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Tom Kraeutler

New York - http://www.moneypit.com

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Attic conversions reach new heights in a down market

Filed under: Home, Real Estate, Recession

atticRunning out of space to expand and improve your home? Then look up.

Attic space is the newest frontier in home improvement, and according to a recent survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, one in five respondents said they planned to finish an attic room in the next few months.

New lead rules may drive up remodeling costs

Filed under: Real Estate, Health, Refinancing

If you live in an older home and are planning any remodeling projects, you might need to add some padding to your budget. This spring a new EPA requirement will mandate that special lead testing, work practices -- and extra expenses are also part of any home improvements done to homes built before 1978.

As of April 22, 2010, remodelers will be required to both test those homes for lead and be certified to work within them using strict lead safety practices. That means that once a remodel begins, contractors must seal work areas off from the rest of the home, minimize dust that increases lead exposure risk, and go through a thorough daily cleanup routine including use of a HEPA vacuum.

The main area of concern is exposure due to lead based paint. About 38 million homes contain lead paint, and if your home was built before 1978, the last year lead paint was available; chances are it has lead paint somewhere under all those layers. Even if you are not planning to remodel, homeowners living in pre-1978 housing are smart to take steps to prevent lead paint exposure. Lead can cause neurological damage in children and contributes to hypertension, joint pain and more in adults.

But while the protection you and your family will receive is extremely valuable, this added layer of protection won't come cheap. Requirements for remodeler training, certification and work practices are going to impact the bottom line of any home improvement you plan. Working around lead adds extra steps, materials and documentation, all of which could translate into additional project costs.

Cash for appliance clunker rebates: The when, where, how and best and worst

Filed under: Bargains, Home, Green, Tax - Credit

Washing machinesAs the federal government's Cash for Appliance Clunkers program begins, consumers may find themselves in a stew of confusion over when rebates are available, how much they'll get and from where.

The rebate clock is already ticking in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin, and come February, residents of Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York and Rhode Island will be eligible for rebate deals. The rest of the states and territories will open their rebate programs in March and April, and some are even running second offer phases later in the year. See the chart below for a link to your state's program.

Wherever you live, the key to getting your biggest possible share of the rebate pot is understanding exactly what your state, local utility, retailer and new-appliance manufacturer are offering for your green-minded trouble ─ an equation you practically have to be a PhD to figure out.

Radon Action Month: A threat that isn't another Hallmark holiday

Filed under: Home, Real Estate, Health

This month, the EPA wants you to think about the air you breathe and take action against a health threat you probably didn't know existed: Radon.

Along with the many useful and sometimes useless "events" that are named by government agencies, interests groups and greeting card companies, the EPA has designated January to be Radon Action Month.

From experience however, I can tell you this one is pretty important. In the 20 years I spent as a professional home inspector, we frequently saw otherwise perfectly healthy homes test very high for radon gas.

Appliance Rebates: The good, bad and truly clunky process of getting your cash

Filed under: Home, Real Estate, Economizer, Tax - Credit

old washerIf you have a clunker of an appliance you'd like to replace in this year, the good news is that the government is offering an attractive rebate that can pay you up to $250 for upgrading to a more efficient model. But the bad news is that with this latest version of "Cash for Clunkers" incentives, you'll have to do a lot of clunky work to get your cash.

Consumer Reports: Washers cost less and save more

Filed under: Home, Technology, Green, Tax - Credit

washing machinesConsumer Reports latest tests on washers show price drops of as much as 33% compared with a year ago. Along with the federally funded "Cash for Clunkers" rebates of up to $250 for qualifying models, consumers are benefiting from more energy and water efficient models that save money in the long run.

Holiday light sales short out

Filed under: Home, Saving Money, Technology, Recession, Green

holiday lightsSanta's reindeer may have a little trouble finding good little boys and girls' homes this Christmas due to a reported nationwide shortage of holiday lights. While the economy slowly rebounds, holiday light displays are selling out at home centers and discount retailers around the country.

Home Depot, Obama and sexy: 3 terms not normally found together

Filed under: Sex Sells, Home, Real Estate, Recession, Tax - Credit

Adding an entertaining dimension to the appeal of energy-saving home improvements and building on the promise of new tax incentives for homeowners, President Barack Obama termed insulation "a sexy subject" during a Home Depot visit in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday.

"Here's what's sexy about it. It saves money," Obama noted in comments aimed at encouraging Congress to pass incentives for homeowners who insulate and otherwise upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient.

CPSC study confirms homeowner's worst fears about Chinese drywall

Filed under: Home, Real Estate, Health

putting up drywallA study of 51 homes released this week by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found a strong association between homes with Chinese-made drywall and levels corrosive hydrogen sulfide, which gives off a smell similar to rotten eggs.

It was the largest investigation ever taken on by the CPSC, costing $3.5 million and involving 15% of the staff, according to the CPSC.

Save money on home heating costs this winter

Filed under: Home, Saving Money

sunWhile the forecast for winter 2009-10 stands to be easier on homeowners' wallets than usual, you can save even more money by making energy-smart improvements and easy adjustments to your household routine.

Here are eight ways to reduce home heating costs to stay warm for less this winter:

  • Seal out drafts: Eliminate air leaks and drafts around the house, and you'll trim seasonal heating costs by up to 20 percent. Sealant, caulking and weatherstripping are all easy to use, and they'll also help you earn tax credits on your 2009 return.

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