Basement Remodeling

July 15, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Basement Remodeling

Increase Your Living Space With Basement Remodeling

Basement RemodelingThe basement was traditionally a dark and dank place to store holiday decorations and old toys.  But the modern family uses more space per person than in the past, and many homeowners are looking for more livable space. The most logical choice is basement remodeling.  Whether you have a full or partial basement, follow some basic steps to create a cozy and appealing basement remodeling retreat: prepare the space for safe living, consider how you and your family will use the space, and thoughtfully design the plan to meet those needs.

Prepare the Space for Safe Living

Subterranean spaces are always vulnerable to dampness and flooding.  Even if you rarely have water problems, address even small issues and take proactive measures to prevent larger problems before doing any other work. One bout of leaking or flooding can ruin any finish work.  Start by consulting a professional home inspector who specializes in waterproofing basements.

Air that circulates well helps prevent condensation and mold problems.  But most basements in older homes have few if any vents and return air ducts. During the basement remodeling process add these openings where they will be the most effective. If your basement houses the furnace and other major appliances install a carbon monoxide detector to ensure that dangerous fumes are not being sucked through the vents and into the rest of the house.

Decide How the Space Will be Used

A finished basement will add a significant amount of livable space to your home.  Consider your family’s changing needs and how you will use the space. Popular and practical uses include a recreation room for the kids, a music practice area, or a home theater. Utility components such as water lines and heating and cooling ducts are usually available, so it is generally easy to add a bathroom and other comforts to turn the space into a guest suite as well.

Design Thoughtfully

Make practical decorating choices.  Install surfaces that don’t easily absorb moisture instead of plush carpets and curtains.  If you want to carpet, consider a hardy indoor/outdoor variety or use area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.  And plan for electronics or technology needs by adding adequate wiring and outlets on each wall.
Maximize natural light – if the basement partially extends above ground level add windows or enlarge existing ones; you can dig window wells for completely underground spaces.  If you are concerned about security, install glass bricks rather than actual windows to allow light into the room. Keep the layout open so that light will move throughout the space. Creative use of artificial light can also help to open up the space and dispel that “cave feeling” of many basements.  Direct the light upwards to give the allusion of greater ceiling height. Strategically placed mirrors will also amplify the lighting effects.

You might be starting out from a rough space, but with the right design you’ll have a great basement remodeling addition that will increase your living comfort and your home’s value.

This article was brought to by SacramentoInspection.com

Sacramento Inspection recommends homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

Basement Remodeling


Sacramento Inspection LLC
5714 Folsom Blvd Suite 106 SacramentoCA95819 USA 
 • 877-424-8289

Clearing a Drain Blockage

July 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Drain Blockage

Keep the Plumbing Lines Open

Drain BlockageSome of the smallest household contraptions contribute in large part to the convenience of our modern living.  The drain is given little thought – until it doesn’t do its job properly. A blocked drain can disrupt a home more quickly than many other problems. Thankfully, unclogging a drain can be relatively easy with the right tools.  By learning a bit about drain cleaning you can save yourself time, money, and inconvenience.

Prevention is the best medicine, and it’s wise to use drain screens to catch hair and debris before they can run down into the pipes and cause a clog.  But over time it’s inevitable that your pipes will accumulate enough things like food particles, grease, and soap to cause even a minor clog. A blockage is easy to detect – water is slow to leave the sink or tub.  When you are faced with this situation there is no choice but to clear the line.  There are simple ways to clear a clog using items often found around your house.

Drain Blockage

Be proactive – in the event of a plumbing backup, a speedy response can make the difference between minor and major damage to your home and your belongings.

Begin by removing the drain stopper (it should pull up or unscrew).  Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for fifteen minutes.  This will soften many drain blockage enough to move it through the pipes.  Repeat this step once or twice if it does not work the first time. A homemade solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar (1/2 cup each) can also be used to dissolve a smaller drain blockage.  Pour the solution into the drain, allow it to work for about fifteen minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.  Repeat if necessary.  At this point a plunger may bring up the rest of the drain blockage: fill the basin with some water, block the overflow with a rag, and push the plunger down and up about a dozen times.

If the drain blockage still persists try to dislodge it with a plumber’s snake (you can buy or rent one) or a straightened wire hanger.  Work the tool up and down until you have cleared much of the clog.  The length of the professional plumber’s snake, a flexible steel cable over a dozen feet long, will be necessary for deep clogs.

At times, you may encounter a more difficult drain blockage, one that has moved further from the local drain site, causing problems with several or all drains in the house.  To deal with this problem you will have to work out the drain blockage at the main drain. Ensure that no one in the house is using any of the plumbing facilities, then find the access point and position a bucket to catch overflow before you remove the cap.  Feed a plumbing snake through the pipes until you hit the drain blockage then work the snake back and forth to dislodge the clog.

If your best efforts still cannot solve the problem it’s time to call in a professional.  Most drain blockage issues should be dealt with promptly to prevent water damage to the home.

Drain Blockage


Sacramento Mold Inspector

May 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Sacramento Mold Inspector

Sacramento Mold Inspector

Do You Need A Sacramento Mold Inspection? We Can Help!

It may have happened to someone you know or even in your own home.  Water damage or some other work required you to open up the wall, the floor, the ceiling – and there it was…mold.  Time to call the Sacramento mold inspector. The thought of having a mold problem can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner.  Mold is formed by microscopic spores and attaches to moist surfaces.  In nature mold has the important function to help decompose substances such as leaves and plant debris.  But when that mold has settled into your drywall, carpet, or other house material it becomes a significant problem. We would like to point out that if you suspect you may have a mold issue in your home, we recommend you contact a certified Sacramento mold inspector to conduct a thorough indoor air and surface quality review as soon as possible.

Any issue that creates humid or wet conditions, including leaks or poor ventilation, will increase the chances of mold breeding in the area.  There are telltale signs of a mold problems that trigger a Sacramento mold Inspector to be called. Sacramento Mold InspectorStale, musty odors, especially in the bathroom, laundry room, basement, and attic, are strong indicators that mold is growing. You may also see small black or white specks along damp areas.  This is a sign that you need to call a Sacramento mold inspector. Mold may be hidden behind walls or tiles, and even dry mold can still cause problems. This means that if you fixed a leak that caused mold and then cleaned up the mold, mold colonies of spores may be dormant but not entirely dead.  Just as grass and plants are rejuvenated after a cold winter by the sun and rain of spring, dormant mold can begin to spread anew if conditions become optimal again from additional leakage or humidity.  Untreated mold will continue to grow and damage the house, calling for an invasive and expensive repair effort.

Contact a Sacramento Mold Inspector

Having mold colonize your home is an issue, but many people are equally concerned about the health risks to the family exposed to mold.  A Sacramento mold inspector can test for many different types of spores. People that have allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions may be especially sensitive to mold. Those with more serious health issues may be at increased risk for infection.  Symptoms of mild exposure may include runny noses, congestion, or cough. A small number of molds, such as “black mold,” will produce very harmful toxins that can induce more persistent affects such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

Because mold is a double threat, to both the house structure and the family health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Deal with leaks promptly and dry out affected building components and furniture.  Keep areas of high humidity, such as the laundry room, ventilated properly.  If you do suspect that you have a mold problem, act quickly call a Sacramento mold inspector at 877-424-8289. The State of California suggests that some smaller mold issues can be cleaned using common household chemicals.  We strongly encourage any non-professional to review the information and related links on the State Dept of Health Services website before attempting to clean up even the smallest amount of mold or suspected mold. After educating yourself on the issue, if you feel comfortable, clean up the mold you can see – specially formulated solutions are available to deal with mold and mildew.  However, you may find that symptoms persist even after the cleaning.  At that point it’s time to call in a Sacramento Mold Inspector who is skilled in testing, removal and/or treatment.  A thorough testing, treatment and or removal will prevent the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas, kill and remove the mold, and protect the cleaned out area against future infestations.  With proper testing by a Sacramento mold inspector, vigilance, treatment in preventing mold growth and prompt attention when a problem arises you can avert a potential disaster.

Get a Sacramento Mold Inspection

Contact A Sacramento Mold Inspector

Sacramento Inspection LLC
5714 Folsom Blvd Suite 106
Sacramento, CA 95819
877-424-8289
SacramentoInspection.com

Lifetime Warranty Protection Available…

Find out how to eliminate your mold liability while protecting yourself, your tenants, and your property from mold damage and other indoor air quality hazards.

If you are interested in speaking to a Sacramento mold inspector or would like to set up a Sacramento Mold Inspection in your home please feel free to contact us at 877-424-8289.


Indoor Air Issues

May 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Every Breath You Take

Indoor Air Issues

Indoor Air Issues

For many people, the home is a sanctuary.  However, the air there may not be as clean as we think.  Several aspects of modern living can actually spoil the air in the home.  And because houses are being built and remodeled in ways that tightly seal the shell, drastically reducing air movement between the indoors and outdoors, pollutants in the house will largely remain there. The better informed you are about any air issues affecting the family home and health, the better equipped you will be to control and prevent them.

Indoor air problems stem from many substances including biological pollutants, combustion by-products, hazardous building materials, and household products.

Biological pollutants come from living matter.  The most widespread examples include mold, animal dander, and dust mites.  Excess condensation and poorly maintained HVAC systems can promote mold growth. Therefore it’s critical to have appliances with condensing units cleaned and serviced regularly.  Minimize the impact of animal dander and dust mites with regular dusting and cleaning.

Fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, and kerosene, produce harmful by-products. Any heating appliance that burns fuel can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or excess water vapor.  Ensure that all fuel-burning equipment is well maintained, properly vented, and inspected regularly for safety.

Remodeling projects give your home new sparkle, but the process can create unhealthy air.  Home renovations often disturb areas containing old hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead paint, and can release particles into the air.  Rather than try to remove them, which often creates more of a health hazard, it is better to carefully cover them up. A professional inspector can help you determine what hazardous materials you will uncover and how best to contain and clean them up.  Paints, adhesives, and stripping and finishing solvents can also create indoor air pollution. Some of these products are volatile and flammable.  Read all labels thoroughly and use them strictly as recommended.

The very chemicals we use to clean and disinfect our homes can also cause air pollution.  Follow manufacturers’ instructions for amounts and usage.  Use the least strong product that will do the job with the smallest amount necessary.  Ventilate the area that you are cleaning so that fumes do not linger.  Keep household chemicals tightly sealed in their original containers.

Be aware of the signs that you may have an indoor air quality problem.  You may notice stale and musty odors.  Dirty or faulty HVAC equipment will most likely affect the air quality.  Excessive condensation and humidity often correlate to the presence of molds.  And take note of any changes to the family’s health inside the home, such as irritated eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and fatigue. If you suspect a problem with the air in your home, take action promptly.  A professional air quality inspector can do a comprehensive review of your home’s environment and help you address issues effectively.  Once you have fixed existing problems, schedule annual inspections and service calls to prevent recurring damage.


Spring Cleaning

April 18, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Giving the House a Good Once Over

Giving the House a Good Once Over

For many homeowners springtime brings thoughts of making home improvements and upgrades.  When you are putting together a list of potential projects, think about adding a thorough spring cleaning at the top of that list.  Even the most ardent housekeepers do not get to all the nooks and crannies regularly.  Giving the house a good once over has many benefits.  Dust and allergens settle in upholstery and carpets; deep cleaning those items will improve your home’s air quality.  Freshening up décor such as light fixtures and blinds keep them in good repair and brighten up the house.  Cleaning the inside of closet and pantry spaces will help you to inventory what you have and to purge old, unused items.

An effective spring cleaning will take several days – decide when you can dedicate the time and effort, and then mark it on your calendar.  Scheduling the cleaning alongside your other events and appointments will give it that importance and help you stick to your plan.  Your to-do list will include those bigger tasks that do not make every routine cleaning, such as:

  • Baseboards
  • Walls and Ceilings – vacuum dust and clean surface grime
  • Light fixtures
  • Window frames and doorjambs
  • Window coverings – take down and clean draperies, curtains, and blinds
  • Hardware including door knobs and hinges
  • Closets – shoe racks, shelves, and floors
  • Pantries – clean shelves and inventory food items
  • Cabinets – interiors and doors of kitchen and bath cabinets
  • Refrigerator and Stove – remove and clean all parts including crisper drawers, knobs, racks, and burners
  • Floors – move large furniture and vacuum or mop all surfaces
  • Carpets – have carpets professionally cleaned
  • Furniture – wax wooden furniture and have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned

And last but not least, take the opportunity to organize.  During an in-depth spring cleaning you will be going through things that you might not have looked at in a long time, like items shoved under the bed or hidden on the floor of your closet under the hanging clothes.  Begin by sorting through the clutter that is in your way as you are cleaning an area.  Put things into three groups: to be used, to be stored, to be purged (donate or sell items that can be reused).  Set up a storage system that will work for you by keeping the basics of smart storage in mind:

  • Group similar items together.  Keep tools in the toolbox, hang dress shirts together.
  • Define where things are stored.  Give specific uses to closets, cabinets, and shelves.  Labels storage bins and boxes.
  • Be sensible.  Use your space in a way that fits your needs and that you can maintain over time.  If it makes sense to store a frequently used tool kit in the food pantry, then do it!
  • Think ahead.  Storage needs change over time as people part with and accumulate things.  Maintain some free space for future needs and regularly clear out old, unused items during the annual spring cleaning.

Home Inspection Sacramento CA

March 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Home Inspection Sacramento CA

Home Inspection Sacramento CA

Home Inspection Sacramento CA

There is no doubt when buying a home in Sacramento CA it’s a trying time, it’s stressful and it’s confusing.  There are things that you do have complete control of when buying a home like location and price.  And that’s all well and good, but sometimes just looking at a home doesn’t tell you the whole story.

If you would have the Sacramento CA home inspected before you buy it, it may save you a lot of headaches and money.  When things go wrong with the house that you are not ready for usually they cost you a lot more than you would ever have thought.

Getting your home inspected by a qualified home inspector can alleviate a lot of your stress and worries about the condition of the home you’re about to buy.

The Sacramento home inspector should give you an un-biased assessment of the home you’re about to buy.  This assessment will be his expert opinion followed up with a professional report about the condition of the home you’re about to buy.

Doesn’t it make sense to find out if there’s anything wrong with the home that could cost you a lot of money in the long run before you buy?

Home Inspection Sacramento

Buying a Sacramento CA home is a very exciting time and it’s probably the largest purchase that you will ever make.  Doesn’t it make sense to hire a home inspector? Wouldn’t you feel a lot better to know what condition the home is in that you’re about to buy before you by?

A good inspector will want you to be there when they are doing the inspection. This is a great time to ask your home inspector any questions that you may have about the home.

A good question to ask the home inspector is where is the main water shutoff valve and where are the electrical panels. These are good things to know. But I’m sure you have a lot of other questions you could also ask.

Your home inspector would answer your questions in a way that you will be able to understand.

Here are some of the items that your home inspector will be looking at typically.

The plumbing system including all bathrooms

The heating and air conditioning system

He will check the kitchen and all major appliances

The roof and attic will be inspected inside and out

The complete electrical system will be checked

The framing and foundation walls will also be inspected

This is just a few of the items that they will be checking for you.

The home inspector will give you a detailed report with pictures and will discuss any problems that he may have found. The findings will help you to make your assessment on what you need to do or who to talk to about the house.

These findings may give you some leverage with the seller to re-negotiate the price of the home.

Having your home inspected by a qualified Sacramento home inspector will be the best investment that you could possibly make. Finding problems out before they happen will save you thousands of dollars.

A typical home inspection Sacramento CA costs between $400 to $800 in some areas. You’re investing thousands of dollars into your new home – isn’t it worth spending a few hundred dollars to make sure that you’re investing in a good home?

When hiring a Sacramento home inspector don’t be afraid to ask questions like are you certified and can you prove it.  Just like any business that’s out there you have good and you have bad inspectors.

Your Sacramento home inspector should have more than just a flashlight and a ladder.

Need Home Inspection Sacramento? Visit or Call Today! 1-877-424-8289


Light Up Your Sacramento Life

March 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Custom Kitchen

The way you use light in your Sacramento home continually affects your everyday living.

Light Up Your Sacramento Life
Lighting Styles for Every Need

Nothing can change the mood in a room more quickly than the light.  The way you use light in your home continually affects your everyday living.  Proper lighting allows you to perform tasks more easily and makes you feel comfortable.  The right lighting scheme can make a small room seem open and airy and an oversized space seem intimate and inviting.  If you are looking to update your décor without breaking the bank, consider some new light fixtures for your home.  And with a broader lighting redesign you can recreate whole rooms without changing any structure or furnishings.

A comprehensive lighting plan will consider the most effective lighting style depending on how the space is used and the capabilities of your electrical system.  Use different styles placed at varying heights within the room – the ceiling, floor, table – to add depth and interest.   Once you have established the optimum style of lighting for a space there are a wide variety of fixtures to choose from in a range of finishes and designs.

Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and an appropriate level of brightness for general activity.  In the living or family room recessed fixtures are an effective source for expansive lighting and you can litter them throughout the space without heavily impacting the décor.  Recessed lights and decorative fluorescent fixtures also work well over cooking and other kitchen workspaces.

Task lighting focuses on a specific area for an activity such as reading or drawing.  It is functional while bringing a cozy feeling to the space.  Floor and table lamps are the most common task fixtures.  Carefully placed wall sconces also provide a nice aesthetic touch.

Accent lighting creates a mood by highlighting certain objects or spots such as artwork or collectibles.  To create a focused yet subtle effect, think about a combination of light sources that are versatile and allow movement.  Many of these fixtures have multiple smaller light sources that can be rearranged to meet different needs.  Recessed fixtures with rotating cans are a good choice.  Track lighting and dimmer switches give you the option to create a medley of lighting schemes.

Decorative fixtures, like chandeliers, become part of the room’s décor with their ornate and detailed designs.  Such fixtures work well in spaces where you entertain such as a dining room or a music room.  Layer with light and use dimmer switches so that you can have brighter light while you are making preparations and then change to mood lighting when guests arrive.

With all things considered, the key to an interesting and effective lighting scheme is to mix and match.  Have fun – playing with light is one of the simplest ways to reflect your personal style and make easy updates to your home.


Keep the Grass Greener

March 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Sacramento Yard Maintenance

Maintaining a Healthy Sacramento Lawn

Keep the Grass Greener
Maintaining a Healthy Sacramento Lawn

Spring is almost here, and with the promise of warmer weather comes thoughts of being outdoors more often.  Now is the time to outline new landscaping plans.  Because the landscaping is visible to everyone, you want to make sure that the overall design is something you will be happy to look at, and have others look at, year after blooming year.  For the best landscaping results start with a healthy stretch of ground cover.  Think of the grass as the blank canvas you will splash with color.  If you work with a ragged canvas, the end product will always have that undertone.

With patchy grass, seeding the area is often sufficient.  Many homeowners have foregone the effort to have the perfectly homogenous lawn (for environmental and financial reasons) and supplement what grows naturally.  Grass seed is often best planted in early spring or fall, in more moderate temperatures. Like any flower or plant, different grass varieties are suited for different climates and situations.  Your local nursery will be able to advise on the right grasses for your area.  And consult your neighbors to find out what has grown well for them.  Consider your specific landscaping plan to decide where you should have sun, shade, or a sun/shade combination grass.  Measure the square footage of your planting area and look at the seed packaging to determine how much to buy.  Follow the planting and watering directions to ensure the fullest growth.  And while you might be itching to mow that new grass, it is helpful to let it grow to seed occasionally (you will see the seed heads at the top of the stalks) to naturally re-seed itself.

If there is very little or no grass in your yard, laying new sod is a good option. The appeal of using new sod is that you instantly have a growing green area where nothing was the day before.   Sodding is not complicated, just physically demanding, and can be a do-it-yourself project if you have the stamina.  Measure the area you want to cover and order the sod from a local nursery, landscaping company or sod farm.  Prepare your soil to accept the sod – thoroughly till the area, then give it one final leveling with a rake.  Lay the first sections of sod against an edge such as a driveway or flowerbed wall and work outward from there.  Laying sod is like putting together a big puzzle.  The tighter the pieces fit together, the better the final picture will look.   Once all the sections have been laid you will need to compact the sod with a roller, which you can rent from many home centers.  New sod will need daily watering for the first week and regular watering throughout the growing season to ensure that the roots grow downward toward the moisture.  Mow the new lawn about one month after planting.

Whether you start with seed or sod, with the proper care you should see a healthy grass cover year after year.


Spring Maintenance

March 2, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

Spring Check-up for the Sacramento House

Spring Check-up for the Sacramento House

Spring Maintenance
A Check-up for the House

With Spring around the corner it is a good time to think about giving your house a thorough check-up.  A regular maintenance plan will go far in helping you identify problems early on and mitigate costly damage and repairs.  And by keeping your house in good repair and good order you will enhance your everyday living.

Inspect and repair exteriors suffering the effects of winter weather.  Start a thorough cleaning room by room and check all house systems. Think through each area of your property to make a comprehensive checklist of basic tasks, such as the following:

Home Exterior

  • Inspect the roof for leaks and damaged tiles or shingles
  • Check siding for loose pieces and check trim for cracked paint
  • Clean gutters, repair holes and weak joints, and replace damaged sections
  • Replace exterior caulking that is peeling
  • Inspect the foundation for cracks or other signs of weakening.
  • Repair cracked or uneven driveways, stairs, and sidewalks to prevent injuries
  • Remove and store storm windows and doors
  • Wash windows and repair any damaged frames; clean and reinstall screens
  • Clean up yard debris such as dead foliage and weeds; begin spring landscaping projects
  • Clean and repair outdoor patio furniture
  • Check sprinkler system for leaky or loose valves
  • Inspect decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose pieces and deterioration

Home Interior

  • Service the water heater pump and motor
  • Clean the air conditioning unit and replace the belt when necessary; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for professional maintenance
  • Replace the furnace filter
  • Make sure the electrical system is adequate to support any new appliances, technology, or increased wattage use; upgrade as necessary
  • Clear slow-moving drains and ensure that plumbing shutoff valves function properly
  • Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper
  • Ensure that fire extinguishers are operable and accessible
  • Clean smoke alarm covers and install new batteries
  • Replace older light bulbs with energy-efficient models
  • Sort through closets and other storage and pull out things that are no longer used, then make a plan to donate or sell them

With an established routine you will also become better acquainted with the nuances of your home systems and better equipped to deal with problems when they do arise.  It is a good idea to supplement your efforts by making a professional home inspection part of the routine.  While most homebuyers have an inspection as part of their due diligence when considering a new home, most homeowners don’t think to schedule an inspection once they are living in the house.  Yet, a professional home inspector can help you identify problems in your home before they become huge strains on your lifestyle and your wallet.  Once you have gone through your home to note things that concern you, an inspector can give you insight into necessary repairs and upgrades.


New Windows and Doors

March 2, 2010 by  
Filed under Home Safety & Maintenance Tips

New Windows and Doors
The Home Improvement that Pays for Itself

The Sacramento Home Improvement that Pays for Itself

The Sacramento Home Improvement that Pays for Itself

As another winter comes to a close, are you thinking that your house feels draftier each year?  Do you notice air seeping through your windows and doors?  Older, leaky windows and doors account for a large percentage of home heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.  Replacing old ones with new energy-efficient models can be one of the most beneficial things you do to maintain your home and your budget.  And there has never been a better time to update your windows and doors.  The American Recovery and Investment Act, commonly referred to as the Stimulus, offers a tax incentive that gives 30% of the cost, up to $1500, back to those who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.  Taxpayers have until the end of 2010 to take advantage of the credit.  And the tax break is only a fraction of the financial benefits you will see from installing energy-efficient products.  You may quickly see a reduction in your heating and cooling bills.  In time the windows and doors will pay for themselves with the savings in energy costs.

There are several choices in windows and doors, and a professional can be a valued resource in making the right choice.  Even with the tax credit, it is a large investment that calls for thoughtful planning.  Begin by researching window and door companies in your area.  Most local home centers also offer installation services.  There are a multitude of styles in a range of price points for you to consider, including the overall shape, the opening and closing mechanisms, the quality of the glass, the construction material, and the design features. Newer windows and doors also offer improved operation – opening and closing more smoothly and making cleaning and upkeep easier.  To qualify for the tax credit the products must meet specific guidelines that a professional can outline for you.

Most window dealers will bring samples and materials to your home for a consultation.  Make appointments with a few dealers so you can compare cost estimates and installation processes.  Draw up a list of questions to ask each dealer:
•    Do they manufacture their own materials and assemble their own products?
•    What is the guarantee on the product and the labor?
•    How long after signing a contract will installation be scheduled?
•    How long will installation take, with how many people on the crew?
•    Will installation be done from inside or outside of the house?
•    How much cleanup will the crew do?
•    Do they subcontract the labor for installation?  Who is responsible if there is a problem with installation?
•    What is the process to replace a damaged window or door at a later date?
•    Which products meet the standards to qualify for the tax credit?
•    What are the financing options?

Once you have done the research and gathered all the information you can choose the right product that will make your family and your wallet happy for years to come.


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