Kickball!

We had our best, most exciting game of the season last night. Ending in a tie, the game was nothing short of nail biting.

www.Recesstimesports.com

Window replacements, tax credits...OH MY!

I have posted this on all 3 bogs today. Not because I don't have anything to blog about, but it's a question I hear everyday... "I want to replace my windows with energy efficient ones, but how do I go about getting the Federal tax credits?" I read through tons of material, looking for a very simple explanation, and I think this spells it out pretty clear. If it doesn't, call me at the office (503)624-9060, and I will give you an even simpler version :).

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 recently signed into law, there are several energy conservation incentives for homeowners, including a never better opportunity to install replacement windows.
There are lots of good reasons to consider replacing windows. Energy-efficient windows can help lower your monthly energy bills, while making your home more comfortable to live in. High-quality replacement windows can also add to the resale value of the home and result in an immediate reduction of heating and cooling bills. Replacement windows also require little maintenance and can add to your home's curb appeal.
Taxpayers purchasing replacement windows in 2009 and 2010 that meet specific energy efficiency requirements, they are eligible for 30% of the amount as a tax credit. This credit is capped at $1,500 for the years of 2009 and 2010.
To be eligible for the tax credit, windows purchased must be equal to or below a U Factor of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30. U Factor is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality of the window. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the percentage of heat gained from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the number, the greater the ability to reduce solar heat gain into the home.
Both U Factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient qualifying stats should be available from the replacement window manufacturer as well as be stated on the window's NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label.
Other requirements for the tax credit include:

• Purchase of the qualified windows must be made during the taxable year for which the credit is being claimed.


• The credit is only allowed on the price of the qualified windows themselves, not on installation costs, onsite preparation, assembly or sales tax.


• The credit is allowable only for qualified window units placed in service in 2009 and 2010.


• Homeowners need to save their receipts for their windows purchased along with all window labels and stickers to apply for the tax credit.
  

When selecting a local contractor for your window replacement project, you should also carefully research the company they purchase their windows from. Things to look for include:

• Manufacturer with a long, solid history of producing top-quality products.


• Strong warranties on products


• Companies that offer low maintenance products.


• Manufacturer high industry reputation, reflected by awards won and strong approval by builders and remodelers who purchase their products every day.

For additional information on replacement window tax credits, go to the following manufacturer and government websites:
www.simonton.com/taxcredit
http://www.recovery.gov/
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
http://www.irs.gov/

Clear film shoot pics!

Here are a few photos of our film shoot with Clear. The company gave our project managers some really cool, super durable, light weight laptops to use for 6 weeks prior to the shoot. It went really well, and the laptop notebooks were great! Clear with WiMAX is super fast and allows the guys to do everything they did in the office, on their job sites. Pretty cool stuff. (I didn't get to be on film, so I took lots of self portraits with my own camera :)

Now we're talking!

For women in the trade, and all those handy DIY-ers. I want the pink one! Check out http://www.tomboytrades.com/ . After leaving a corporate job at IBM, Tomboy Trades' founder Marissa McTasney enrolled in a skilled-trades course for women, with the aim of starting her own construction company. She spotted a gap in the market on her first day of school. When she and her classmates went out to buy work boots, she was surprised to find they only came in tan and black: men’s shoes in female sizes. According to salespeople, McTasney wasn't the only one disappointed in the limited choice of working gear for women. Not one to pass up an entrepreneurial opportunity, she found a manufacturer in China and developed steel-toe boots in pink, green, blue and red. Matching tool belts, safety glasses and hard hats soon followed, as did retail partnerships with Home Depot and Zellers, a Canadian department store.
Tomboy Trades is now looking for retailers outside Canada, and also mentions that franchising plans are in the works. In a wider context, professional female construction workers and amateur handywomen are still an underserved market.

Back to work...

I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July weekend! I've got a crazy busy week...tomorrow a film shoot with Clear the Mobil Internet service. Our Project Managers have been equipped with Mobil laptops so they have access to their computers on the job sites! Exciting stuff!

Send your appliances on vacation too!

Before you leave on vacation, take a few minutes to turn off and unplug equipment. You’ll save energy and avoid safety hazards. You might want to read your meter before you leave and when you return — it’s a good way to spot any hidden energy wasters.

What to unplug, turn off or turn down before leaving

· Lights: Turn off all lights except for one or two fitted with compact fluorescent bulbs. Put these lights on timers that can be set to random patterns to discourage potential prowlers. Photo sensors or motion detectors are good ideas for outdoor lights.
· Air conditioning: Turn it off. Close window coverings to help keep heat from building up in your home while you’re away.
· Heating: Turn it off. (If it’s very cold outside, however, and you’re worried about pipes freezing, let your faucets drip and just lower your heat to 55 degrees instead of turning it off completely.)
· Water heater: Turn off your water heater at the electric breaker panel if you are going to be away for more than a few days. If it is a natural gas water heater, turn it down but not off.
· Refrigerator: If you’re leaving on an extended trip of a month or more, you might want to empty, clean and unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Prop the door open to prevent odors. Other appliances: Many appliances draw energy even when they’re turned off. So, unplug your television, VCR/DVD player, stereo computer, washer and other appliances. You may need to reset the clock on VCR/DVD players or clock radios when you return. For safety’s sake, don’t overlook small appliances that are best left unplugged when unattended — items like toasters, coffee makers, irons, curling irons, hair dryers and electric tools.