The Hidden Value in Your Remodeling Project

The trade publication Remodeling magazine, in its 2006
"Cost vs. Value" survey of over 2,000 members of the
National Association of Realtors, found that "minor kitchen
remodels" have the best return on your remodeling
investment, at 85.2%.

That means for every $1,000 you spend, you add $852 to the
value of your home when you sell it. When you look at it
this way, it sounds like a losing proposition, doesn't it?

But depending on the type of remodeling project, there may
be a few additional ways you can benefit financially from
your remodeling project - ways that could easily push your
investment out of the red and into the black.

Taxes. Uncle Sam likes it when you spend money on certain
things, and home improvement is one of them. And you can
benefit two ways from tackling that remodeling project
you've been considering. First, the cost of the project
itself may be tax deductible. Second, if you take out a
home equity loan to fund the project, the interest on that
loan may be tax deductible as well.

Check out IRS Publication 523, "Selling Your Home," for
more information, and consult with a tax professional to
find out what will work with your particular financial
situation.

Energy efficiency. With oil prices rising as fast as they
have, heating your home is becoming an increasing financial
burden. (And it's not limited to oil heating - natural gas,
propane, and even wood prices have been rising, too.) With
your remodeling project, you have a few ways to help cut
your energy costs.

The first is on windows and doors. When selecting them, ask
your contractor to talk to you about types that will
improve your home's energy efficiency, especially compared
to what you have in your home now. Second, if you'll
actually be opening external walls as a result of your
remodeling project, check the insulation you have in place,
and ask your contractor about upgrading it. Third, if
you'll be upgrading any of your large appliances (like
refrigerators and dishwashers), check out the "Energy Star"
ratings provided on them to see how well they perform. And
finally, if a plumber's part of your remodeling project
plan, explore the options you may have to improve your hot
water heating situation.

When you start thinking beyond the initial cost of your
investment in a home remodeling project, you'll find the
rewards go well beyond the upgraded value of your home. So
when you start budgeting for your remodel, be sure to
factor in the long-term payoff as well.


----------------------------------------------------
About G.M. Roth
Since 1986, G.M. Roth Design and Remodeling has been
designing and building award-winning projects. From kitchen
and bath remodeling to in-law suites, porches and decks,
clients get their "Dreams Delivered" by G.M. Roth. To find
out more about G.M. Roth, and how their commitment to the
Design/Build philosophy provides flexibility for your
project while preventing time delays and cost overruns, go
to http://www.GMRoth.com .

 

Heating Efficiency Ideas With Various Types Of Plumbing Connected To Water Heaters

Types Of Plumbing Pipes

As far as a water heater is concerned, there are two types
of pipes that can be installed on water heaters.  Coppers
and rust-resistant steels are the metallic types.  PB and
CPVC are the two plastic types.

Plumbing Connections

When examining a water heater's plumbing pipes for trouble,
look for any rusting at the threads on the hot and cold
lines on top of the water heater.  Also look at the T&P
valve's plastic pipe, if it has one, for any wear and tear.
 The T&P is located off to one side of the water heater and
has a small metal clip for a handle.

If you have copper plumbing, its best to use copper flex
connectors on the hot and cold lines above the water
heater.  Make sure that adapters with plastic-lined nipples
are installed directly on the hot and cold ports
themselves.  The flex connectors can be screwed directly
into the plastic-lined nipples themselves and also heat
traps can be installed here to increase heating efficiency
by a plumber.  The hot water line may have a combination
anode rod attached to it inside the water heater.  The cold
water line will have a dip tube attached to it inside the
water heater.  If you install a highly recommended curved
dip tube, use plastic-lined nipples.  Three inches is the
minimum length.

If you have steel plumbing, its best to use plastic-lined
nipples connecting at the hot and cold ports on top of the
water heater and two more plastic-lined nipples connecting
into the wall.  Use copper flex connectors to connect
between the appropriate lines.

There are adapters which can be used to adapt between PB or
CPVC to metal pipes.  Long flex connectors may also attach
to these adapters.

Insulated Plumbing

To increase the heat efficiency of your plumbing, install
3/4 inch insulation on your hot and cold lines on your
water heater.  Keep the insulation 3 inches away from the
water itself.  Be sure to get the right insulation for the
right sized pipes.  Galvanized pipes and copper pipes have
different actual sizes even though they may both say 3/4
inches.

Don't insulate the metal tin draft diverter above a gas
water heater.  Its the large metal duct that acts like a
chimney flue for your water heater.  Don't cover fittings
or unions on the plumbing either.  You may need easy access
for them later.

Whatever the insulation you decide to use, follow the
instructions for installation.  If you're not sure what to
do still, buy some heavy duty gas wrap tape or plastic zip
ties to hold the insulation in place.

Problems With Oversized Plumbing

If your installing new plumbing, be sure to use pipes that
are no larger than what is necessary.  Large pipes have
larger surface area from which to lose heat from for heated
water.  Water can more easily sit inside the oversized
pipes and freeze as well.


----------------------------------------------------
Check out http://www.waterheater-info.com or contact
johnnyhayneser@gmail.com for  information on solar water
heaters (they're the ultimate in energy efficiency),
tankless water heaters (they save you money on your energy
bill), traditional tank-type water heaters (they're the
cheapest and easiest to install), water heater repair and
maintenance, brand information, warranty information and
which installer to hire.

 

The Key to Home Buying Satisfaction May Have Less to Do With the Property Than You Think

People make their real estate buying decisions based on
dozens of factors, and a lot of them are fairly
straightforward qualities about the property that help
narrow down the choices.

For one buyer, three bedrooms may be enough, four is fine,
but five rules a house out. For another, the amount of land
determines the acceptable area to enjoy and the desired
distance from neighboring houses. For still others, the tax
rate in one city or town versus another can hold some
serious sway on the final purchase.

But what about a desired lifestyle? Some people consider
things that factor into lifestyle - urban vs. suburban vs.
rural, for example - but don't consciously consider
lifestyle as a deciding factor for selecting a home. And
these people might be more satisfied with their home buying
decision if they did.

Selecting real estate to fit a lifestyle is a good option,
because it'll help you fit in the community, and ensure you
feel at home once you get moved in.

It's about finding a community that meets your needs. Of
course, there are plenty of different lifestyles, and
plenty of communities to suit those lifestyles. So, what's
the simplest advice?

Look for a community that you feel comfortable in. It could
be one where the neighbors are similar to you and have
similar habits and a similar lifestyle. Or if you value
diversity within your environment, you'll find comfort in
variety.

You can tell a lot about a community just by driving
through it. Check out the local shops and stores to give
you an idea of the atmosphere. Check out local parks and
drive through different neighborhoods. Then get out of the
car and start walking around and talking to people. You're
bound to meet friendly, open folks who can tell you what
it's like to live in the community.

By selecting real estate to fit your lifestyle, you help
increase the chances you'll like the home you move into.
You'll find it easier to make friends and fit in. You'll
have more things to do that you enjoy, the right mix of
necessities at hand and room to retreat to.

The truth is, selecting real estate to fit a lifestyle
isn't anything new. It may be something you're already
doing without even thinking about it. Considering what a
huge and life-influencing decision the home-buying process
is, it's worth it to put some outright conscious effort
into lifestyle considerations. It may make the difference
between simple satisfaction and unfortunate toleration.


----------------------------------------------------
Alpine Lakes Real Estate has been building long-term
relationships in the White Mountains region for more than
20 years. Their extensive real estate expertise is enhanced
by their vast knowledge of the entire building process.
With offices in Lincoln and Campton, NH, they also offer
assistance with IRS 1031 "like-kind" exchanges, and the
Design-Build services of their in-house architect. For more
information, go to http://www.AlpineLakes.com .