring/summer 2009
foundation failure is directly related to a room addition or second story added on several years earlier. Now from the code book consider another table, titled Floor Joist Spans for Common Lumber Species. This table factors the “dead load” and proper spacing of the joists based on the type of lumber being used. In other words, many variables can add weight to your home based on its building materials. So, if your kitchen has laminate countertops and you are changing them to granite, there is going to be much more “dead weight” on the soil below. Even changing the vinyl in the bathroom to ceramic tile adds weight. We have seen numerous renovations where the new tile cracked due to settlement. If you’re planning a renovation, don’t take shortcuts. Rely on the opinion of a professional or geotechnical engineer to assess whether your property can support an addition or second story. If the results indicate it can’t handle the extra weight, don’t worry. There is a solution. Push piers can be driven down beyond the poor soils into the load-bearing stratum to compensate for any additional weight resulting from a renovation. This foundation-stabilizing product barely disrupts the surrounding landscape, doesn’t involve heavy equipment and has a lifetime-transferable warranty. In cases where an addition may equate to a new construction site, helical piers may be an option. Lastly, if interior walls or flooring need to be shored up in preparation of a kitchen or bath renovation, a stabilizer system can be installed beneath the beams directly under where the work will take place. Be sure you do your homework in the planning stages of your remodeling or renovation project. You can make the extra investment now to stabilize your home if it’s needed, or end up paying more to repair a failing foundation problem in the future. (Jesse Waltz, a Professional Engineer and a 1985 Virginia Military Institute graduate, is the founder of JES Construction Inc., a regional foundation repair and home improvement company with a location in Virginia Beach. He can be reached at [757] 558-9909.)
remodeling magazine
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spring/summer 2009 29
On the fence? Wooden fences are extremely popular across Hampton Roads and are often chosen because homeowners want their privacy. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Fence Co.)
by Valerie Myers
W
hether for privacy, security or to keep children and pets corralled, one of the most important investments homeowners can make is in a fence. And choosing just the right style of fence can literally set a home apart from others in the neighborhood — but in a good way. These days, homeowners have several fencing options to choose from, with form and function influencing the decision they make. With form, homeowners need to choose a style of fence that suits the type of home they have. And in regard to function, what practical purpose the fence will serve needs to be considered. Questions that need to be addressed include: • Will the fence be used to keep pets in, or out? • Are there small children in the household? • Will the fence primarily be for added protection and privacy?
Wood is good For many homeowners in Hampton Roads, practical and sturdy wood remains the first choice for fencing. The natural beauty of wood fences tends to blend well with most any landscape. The fences have a long life when properly maintained 30 spring/summer 2009
wood, while more expensive, is another strong wood with a nice appearance. But wood fences need protection. Many varieties of bacteria, fungi and insects love wood. When wood is in contact with the ground or moisture for any period of time, these organisms attack the wood. For that reason, it is recommended to use pressure-treated wood for fences. Pressure-treated wood has been immersed in a liquid preservative and placed in a pressure chamber. The chamber forces the chemical into the wood fibers to ensure the chemical gets into the core of the wood. “Pressure treatment provides excellent resistance to rot and insects and has become the standard for building a longlasting fence,” says Hamilton. “Pressuretreated wood greatly extends the life of a wood fence.” Homeowners should take further measures to help extend the life of their wood fence, says Jay Klebanoff of Hercules Fence in Norfolk. “To maintain the natural beauty of a wood fence, pressure wash and stain the fence at least once a year.” Depending on the species, wood fencing can vary greatly in cost but typically runs from $9 to $20 per foot.
and are cost-effective compared to other types of fences. But not all wood fencing is the same so it’s important to do some research. While pine is probably the most commonly used wood for fencing, other species such as cedar, spruce and redwood are also very popular. Each type of wood comes with its own set of characteristics when it comes to fencing. Chet Hamilton of Hamilton Fence Co. in Chesapeake primarily uses clear cedar for the wood fences his company constructs. (See FENCE on page 32) “Clear Western red cedar is our first choice for fencing,” says Hamilton. “This wood has no knots and virtually no imperfections, which makes for a very strong and attractive fence.” Spruce picket fences and cross rails are most commonly used in prefabricated picket and stockVinyl fences — which can be deade fence sections signed to mimic the look of traditional found at most wood picket, painted wood or post-and-rail home improvefences — are fast-becoming a popular choice in ment stores. RedHampton Roads. (Photo courtesy of Hercules Fence.) remodeling magazine
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spring/summer 2009 31
Fence (continued from page 30)
Link up Another economical option in fencing is chain link. At around $8 per foot, chain link can provide a durable and virtually maintenance-free property boundary for a home. “From what I’ve experienced, chain link is still primarily used for commercial structures,” says Hamilton. “With so many other more aesthetically pleasing options, chain link has somewhat lost its foothold in the residential sector.” The practical property barrier is still typically found in older neighborhoods. “A black poly-vinyl coating can be applied to chain link,” says Klebanoff, “Which can add a good 10-to-15 years to its life.” For added privacy with a chain link fence, wooden or vinyl slats can be inserted to block visibility into a yard and also enhance the appearance of the fence. Slats are available in a variety of colors and can be inserted vertically or diagonally.
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the most popular choices on the market. Often referred to as the last fence you’ll ever have to buy, they are strong, flexible, durable and never need to be painted. “Styles of vinyl fencing also can be designed to mimic the look of traditional wood picket fences or post-and-rail fences,” says Hamilton, “making it a good choice for a variety of home styles and outdoor living areas.” Another selling point of vinyl is the fact that it’s virtually maintenance-free. A vinyl fence never needs to be painted and the only cleaning it requires is a yearly hosing off with soap and water. “Vinyl fencing had a somewhat slow start in the beginning. No one wanted to be the first person in their neighborhood to have ‘plastic’ in their yard,” says Klebanoff. “Now the product has really proven itself — in looks and longevity.” With vinyl fencing, homeowners can expect to pay around $20 per foot. “Although vinyl may have a slightly higher initial cost,” notes Hamilton. “The long-term savings in maintenance expenses over the course of its lifetime will be a lot less than that of other materials.”
Ornamental metals In recent years, ornamental fencing has grown in popularity for homeowners looking for a more customized and elegant enclosure for their yards without obstructing the visual appeal of the natural environment. “Often generally referred to as wroughtiron fencing, most ornamental fences are constructed from either aluminum or steel components that come in a variety of sizes and shapes,” says Hamilton. “Many homeowners’ associations are requiring ornamental fencing because of its uniform and elegant appearance.” “The attractiveness of ornamental fencing complements the style of many contemporary homes,” says Klebanoff. Because of their look, ornamental fences are often thought of as more ornamental than functional. But just because they’re attractive, doesn’t mean they’re fragile. “In fact,” notes Hamilton, “ornamental fencing is extremely sturdy and strong. It handles the elements well and very little maintenance is required once it’s installed.” “That durability is particularly important in the Hampton Roads area,” adds Klebanoff. “This is a high-moisture region. The aluminum fencing is capable of withstanding the damaging effects of living in such close proximity to water.” But all that low-maintenance beauty comes with a price. Ornamental fencing is not cheap, costing from $20 to $30 per foot, depending on size, design and style. Whatever the reason for choosing to have a fence installed, homeowners should assess their particular needs and thoroughly investigate the options. Hamilton asserts, “With all the different choices available for residential fences, consumer awareness is key, so do your homework before anyone breaks ground.” The American Fence Association Web site is a good place to begin researching fence products. The site offers a product guide with information on the different materials discussed here. There’s also a short quiz to help homeowners decide what type of fence would be their best choice. Check out americanfenceassociation. com. (Valerie Myers is a Remodeling Magazine staff writer.) remodeling magazine
Temperature Simple home maintenance can prevent spring leaks Controlled
S
Faucet Light
pring showers can bring more than May flowers. Seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels could lead to costly leaks. According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, five areas of the home need a closer look this time of year, and if necessary, simple maintenance. Roof – Check this from the inside and outside. Examine the roof for missing or curling shingles or excessive loss of granules, then look at the underside of the roof from the attic if possible. Water spots are a good indication there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. Window and door seals – Water intrusion may show up as peeling paint, streaks below windows, or swollen and soft drywall. Make sure caulking around the exterior of windows and doors is in good shape and replace if needed. Repair flashing around windows. Replace damaged siding, wood or drywall. Holiday LEDs Exterior walls – Make sure exterior walls are well-painted and sealed. Seal any cracks or openings around pipes or vents that penetrate the exterior wall.
1
Gutters and downspouts – Check that these are clean and stable to ensure proper drainage and lessen the chance they will become flying debris in high wind. Make sure downspouts slope away from the house and carry water at least 5 feet away from the foundation. Yard and landscaping – The yard’s grading can change so make sure water drains away from the home and doesn’t pool against walls. Don’t place compost or mulch against outside walls and make sure sprinklers don’t spray the house. IBHS recommends checking water sources inside the home, too. A recent IBHS study of damage from washing machines, plumbing supply systems and plumbing drain systems found more than half of all washing machine failures are caused by the supply hose. Plumbing supply system failures are the leading source of residential water loss claims, and the number of claims dramatically increases for homes more than 21 years old. Visit the IBHS Web site at www.disastersafety.org for more information.
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5 spring/summer 2009 33
products to ponder Pantree Alligetter
Let’s get vertical Keeping pots and pans along with their lids in an orderly fashion in a cabinet is usually no small task. There just doesn’t seem to ever be enough room to store these items properly. But a handy device from Florida-based Vertical Storage Solutions Inc. could change all that. The company’s popular Pantree is designed to hold up to 14 pieces of cookware, including four lids, making good use of otherwise wasted vertical space. Pantree, which sells for $24.95 plus $7.95 shipping and handling, is available online at www.pantree.com or call (800) 646-0366.
Stovetop Extender before
A fishing expedition If reaching into a yucky garbage disposal to retrieve a lost object from the kitchen sink abyss makes you squeamish, you could reach for an Alligetter instead. The Alligetter, a trigger-activated grabber attached to a 12-inch long handle, can do the work for you. Outfitted with a flap spreader, serrated teeth and directional LED, it can light the way while you use it to fish out things like rings, coins, large seeds, shards of glass and whatever else mistakenly slips out of sight. The Alligetter, which retails for $20, is also proving handy in retrieving objects from other hard-to-reach places such as under or next to a stove or refrigerator, behind furniture and beds, and even between car seats and consoles. Visit www.alligetter.com. for more information.
after
Fixing a crummy situation Are you tired of all the grease, crumbs and gunk that fall into the gap between your range and counter? Well, so was the inventor of the Stovetop Extender. A plastic strip and magnet, it really does the trick for less than $10. After cleaning up unwanted residue, just slide the strip into place. The extender, which is made in the United States, is designed to cover gaps between 1/8 and 5/8 inch wide in lengths either 22 1/2 or 24 inches long. It comes in black, white, almond and bisque. For more information, visit www.stovetopextender.com or call (520) 574-0944.
Get towels without touching
CleanCUT 34 spring/summer 2009
As seen on ABC’S Extreme Makeover: Home Edition season finale, the CleanCUT automatic paper towel dispenser from Smart Product Innovations features notouch operation, no-waste length control and a fast self-sharpening blade. It’s designed to handle any paper towel brand or size. The product, which was unveiled at the 2009 Housewares Show, has been through six years of development and reliability testing, with more than 500 units in the field. It uses a constant infrared beam, comparable to the technology used with a TV remote control. Break the beam and the paper towel instantly unrolls. When you have the length you need, just break the beam again to cut the towel. The CleanCUT dispenser, which installs easily under a cabinet, should be available from Williams-Sonoma by September. It will retail for $99 or less. For more information, visit www.smartproductinnovations.com. remodeling magazine
remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 35
do it yourself
Just zip it
H
ere’s a new product that will have you zipping right along on your next project that involves finishing a basement or underneath a walk-out second-story deck. Zip-UP Ceiling and Zip-UP UnderDeck, the brainchild of a small company based in Michigan, mount directly to the joists using a self-locating, self-leveling rail system. Both are made from recyclable PVC plastic and are designed with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. The grid-free ceiling system saves headroom — it only takes up 2 inches — and makes it incredibly easy to access plumbing
and wiring whenever necessary. Both it and the UnderDeck components are impervious to water and won’t stain or mildew. The ceilings are available in black and white, with innovative families using the black for their home theaters. The deck product comes in white or beige. Both products can be painted. To get started, you need to measure the room or deck and order enough trim to cover its circumference. Use Zip-UP’s online calculator to find out how many panels and rails will be needed. The panels and rails come in 8-, 12- and 16-foot lengths.
Acting as a water-diverting plane installed under the joists, Zip-UP UnderDeck offers homeowners an affordable solution to waterproof the space beneath a walk-out deck. The decking product runs about $5 a square foot and can be ordered directly from the company.
When properly installed, Zip-UP UnderDeck from I.G. Creative Solutions creates a dry space below where you can extend your living space outdoors to enjoy everything from a barbeque to a quiet afternoon in the shade.
1BOFMJOH 'BDUPSZ *OD
& 7JSHJOJB #FBDI #MWE /PSGPML 7" QIPOF GBY FNBJM QBOFMJOHGBDUPSZ!WFSJ[PO OFU IUUQ XXX QBOFMJOHGBDUPSZJOD DPN
36 spring/summer 2009
remodeling magazine
Installing is as easy as 1, 2, 3 Tools needed to do the job: Hacksaw Measuring tape Utility knife Chalk line Tin snips Power drill Power screwdriver
Step 1 Install the wall trim. Place the trim against the wall and move it up until it rests snugly on the bottom of the joist. Screw the trim in place as you go along. Do this around the entire perimeter.
1
Step 2 Install the panel. First, snip off about 1 inch of the zip connectors from the back of the panel at all four corners of the panel. Then tuck the panel into the trim’s lower channel. The trim is designed to support the panel and will hold it in place.
Step 3 Install the rail. Put the rail in place. Then, zip the other side of the panel into the rail. The panel spaces the rail for you. It’s now time to screw the rail into the joists. Since all joists aren’t the same height, push the rail up while you just screw into every other, or even every third, low joist. This self-levels the system. Use 1 ½ inch drywall screws and don’t drive them all the way in. The rail requires little support and works best with some flex room.
Finishing the job Zip the next panel into place, making sure it fits snugly into the trim at the front and then the rear edge. Continue installing rails and panels until you finish your project. If the room is longer than the panel length, you’ll need to install a seam rail. Push it flush into the installed panels and rails and attach it to the joists. Install the second row following the same steps as the first. If there is a canister, hanging or fluorescent lighting fixture, cut into the panels following the Zip-UP Ceiling Installation Guide. For the deck system, you will need to pitch the ceiling a half-inch every 4 feet to the gutter to drain off rain water. This will create a waterproof area below and give you more outdoor living space. Besides basement ceilings and deck undersides, the system can be used in crawlspaces, garages and other applications where joists may be exposed. The ceiling panels sell for less than $4 a square foot and the deck panels run about $5 a square foot. For more information on either system, contact I.G. Creative Solutions at (888) 449-4787 or visit www.zipup underdeck.com or www.zipupceiling.com. remodeling magazine
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3 spring/summer 2009 37
2009 Color Trends
Authentic and traditional paint hues refresh and excite the senses
Weather or Not! Our eco-consciousness continues to expand and “Weather or Not!” glances upward for inspiration. This palette takes a cue from the continually changing skies and provides the homeowner with colors represented at sunrise or sunset resulting in a shift from the more expected botanical hues. While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, bedrooms and family living spaces.
What’s in bloom?
Weather or Not! Color recommendations: Dusty purple, deep blue, bronze metallics and rosy pink. Decorative effects: Large, dramatic geometric patterns incorporating metallic finishes
Consumers’ increased desire for healthy and sustainable locally grown fruits and vegetables provides fresh inspiration for “What’s in Bloom.” Another twist on the “green” movement is inspired by fresh hues, including citrus green, mango and lemon yellow. Not just a one-season offering, “What’s in Bloom” also derives inspiration from fresh fall produce such as pumpkin orange and apple red. “What’s in Bloom” is ripe for use in a child’s bedroom, playroom and kitchens. Use in closets and pantry areas to provide an unanticipated pop of color.
C
olor style for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces. By simply changing the paint color in a room, all spaces in the home become reinvention candidates. “Key drivers for 2009 color choices include aspirations that create a comfortable and tranquil home environment coupled with a return to authentic and sustainable materials. In contrast, lively color use and bold patterns will find their place as an alternative to more sedate living areas,” says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert from Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. Here are a few paint hues and potentials we may be seeing this year, she notes.
Menswear: Color recommendations: Gray, navy blue, brown and black. Decorative effects: Argyle, herringbone and pinstripes
38 spring/summer 2009
What’s in bloom?
Color recommendations: Citrus green, mango, apple red, lemon yellow and pumpkin orange. Decorative effects: Black as an accent color on trim or doors provides an interesting and unexpected frame for the “What’s in Bloom” color palette.
Menswear Consumers have increased their yearning for artisanship and authentic materials like those found in “Menswear.” Menswear — as in a warm argyle or paisley sweaters — allows for a more traditional use of hues such as navy blue, “leather-like” brown and rich gray. “Texture like” finishes and decorative techniques also are important to this palette. Incorporating herringbone and argyle paint patterns provides a focal point in living and family rooms. remodeling magazine
©2009 RSVP Publications. All rights reserved. JAX 309
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remodeling magazine
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spring/summer 2009 39
remodeling checklist
Do your homework before hiring a contractor
A
fter months spent vacillating between two options — buy a new house or stay put in your ’70s-era ranch — you and your spouse have finally reached a decision: Let’s keep the great neighborhood and give the house a facelift. Now the really challenging part begins. You need to hire a professional remodeler who will take your visions and turn them into reality. So, to help you choose a remodeler, the Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council has developed this checklist:
First, qualify your contractor. . . Make sure all contractors are es-
timating from the same plans and specifications (whether they are prepared by an architect, designer, contractor, etc.). Otherwise it is next to impossible to accurately compare bids.
Determine if the contractor’s li-
cense status is appropriate for your size job. Class A contractors can make contracts of any value; Class B contractors can do work up to $70,000; and Class C, up to $7,500. Require proof of license status (this should be based on your total job estimate).
How long has the contractor been
in business? Has the contractor had any serious complaints made with the Better Business Bureau? (You can inquire with the bureau at www.hamptonroadsBBB.org or call 531-1300.)
Require the contractor to show
proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance before you sign a contract.
Request references. Also, ask if it is
possible for you to visit a current or completed job of the contractor’s. Ask for at least one reference more than one year old.
40 spring/summer 2009
Is the contractor a member of any
trade association (Tidewater Builders Association and its Remodelers Council, 4202434; Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 622-2312; National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (800) 611-6274 or other)?
Most importantly . . . It should be stated in the contract
Are subcontractors used by the con-
that the contractor must obtain a permit from the city. You should not get the permit. If you obtain the permit, this makes it almost impossible to hold the contractor responsible if any problems occur. The permit initiates inspections from the city to ensure the contractor is performing the work to meet regulations.
Get specific . . . and get it in writing Insist on complete specifications
Ask yourself . . . Was the contractor cordial and
tractor properly licensed? Ask the remodeling contractor who will be responsible for servicing the remodeling work installed.
before signing a contract.
Make sure the contract includes a payment schedule.
The contractor’s start date and
estimated completion date should be included in the contract. How will foul weather impact the project? Will you have a vacation or other event that may interfere with the project?
Ask the contractor what provisions
responsive to my questions?
Does the contractor fully understand the scope of work?
Will the contractor be responsible and responsive to my needs?
If a discrepancy occurs, do I feel
the contractor will promptly address my concerns?
If the contractor cannot start at the anticipated time, will I be willing to wait and work within his time frame?
and policies he employs to assure the safety, security and cleanliness of your home. Make sure these policies and provisions are clearly stated in your contract.
If I base my decision on the lowest
while your work is being performed, and will the contractor be readily available if there are any problems?
the contractor is building by and do I understand exactly what I am getting?
Who will be your primary contact What inconveniences will you be
subjected to and how long for each? Will workers be using your telephone? What time will the work begin and end each day, and does this include Saturdays? Where will the workers park? Where will delivered materials be unloaded and stored? Will workers use your restroom facilities or will the contractor supply a portable toilet? Find out when you will receive warranties for products purchased.
bidder, will the quality of workmanship be compromised?
Is there a written set of standards Do I trust this contractor to work on one of my most valuable possessions?
(For a list of professionals who are members of the Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council, turn to page 42, or visit www.tbaonline.org. The council network provides information and assistance to the public and increases the skill and knowledge of its members. The council also participates in an awards program recognizing outstanding remodeling and workmanship.) remodeling magazine
financing options for your remodeling project
Remodeling trend continues despite today’s tough resale market Remodeling remains a good investment, despite today’s challenging real estate market. Suddenly, we don’t need to move across town. Instead, we are renovating our houses, adding everything from gourmet kitchens and spa-like bathrooms to sprawling master bedrooms and two-story additions. If you remodel your kitchen in Hampton Roads and sell your home within a year, statistics say you’ll get back between 73 percent and 79 percent of the remodel cost. You also may sell your house faster and for more money once it has the newest kitchen on the block. If you add a two-story addition to your home in this area — at an average cost of about $131,717 — it’s reported you’ll get back nearly 78 percent of the cost. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you may need to boost its curb appeal. For the fourth year in a row, the nationally circulated Remodeling magazine has ranked fiber-cement siding the No. 1 choice to do this, above popular projects like kitchen and bath remodels. The magazine lists the average cost to re-side with fiber cement at almost $13,000 compared to adding an upscale bathroom at almost $68,000. Homeowners should expect to recoup about 69 percent for the bathroom and 91 percent of the siding job. That’s the conclusion of Remodeling magazine’s 2008-2009 “Cost vs. Value” report, which estimates the price of 30 typical projects in 79 cities and how much homeowners would recoup if they sold the home within the year. “That means homeowners are still paying just 20 cents to 35 cents on the dollar for more space, better space, different space,” the report’s authors say. “In today’s buyers’ market, sellers know they have to go the extra mile to attract buyers, but often times the improvements made don’t deliver a higher sale price and the money put into improve-
remodeling magazine
ments is lost,” says P.J. Rosch, senior product manager for James Hardie Building Products. “Remodeling magazine’s ‘Cost vs. Value’ report is a valuable tool for sellers, as well as for real estate agents counseling sellers, when it comes to making home improvement decisions that will both attract buyers and protect the seller’s investment.” Below is a sample of Remodeling magazine’s 2008-2009 “Cost vs. Value” report with estimates on how much Hampton Roads homeowners would recoup if they sold the home within the year. The full report is available at www.costvsvalue. com.
Act signed by the President to help boost the economy contains tax credits that can benefit your 2009 or 2010 returns. There were credits for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home this year, but the new law increases their benefits and extends them into 2010. For instance, the maximum tax credit you can receive for either year has gone up from $500 to $1,500. Windows and a new roof are some improvements you can take a credit for a full 30 percent of the cost. Double-check with the contractor to make sure the products selected qualify for the tax credit, as not all Energy Starrated products qualify.
Improvement (mid-range)
Job cost
Bathroom addition Bathroom remodel Garage addition Major kitchen remodel Master suite addition Roofing replacement Siding replacement (vinyl) Two-story addition Window replacement (vinyl) Window replacement (wood)
$33,959 $14,510 $52,710 $53,236 $90,590 $16,088 $9,326 $131,717 $9,496 $10,416
“There’s no doubt about this,” says Jack Lane, Monarch Mortgage’s executive vice president and production manager. “Mortgage makeovers have hit the marketplace, thanks to the lowest mortgage rates in a year and a half and the conforming loan increase for Hampton Roads to $428,750 in March 2008. Also, the tax credit bumping up to 30 percent from 10 percent improved the steady growth we are already experiencing.” At a time when the housing market needs them as much as ever, the feds are hunkering down to weather the crisis. The massive Recovery and Reinvestment
Resale value Cost recouped $22,450 $10,953 $36,960 $42,104 $64,719 $11,661 $7,705 $102,338 $7,535 $8,215
66.1% 75.5% 70.1% 79.1% 71.4% 72.5% 82.6% 77.7% 79.4% 78.9%
“If you can’t afford to buy new and you’ve got equity in your home for remodeling, there’s good news for you,” says Lane. Many local institutions, including Monarch Mortgage, offer renovation/repair loans that feature a ‘subject to’ appraisal so that the value of the loan includes the proposed improvements. Lending institutions can administer the draws directly to contractors and help monitor the work. Some loans also can include extras such as landscaping, new furniture and appliances. (Nancy Porter of Monarch Mortgage contributed to this story.)
spring/summer 2009 41
2009 tba remodelers council - directory associates
remodelers A-1 Additions (757) 672-9559
Dailey Nestor Homes LLC (757) 425-5790
Allen Loree Homes LLC (757) 463-9887
Definitive Homes (757) 460-9606
American Quality Remodeling (757) 855-4000
Designs of Distinction Ltd. (757) 547-8196
Bay Shore Construction Inc. (757) 439-1094 BECO Construction (757) 547-1515
First Atlantic Restoration (757) 499-1915 J.M. Froehler Construction (757) 481-5801
Belfor-USA (757) 547-9400
Leo F. Johns Contractor Inc. (757) 545-0290
Benson Builders Inc. (757) 496-9613
Renovations & Innovations (757) 440-0015
Cape Construction Co. Inc. (757) 436-0117
Shoreline Custom Homes & Development (757) 337-8600
Caruana Construction Inc. (757) 717-2233 Case Handyman and Remodeling (757) 545-7100
VB Homes (757) 491-1996 Wel-Vant Construction Co. (757) 855-7710
Concrete pavers
GLASS
Xteriors of Virginia Beach (757) 714-5168
Architectural Stained Glass (757) 583-5864
Doors/windows
Glass Doctor (757) 456-9111
Apple Door Systems Inc. (757) 548-2828
Appliances
Building materials
East Coast Appliance Inc. (757) 425-2883
Alside Supply Center (757) 857-1825
Banks/savings & loans/mortgage companies
American Best Mortgage/ National City Mortgage (757) 456-0155 Fulton Mortgage/ Fulton Bank Southern Division (757) 222-2406 Monarch Mortgage (757) 288-3822 Brick/masonry subcontractors/ suppliers
Batchelder & Collins Inc. (757) 625-2506 Lawrenceville Brick Masonry Supply (757) 558-2760
42 spring/summer 2009
Burton Lumber Corp. (757) 545-4613 The Contractor Yard Inc. (757) 548-1532 Greenwich Supply Corp. (757) 497-8908 Lansing Building Products (757) 857-1278 PRO-Build (757) 548-1532 Saunders Supply Co. Inc. (757) 255-4531
Shelving/closets
Inner Space Systems Inc. (757) 487-1101
American Insulation Service LLC (757) 368-7999
Affordable Closet Systems Inc. (757) 548-4107
Kitchens/baths
The Closet Factory (757) 486-2726
Greenwich Kitchen Center Inc. (757) 497-8919
Utilities/public & private
Reico Kitchen & Bath (757) 361-3800
Dominion Virginia Power (800) 827-7796
Lighting
Virginia Natural Gas (757) 466-5559
Coastal Lighting & Supply (757) 436-7595
Wholesale distributors
Greenbrier Lighting (757) 547-0293
Eastern Aluminum Supply of VA (757) 318-7324
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Marble (cultured & imported)
Amerivisor Management, Tax & Financial (757) 410-0510
Dernis International Marketing (757) 427-1142
Noland Plumbing Showroom (757) 424-5616
Edward A. Tyng Insurance & Financial Services (757) 493-4327
Virginia Beach Marble Co. (757) 340-0686
ELECTRICAL SUBCONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS
Light House Electrical Services Inc. (757) 340-7212 Entertainment Systems
AE Systems Home Automation & Entertainment (757) 393-2005
PODS - Keep it Simple (757) 547-7220
associates
Starling Guttering & Assoc. of Southside Inc. (757) 465-7662
INSULATION CONTRACTOR
Pella Virginia Inc. (757) 499-7165
Equipment Rental/ Sales
Causey Contracting Inc. (757) 865-8484
Roofing/guttering/ siding/Trim
Professional Supply (757) 318-9444 ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings (757) 523-5000
Media Flooring/tile
Florida Tile (757) 855-9330 Ornamental Tile Inc. (757) 631-7700 The Mosaic Tile Co. (757) 498-4848
WAVY-10 (757) 396-6150 Plumbing Subcontractors/Suppliers
Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (757) 490-2381
Young’s Flooring Co. Inc. (757) 481-9646
Stock Building Supply (757) 543-6836 CABINETS/ COUNTERTOPS
Heritage Woodworks (757) 934-1158 Quality Stone Products (757) 615-7662
*The contractors on this list, current as of Sept. 16, 2008, are members of Tidewater Builders Association. Tidewater Builders Association makes no representation concerning the qualifications or performance of any of the individual contractors on this list. Consumers are strongly advised to carefully investigate the qualifications and references of any contractor before entering into a building or remodeling contract. Tidewater Builders Association specifically disclaims any liability that may result from the performance of any of the contractors listed here. Those companies whose names appear in green have a display ad in this magazine.
remodeling magazine
A
The kitchen isn’t just a place for cooking... It’s the most important room in the home! homeowner’s tale of a kitchen makeover
Cooking, dining and entertaining are just a few of the activities that take place in our kitchens on a daily basis. As the years have passed, the role of the kitchen has certainly evolved. What used to be the cook’s room is now so much more. How many roles does your kitchen serve? When I first met with my kitchen designers from B&T Kitchens and Baths, this was one of their first questions to me. As I answered this question, I realized how important the kitchen was to me. Many great memories took place in the kitchens throughout my life. I can still taste the fried chicken that my grandma used to cook on Sunday nights for dinner. Everything cooked in her kitchen was fresh and she knew exactly how much to cook. The smell of fried chicken still takes me back to her small kitchen, where everything she needed was within a couple steps. No one was allowed in her kitchen while she was cooking, so we all gathered in other rooms as she prepared the Sunday evening dinner. She would present the meal on the dining room table where we retreated to enjoy our meal together. As the years passed, the kitchen grew in size and transitioned into more of a gathering place. The components of the kitchen also changed. Cabinet space increased, appliances grew in size and small tables made their entry into the kitchen to provide a space to eat a quick meal. The days seemed to pass by faster as the pace of life increased exponentially and the kitchen evolved alongside these changes. Cabinets were more important than ever as an active lifestyle made extra space necessary to hold all the staples for a busy life. The dining room was used far less than at grandma’s house so the small table was perfect for the quick bowl of cereal or the informal dinner before the busy night. The microwave became a cooking appliance, as the need for fast dinners became a way of life. The refrigerator was covered with children’s drawings on the outside and TV dinners and leftovers on the inside. Meals became more informal, but the formal meals at the holidays or other special occasions meant that the kitchen would
be full of family and friends. More hands working meant that the kitchen would have to be larger. The kitchen certainly grew in importance as a cooking and entertaining center. As I told these stories to my kitchen designers at B&T Kitchens and Baths, it not only formed the basis for what would become my dream kitchen, but it did something else. It helped me understand what B&T Kitchens and Baths meant when they said that the kitchen isn’t just a place for cooking...it’s the most important room in the home. As I reminisced about my grandma’s kitchen, I realized that it was reserved just for cooking. My mom’s kitchen was more than just for cooking and my kitchen would need to be even more. I imagined what would take place in my kitchen … cooking, entertaining, dining and more. I wanted a space where my children could sit and do homework. Meals would take place in the kitchen, so I needed seating for at least six people. My husband and I do a lot of entertaining so I would really like an area that would divide the entertaining space from the main cooking space. With four children, I needed a large refrigerator and freezer. Our house would be a gathering place for family functions, such as Thanksgiving, so double ovens would be perfect. Even with all of these functional aspects, I still wanted an elegant kitchen that was as beautiful as it was effective and efficient. This meant more in-cabinet storage, hidden trashcans and glass cabinets to display my grandma’s china. My designers were listening to each of these ideas and creating my new kitchen in their heads. Watching this happen, I realized the importance of this consultation with the designers from B&T Kitchens and Baths. They were not only designing my kitchen...they were creating the most important room in my home. A room that would shape the memories of my children and grandchildren. A room that would serve so many purposes. As I sit here in my kitchen, I think back to that first question my designers asked me and I realize that my answer created the blueprint of my kitchen. B&T Kitchens and Baths turned this blueprint into reality and created the kitchen of my dreams. They can do the same for you!
3134 E. Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA,23504 757.625.8400
www.bandtkitchens.com remodeling magazine
spring/summer 2009 43
Going green with home renovations will put “green” back into your pockets
The economic stimulus package approved earlier this year gives homeowners added incentive for “going green” when remodeling their homes. Energy Star has published information on how consumers can take advantage of the federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. The credits are expected to significantly increase demand for green renovation projects this year and next. The Internal Revenue Code Section 25C for existing homes, which had expired at the end of 2007, was reinstated as part of the economic rescue package passed by the Bush Administration last fall. Installing energy-efficient windows, doors, roofing and insulation — as well as furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps — all qualified for the credit. But remodelers found the terms of the 25C credit — equal to only 10 percent of the cost of each product and with a lifetime cap of $500 — weren’t quite strong enough to get homeowners off the fence and into a contract. Under the stimulus legislation signed by President Barack Obama Feb. 17, the percentage of the cost and lifetime cap has been tripled to 30 percent and $1,500, respectively. The deadline for installing them has been extended through the end of 2010. In addition to expanding the 25C tax credit, the IRS 25D credit for renewable energy products also has been expanded and is even more generous for specific improvements, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. The 30 percent tax credit applies to these products but there is no cap on their cost through 2016. The newly expanded tax credits are in alignment with industry research showing remodeling and retrofitting the nation’s older homes will have a far more signifi44 spring/summer 2009
cant impact on reducing residential energy consumption than meeting even the most aggressive efficiency goals for new homes, notes Greg Miedema, chairman of the NAHB Remodelers. A December 2008 survey by Whirlpool Corp. revealed 84 percent of consumers said energy efficiency is significantly more important than water use or other potential savings when it comes to home appliance efficiency. Seventy-two percent of respondents seek the Energy Star label when making purchasing decisions. A 2008 California study showed homes built before 1983 were responsible for 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family envelope energy consumption. The study also found spending $10,000 to retrofit a 1960s home could save 8.5 tons of carbon at a cost of $588 to $1,176 per ton, depending on existing tax credits and incentives. By comparison, increasing the energy efficiency of a new home 35 percent over current state requirements would cost about $5,000 and would reduce emissions by 1.1 tons at a cost of $4,545 per ton. The bottom line is that retrofitting existing homes with energy-efficient features is four to eight times more carbonand cost-efficient than adding further energy-efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.
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Details on qualifying improvements are available on the Energy Star Web site. Homeowners can claim the 25C and 25D credits on Form 5695 when they prepare their income tax returns. They should also retain records that include:
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• Additional information for storm windows, if applicable
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• A declaration that the certification statement is true
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• Identification of the component • Make, model or other appropriate identifiers • Statement that the component meets the 25C standards • Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied
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