As we move into the sultry summer months, the temperatures will rise … and so will those energy bills! For those homeowners who may not have felt the sting of their electric bill over the winter months, they most likely will feel it this summer when their air conditioning is running 24/7 to keep their family comfortable.

Remember, with Federal tax credits still available through the end of 2010, I encourage anyone considering a home improvement project to heavily weigh the benefits of doing it NOW so you can take advantage of the tax credits – and energy savings. That’s what this month’s article is all about.

It’s nearly impossible these days to not see or hear about “green” ways. Everything is “Going Green” ― from vehicles to building materials. Not only are consumers much more conscientious about their carbon footprints, in today’s economy they are also getting savvy about saving money, too.

One of the biggest investments you will ever make is on your home, and for consumers who are looking to build a new home, building one that is certified “green” is certainly something I encourage you to look into. In fact, a recent survey revealed that homeowners of green homes said they were happier 85 percent of the time with their new green homes than with their previous, more traditionally built ones, due in part to the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy- and resource-efficient homes.

But for the 120 million existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way for homeowners to incorporate green. Here are some suggestions to homeowners who want to increase their home’s efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits that green offers.

1. Install maximum insulation in the area to be remodeled.

Forty percent of the energy consumed in a typical house goes to heating and cooling. Adding insulation is an easy way to increase efficiency. It will also help save energy costs, increase comfort by better controlling temperature, and improve indoor air quality by eliminating many gaps through which dirt, dust, and other impurities can enter.

2. Install high-efficiency windows instead of those that “just meet” code.

Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun, which can increase your air conditioning bill dramatically. Energy-efficient windows can help control this effect. These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the panes, improved framing materials, and microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce radiative heat flow.

3. Seal all exterior penetration points.

You can reduce energy loss by inspecting your home from the inside and outside, and plugging cracks or openings. Anywhere a home’s envelope has been punctured (windows, doors, electrical outlets, etc.) can be an energy loss point, especially over time when the original protective seal begins to deteriorate. Use caulk to seal all small cracks on non-moving surfaces, and install weather stripping on windows, doors and other movable parts of the home.

4. Purchase only ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to computers and televisions, meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for the slightly higher initial costs of these products.

5. Install low-flow water plumbing fixtures.

In the average home, toilet flushing accounts for some 30 percent of water usage. By using low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads, you can save up to 25 percent of that water, compared to conventional fixtures, while providing the same utility.

6. Upgrade to a high-efficiency or tankless water heater.

Homeowners looking to conserve money can save big by replacing their traditional water heater with a high-efficiency or tankless one. Traditional water heaters use a lot of energy because they keep the water in the tank at a constant temperature ― whether the water is immediately needed or not. There are now many water heater options on the market that only heat the water, when needed.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it. Replacing an electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs by up to 80 percent a year. Over its 20-year lifespan, a solar heater will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

And if nothing else, a low-cost alternative is to wrap insulation around your heater, which can reduce standby heat losses 25 to 45 percent.

7. Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford.

Over a ten-year period, the average homeowner spends more than $10,000 for heating and cooling. Installing high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment can reduce utility costs on average by 10 to 30 percent over minimum efficiency equipment. It also can improve your home’s overall comfort.(Source: NAHB)

If you are thinking about improving the energy efficiency of your home this summer, give Rick at Wheatland a call at (717) 560-3400 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. He’d be happy to discuss options that will work within your budget.

Short circuits happen when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire; the extra current flowing through the circuit causes the breaker to trip or the fuse to blow. Your home electrical circuits could have a number of problems:

• Faulty wiring within the house

• Too many lamps or appliances on one circuit

• Defective wall switches or receptacles

• Defective cords or plugs

• Defective circuits within appliances

Although it’s often easy to tell when you have a short or overloaded circuit – the lights go dead when you plug in the toaster over – it isn’t always as simple to tell where in the system this has occurred. Start by turning off all wall switches and unplugging all lights and appliances. Then reset the circuit breaker. Pull the lever to off and then to on again to reset a circuit breaker with a lever switch. If a fuse is blown, it must be replaced.

1. Unscrew the fuse to replace it with one exactly the same amperage rating (both circuit breakers and fuses should be sized according to the wire used in the circuit they protect).
2. If the breaker trips immediately, the problem may be a short circuit in a receptacle or switch.
3. If the breaker does not trip again, turn on each switch one at a time and check if and when the breaker trips again.
4. If turning on a switch causes the breaker to trip, there’s a short circuit in a fixture or receptacle controlled by the switch.
5. If turning on the switch makes no difference, the problem is in one of the appliances connected to the switch.
6. If the circuit went dead when you plugged in the appliance, the problem is probably in the cord or plug.
7. If the circuit went dead when you turned on the appliance, the appliance itself is defective.

As always, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable around electrical systems, stop and contact a professional for advice and an estimate to repair.

Planning on installing a new deck or sprucing-up an existing one this season?  If so, you’re not alone. Decks are still among the most popular home improvements in Lancaster County.  So, what’s hot in decks this summer?  Here are some of the top deck trends for summer 2010:

Railings – Once merely a functional safety element, railings are now doing double duty as design statements. Railings are often the first thing one notices about a deck, so manufacturers are offering more aesthetically pleasing, architecturally interesting options. Hot railing trends include decorative balusters of aluminum, iron or even cable, glass panels and railing systems that combine materials for durability, as well as visual effect.

Multiple Levels – Designers are using multiple levels to create virtual rooms for outdoor use. A main deck might function as living and dining space, while a smaller, lower level addition serves as a kitchen area, and another level might host a hot tub. Multi-level decks facilitate multiple uses and add visual interest to the overall deck structure.

Indoor Luxuries, Outdoors – Homeowners want to bring the same luxuries they enjoy indoors outside onto their decks. In response, builders are adding touches like built-in fire pits and fireplaces, full kitchens with professional grade gas grills, spas, built-in benches and cabinets, shade structures and lighting to deck designs.

New Shapes – Piano-shaped, arrowhead and even oval shapes are appearing in back yards across the country. Modern materials, improved building methods and the creativity of designers and homeowners have permanently changed the shape and size of the great American deck. For added pizzazz, you can incorporate a pattern, such as herringbone or checkerboard, into the deck surface.

Composite Materials – While some homeowners prefer wood, composite materials continue to gain popularity. Not only are they durable and often eco-friendly (as many of them are made from recycled materials), composites can now mimic the much-loved look of wood.

I know it sounds backwards and many people will say being able to submit a claim when something happens is why they have insurance in the first place! However, submitting a homeowner insurance can actually cost you more money in the long run and the claim remains on file for 5 years. That is why it is important to consider these 3 factors before making the final decision to submit a homeowner insurance claim.

Claims May Add Surcharges

Most insurance carriers surcharge an existing homeowner insurance policy once a customer submits 2 or more paid claims in a 5 year period. Even if a policy has 2 paid claims costing $500 or 2 paid claims costing $50,000 in a 5 year period, the homeowner insurance policy will still have the same surcharge. Thus, before submitting a claim it is important to consider the estimated cost of a claim and how much your insurance carrier may surcharge the policy.

A CLUE Records All Claims

In a our prior blog post “Get A C.L.U.E – A Carfax Report for Houses”, we talked about how a CLUE report shows homeowner insurance claims on a property for the past 5 years. However, did you know that all homeowner insurance claims submitted to the insurance carrier are documented on a CLUE report regardless if the claim is paid or not. Thus, it is always good to talk with your insurance agent to understand if your claim is covered or excluded before it goes on a CLUE report for the next 5 years.

Claims Information Can be Available to Buyers

Home buyers and real estate agents can now get a CLUE report by requesting the seller to purchase a CLUE Home Seller’s Disclosure Report from Choicepoint. This special CLUE report removes all the personal information about the property owner but it still has the 5 year claims history. Thus, it is important to remember that submitting a homeowner insurance claim could impact a future real estate transaction.

Overall, submitting a homeowner insurance claim can be a very smart decision but make sure to consider all the implications of a claim with your agent before submitting one. Being surprised when your next homeowner insurance bill comes in the mail or when you try to sell your home is never a fun experience.

Post by Mike Blank, MBC Building & Remodeling

The EPA rule requires lead-safe work practices in pre-1978 homes, including posting warning signs; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course. The full rule and brochures for consumers can be downloaded from the EPA’s Web site.

A 2006 NAHB study on lead-safe work practices showed that a home was better off after a remodel than before, as long as the work was performed by trained remodelers who clean the work area with HEPA-equipped vacuums, wet washing and use disposable drop cloths.

Summary of the Rule

1. Training and Certification

As of April 2010, remodeling firms working in pre-1978 homes need to be certified. In addition to firm certification, the company must employ a Certified Renovator. When hiring a remodeler, home owners should verify the firm is certified and employs a Certified Renovator to be sure the work is completed properly.

2. Work Practices

The Certified Renovator has a number of responsibilities. The remodeler must distribute the Renovate Right brochure to the homeowner and ask them to sign the pre-renovation form several days before work begins. They must also post warning signs outside the work area and supervise setting up containment to prevent spreading dust. The rule lists specific containment procedures for both interior and exterior projects. It forbids certain work practices including open flame or torch burning, use of a heat gun that exceeds 1100°F, and high-speed sanding and grinding unless the tool is equipped with a HEPA exhaust control. Once the work is completed, the regulation specifies cleaning and waste disposal procedures. Clean up procedures must be supervised by a Certified Renovator.

3. Verification and Record Keeping

After clean up is complete the Certified Renovator must verify by matching a cleaning cloth with an EPA verification card. If the cloth appears dirtier or darker than the card, the cleaning must be repeated.

A complete file of records on the project must be kept by the certified renovator for three years. These records include, but aren’t limited to: verification of owner/occupant receipt of the Renovate Right pamphlet or attempt to inform, documentation of work practices, Certified Renovator certification, and proof of worker training.

Starting in July 2010, remodeling firms are also required to share with home owners a copy of the records created under the rule within 30 days of completing the renovation.

4. Exemptions

It is important to note that these work practices may be waived under these conditions:

• The home or child occupied facility was built after 1978.
• The repairs are minor, with interior work disturbing less than six sq. ft. or exteriors disturbing less than 20 sq. ft.
• If the house or components test lead free by a Certified Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector, or Certified Renovator.
• The homeowner may also opt out by signing a waiver if there are no children under age six frequently visiting the property, no one in the home is pregnant, or the property is not a child-occupied facility. The EPA is revoking the opt-out waiver as of July 2010. This means all remodeling work conducted in pre-1978 housing must comply with the regulation after this date.

Learn more about EPA’s lead paint rule by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.

Mike Blank, CGR CAPS, President

MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC

cell: (717) 371-5136

Post by Mike Blank, MBC Building & Remodeling

The government is currently giving up to $1,500 in tax credits to homeowners who remodel their existing (principle) residence to reduce energy consumption. A lot of people think this tax credit only applies to replacement windows, but it is actually much more encompassing. The official name for the program is the Existing Home Retrofit (25C) tax credit and it extends to replacing insulation, doors, skylights, water heaters, heat pumps, central air conditioning, and metal or asphalt roofs.

Exisiting Home Retrofit (25C) at a glance:

Up to $1,500 can be claimed for all qualifying products placed into service by 12/31/10 for most home improvements. Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water Heaters (non-solar)
• Biomass Stoves

Improvements made in 2010 will be claimed on your 2010 taxes.

There’s also a tax credit of 30% of cost, with no cap, for alternative energy sources such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and solar water heaters. This credit can be applied to any home that you use as a residence (not just your principle) and new construction as well.

PLEASE NOTE that not all projects or products are eligible for tax credits. Be sure you check all of the guidelines to make sure your project will fall within the required conditions to be eligible. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB.org) is an excellent resource for information on the tax credit program. You can also go to IRS.gov for all of the guidelines, while a wealth of product information can be found at EnergyStar.gov/taxcredits.

Mike Blank, CGR CAPS, President

MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC

cell: (717) 371-5136

There are many different types of roofing materials that you can find here in Lancaster County and Central Pennsylvania.  These roofing materials can be broken down into two separate areas, flat roofs and sloped roofs.

FLAT ROOFS

Single Ply roofs have really become the most popular choice for flat roofs due to their ease of installation and relatively low cost.  There are several types of single ply material and unfortunately they all go by alphabet names.

EPDM- The first and most popular single ply roof in Lancaster and York is EPDM, commonly known as rubber.  The rubber membrane is usually fully adhered to an insulation board which is mechanically fasted to your roof deck.  The membrane comes in various thicknesses (.045, .060, and .090).   I recommend the .060 membrane for most installations.  This comes in white or black, with black being less expensive and more widely used.

TPO- In the last ten years TPO membrane has begun to take some of the flat roof market share.  The TPO membrane is usually white although some manufacturers do have options.  The white membrane is highly reflective and if your roof is visible this is very good choice.  The seams for these roofs are usually heat welded.

PVC- This material has made quite a comeback after a disastrous start a few decades ago.  One of its great strengths is the resistance to grease and chemicals.   The membrane is usually white and maintains its reflectivity and appearance very well.  These seams are usually heat welded as well.

In the past we used to install a lot of built-up roofing and modified roofing on flat roofs.  We still see a few of them each year.  These systems are asphalt based and have become unpopular in Central Pennsylvania due to the cost and the smoke and fumes often associated with their installation.

SLOPED ROOFS

There are quite an assortment of choices for sloped roofs.  By far the most common choice is asphalt shingles.  Lately though, metal has really been making inroads into the roofing market in this area.   Here are a few of your choices for sloped roofs.

SHINGLES- There is a wide variety of choices in this category alone.  Shingles range from 25 year type to Lifetime and come in many colors and styles.

METAL- Once again there are a lot of things to choose from just in the metal category.  There are different kinds of metals copper, aluminum, or steel.  Alternate styles also exist, from traditional standing seam to metal shingles.

SLATE- This is one of my all time favorite roofing materials.   I like it for the aesthetics, durability and long life.   Slates come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles.   When installed properly it can outlast virtually any other roofing system.  We have installed many slate roofs in Lancaster and surrounding areas and they are all still in very good shape today.  Slate is often the top choice for universities, churches and upper scale homes.

There are a few other choices for sloped roofs like tile or cedar shingles.  We don’t see them too often in Lancaster County, but we do run into them more often down towards Philadelphia.

If you need help deciding which roofing material is right for you, feel free to ask me.  I love talking about roofing anytime.

(Joe can be reached at 717.291.4405)

By Mike & Matt Blank – MBC Remodeling

Spring is here and many homeowners are eager to update and improve their homes. Before you begin, it’s an excellent idea to meet with a professional to help you come up with a practicable plan for getting better results.

An experienced Remodeling Contractor can help you transform your dreams into reality and help you avoid many common, and costly, mistakes that less qualified contractors or do-it-yourselfers often make. They can ensure that you get exactly what you need at a fair price.

Before you begin your home improvement project, here are a few key tips for planning a successful project that will being you joy for many years to come.

1. Write down a list of remodeling ideas for your home. Include everything you think needs to be done and everything you wish you could improve about your home. Draft a budget for these projects and explore ways that you can work them into it. Most homeowners already have projects in mind, such as modernizing the kitchen, adding a bathroom, replacing windows or painting the exterior. Next, prioritize your list. Perhaps it’s not the right time to do everything on your list, but most homeowner’s are delighted to discover how they can maximize their budget by doing the work in phases. The right Remodeling Contractor can help by suggesting budget-friendly materials and utilizing innovative solutions to help you stretch your home improvement budget.

2. Explore your creative side. Many “amateur” designers come up with wonderful ideas, and since you are living in your home day after day, your input will help us come up with a final plan that meets your specific needs. So make a dozen copies of your current floor plan, and sketch out your concepts. It doesn’t matter how great they are; brainstorming will help you figure out exactly what you want. Don’t worry; we’ll make sure that your winning ideas don’t go unnoticed!

3. Take advantage of the Energy Efficiency Tax Credits. Don’t miss out on time sensitive incentives for replacing windows or doors, adding insulation, installing new roofing, upgrading heating or air-conditioning units, updating the water heater or installing energy generating products. The Green Remodeling incentives are a great way to enhance your home and defray some of the costs… maximizing your remodeling budget AND reducing home energy bills; it’s a win, win for YOU!

Recently Pennsylvania adopted a statewide requirement that starting January 1, 2010 all new one and two family townhouses be built with a residential fire sprinkler system. Did you know that if you own a townhome without a sprinkler system this new regulation may affect your homeowners insurance?

Many cities have specific ordinances or laws which state that if a building is damaged, it must be rebuilt to meet certain specifications or construction codes.  Since the new construction code now requires a sprinkler system be installed for all newly built townhomes, any older townhomes that are rebuilt would also have to confirm to this new code and have a sprinkler system installed.

The Bad News: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the average cost to install a residential sprinkler system in an existing home is approximately $2.50-$5 per square foot assuming you have an adequate and reliable water supply. Thus, if an average 1,500 square-foot townhouse was in a fire, it could cost an additional $7,500 to just install the required sprinkler system to meet the new construction code.

The Good News: If you have a covered homeowner insurance claim on a townhouse without a sprinkler system, most policies have a coverage called “Ordinance & Law” to help cover the cost of adding one. This provision covers:

• The cost to tear down the undamaged portion of the house
• The cost to rebuild the home up to the Current Construction Code

The standard amount of Ordinance & Law coverage under a standard HO-3 homeowner insurance policy is 10% of the home coverage for a covered loss (more coverage may be provided by endorsement). For example, if that same 1,500 square-foot townhouse house is insured for $150,000 then the Ordinance & Law coverage may be $15,000.

The Potential Risk: In this example, $15,000 of Ordinance & Law coverage sounds like more than enough coverage since the average townhome sprinkler system should cost around $7,500, but remember this coverage is also used to rebuild the townhouse to all current construction codes plus the cost to tear down the undamaged portion of the house. Thus, the standard 10% of Ordinance & Law coverage may not be enough for a townhome that requires a sprinkler system plus other significant changes to meet construction codes.

What Townhome Owners Should Do:

• Make sure you have Ordinance & Law coverage on your homeowner insurance policy. The coverage details can be found in your policy or by calling your agent.
• Work with your insurance agent to determine how much Ordinance & Law coverage is needed. Some factors to include would be the sprinkler system installation cost, home location and the age of the home.
• Add extra Ordinance & Law coverage by endorsing your homeowner policy if needed.

Christopher Vogt, Insurance Agent

Baron Insurance Group

20 E High St, Manheim, PA 17545

717-665-2985

chrisv@baroninsurnacegroup.com

Twitter: @christophervogt

Can’t we just get a lawn?  It seems like an easy question, but in my experience, I have learned not to assume everyone knows how to be a master on their own turf. Establishing and maintaining a beautiful lawn, in Lancaster County PA or elsewhere, is both an art and a science. Whether you just want something green to look at, or you want your sod to be the pride of the neighborhood, lawn care is a carefully executed strategy. Here are some points to ponder when planning on making your lawn look better:

• Water: Water is the most important element you can give your lawn. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, you should water your lawn a few mornings per week. Don’t water in the evening, as it can promote turf disease.
• Mowing: Use a sharp mower blade, and mow frequently enough, so as to only to remove 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Make sure you mow at the right height. You should have a 3” tall blade when finished cutting. Mowing too short will promote weed growth and even damage grass plants. Mowing too tall can promote certain turf diseases, so get out that ruler.
• Seeding: If it isn’t thick, make it thick! If your lawn is really thin, or just needs a little nudge in getting fuller, there are many types of seeding. These vary from Aeration & Seeding for a decent lawn, to Slice-Seeding a really weak lawn, to Complete Renovation of a lost-cause. Be sure to do what’s right for your specific situation. Bad conditions call for drastic measures.
• Treatment Program: Nutrient levels and Soil pH are very crucial to growing a thick, green lawn. There are also more pests that come on your lawn than that nosy neighbor down the street. Be sure to do your homework when considering a Lawn Care Plan. Whether you purchase the materials yourself, or choose a company that specializes in this type of work, be sure you are making your decision for the long-term health of your lawn. If you choose to contract a Lawn Care company in the Lancaster, PA area, choose one with a proven track record, and a great reputation. Like many other purchases in life, you get what you pay for.

Chad Diller

Tomlinson Bomberger Lawn Care, Landscape, & Pest Control

Certified Turfgrass Professional

Certified Arborist

717-278-5898

ChadD@TBLL.com