Archives

April 30, 2010

Home Improvement Projects Making A Comeback

With the economy improving, home improvement projects are on the rise among the nation’s homeowners.  As detailed in this article by Andrea Chang of The Los Angeles Times, homeowners are starting to embark on projects that they had been holding off pursuing due to the recession.

The article cites a recent survey by American Express which found that 62 percent of homeowners said they planned to embark on home improvement projects in 2010, spending an average of $6,200 on enhancements.

With the extra incentive of the Federal Tax Credit, now is a great time for homeowners to invest in replacement windows, siding, and doors.

April 29, 2010

Having An Ugly Kitchen Can Cost You…Literally!

A couple who installed an IKEA kitchen in the apartment they were renting at the Gramercy Park Hotel  is now being sued by the building’s ownership group.

The lawsuit, discussed in this post on CBS News, alleges that Jon Asgeir Johannesson and his wife installed an “ugly” IKEA kitchen into the high-end apartment in New York City.

This dispute just illustrates that you can’t discount the importance of having a quality kitchen.  If you’re thinking of renovating your home’s kitchen, make sure you invest in both excellent materials and craftsmanship!

April 27, 2010

EPA Establishes New Lead Paint Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency has put into place new rules for contractors to follow regarding the containment and cleanup of lead paint.  The new regulaton went into effect on April 22, 2010 and will be applied to any home built before 1978. 

As detailed in this post by Realtor Magazine, renovation contractors are now required to be trained and certified in EPA-approved lead paint managment methods. A contractor that fails to follow the new regulation may face a fine as large as $37,500 per day.

April 23, 2010

Replacement Windows And Doors Lead In Project Payback

Want to get the most resale bang for your buck in this real estate market? Start by replacing your home’s windows and doors, according to a recent article by The Wall Street Journal.

Unlike pricey additions or renovations, energy-efficient doors more than pay for themselves in the value they add to your home and replacement windows allow you to recoup about 77 percent of your initial investment.

Read more…

April 21, 2010

Virginia Plans To Develop Offshore Wind Energy

The wind that blows off the Atlantic Ocean might soon offer a new source of electricity for Virginia residents, thanks to a series of green energy bills recently signed into law by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. 

Eager to reduce Virginia’s reliance on power from other states—Virginia is the second largest importer of electricity in the U.S.—Gov. McDonnell last week authorized the creation of the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority to begin developing offshore wind energy. According to an article by the Associated Press, two energy companies already have expressed interest in building wind farms 12 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach to capture the winds that blow along the state’s Atlantic coast.

Read more…