21. May 2009 by admin.

Good news if your looking or planning from now through 2009-10, for a new energy-efficient replacement doors or windows. That’s because now you can receive a tax credit of up to $1,500. or 30% of the cost of qualified energy-efficient windows and doors. This is a huge opportunity for you to reduce you home’s heating and cooling cost - so act now!

Previously, the tax credit was originally a measly $200 for windows and up to $500 for doors. Now that Congress and the President have passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aka “The Stimulus.” Inside is a provision that triples the old tax credit and that benefits the homeowner greatly, in cost savings.

To qualify for the new tax credit, you have to be a smart consumer and buy the most energy-efficient windows. Energy Star certification, the old standard doesn’t cut it anymore. The new standard will help our country become energy independent. Plus, better windows save you money on energy bills and keep you comfortable all year round.

What Are The Requirements For The Tax Credit?

Only windows and doors with a U-Factor of .30 or less qualify. U-Factor is a measure of the window’s overall energy-efficiency. Many windows have U-Factors of .31 or .32. Those don’t qualify.

Windows and doors also need a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .30 or less. A low SHGC blocks the blistering heat that comes through windows in the summer, reducing the load on your air conditioning. Once again, .31 or .32 aren’t good enough. It has to be exactly .30 or less.

U-Factor and SHGC are independently tested and verified for windows by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Any reputable window will have a NFRC sticker.

How To Tell Which Windows And Doors Qualify

To get your $1,500 tax credit, you need to shop smart. Many windows and doors out there don’t meet the new requirements—even some high-end brands you’ve heard of. A lot of companies haven’t processed or don’t even know about the new tax credit. There’s a lot of confusion about this right now—you don’t want to be left empty-handed.

Here’s what you need to do: Make sure that any replacement window or door you buy has a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or less. If the window company won’t show you the NFRC sticker certifying the ratings, walk away. If you’re unsure or suspicious, visit the NFRC at www.nfrc.org. You can verify ratings in the product directory or contact them directly.

How To Claim Your 2009 Energy Tax Credit For Windows And Doors

1. Purchase and install any replacement window, patio door, or entry door with a U-Factor and SHGC of .30 or below between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

2. Save your receipt and each window and door performance label (NFRC label) with your tax documents.

3. Claim your tax credit on your Federal filing for the 2009 or 2010 tax year.

Terms and Limitations

• The tax credit is for the cost of the product only and does not include installation costs. Be sure to ask for a sales receipt that shows the cost of the product only.

• The tax credit is 30% of the amount paid up to a $1,500 maximum.

• If a combination of windows and doors are purchased, the total maximum credit is $1,500.

• This is a new tax credit for 2009/2010

If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, feel free to request a quote from MBM Construction by following the highlighted link below.

Home Improvement contractor MA






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2. February 2009 by admin.

Hello,

With spring around the corner, now is a good time to start planning new and exciting projects! MBM Construction, would like to invite you all to our website and have a look around. Check out our service page and you might just have the right project for us start.

We always offer free no hassle consulations & estimates, visit us today at www.mbmcarpentry.com today!Technorati Profile“>Technorati Profile

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1. February 2009 by admin.

Hello, here again with another tip!

When deciding to have a new roof installed, siding, deck, or really anything having to do with your home, you want to calculate by the “Square.” What do I mean by that?

I’ll break it down for you like this:

Say your home is 32′Long by 24′Width 24′ Height, you want to times Length x Width x Height x 2 = Total square footage of your home. As a contractor in Massachusetts, I’ll break it down to the “Square.” For example 1 square = 100 square ft.

So, if we use the dimensions given above, that home would equal:  36,864 square feet or, like I would say 37 squares.

When measuring your roof, you would use the Length x Width approach only. For example 32′ length x 24′ width x 2 = 16 squares.

Side note: Always round up to a full 100 squares for added waste or 10%

I hope this tip helps anyone. Any question or comments feel free to visit me at www.mbmcarpentry.com

Proud serving the following areas:

Bristol County, MA., Norfolk County MA., Middlesex County  MA..

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31. January 2009 by admin.

Hello,

Window and door leaks is a common problem I run into, especially when it rains.

The first assessment I’ll make is: How old is the house, what condition is your home in, do you have proper window & door flashing.

What drives me nuts, is when homeowners or contractors will do the temporary fix and seal the window or door with caulking! A common mistake, to believe caulking will solve the problem is a big misconception.. In this case, caulking will not do the trick, but only prolong the problem further down the road.

So, to conclude this tip, don’t take the short road to solving a problem. Either have a contractor properly solve the problem or do it right the first time yourself.

Any questions or comments, feel free to ask. You can visit me at www.mbmcarpentry.com and I’ll be happy to come out and give you a free consultation and estimate.

Thank you,

Mike.

Proudly serving the following areas: Bristol county, Ma., Norfolk county, Ma., Middlesex county, Ma.











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