By Scott McKinstry of Northwest Exteriors

With all the buzz in the marketplace about solar these days, many are asking, “Is now the right time to add solar to our home?” Many homeowners are ready to roll up their sleeves and research a plan of action as utility rates in our area rise as much as 20% in one year with additional projected increases of up to 15% per year for the next ten years (source: US department of energy). All of the tax credits, rebates, and special financing being introduced certainly make solar enticing. Financing programs such as AB811/mPower in Placer county allow homeowners to finance solar without a traditional bank loan and credit check. What many don’t know is that these new programs, such as AB811/mPower, are not just for solar but for a variety of other energy efficient home improvements, as well.

While visions of your meter spinning backwards and never having to pay for utilities again are fun to imagine, they are unfortunately not very realistic. It simply costs too much to build a system large enough to achieve this goal and justify your return on investment. Energy rates are based on a system of rate tiers that increase in price as your usage increases. Most solar systems are designed to decrease a home’s usage so that it falls within a less expensive tier. When you analyze how much solar you need, the burning question is “Have I made the other necessary energy efficient home improvements that should come first?” The fact is if you haven’t you could end up buying far more solar than you really need, and paying more money to realize the same energy savings.

For example, some homeowners may find that their home is poorly insulated, especially in the ceiling, which is a simple and inexpensive fix that will boost their energy savings. Insulated acrylic siding products can also improve your home’s insulation. Others may realize that their air conditioning and heating systems are so old that they’re no longer considered energy efficient. Installing a new system will reduce the amount of energy needed to power your home.

Similarly, if you have older, double or single pane windows replacing them with new high tech energy efficient windows can save up to 40% on utility bills. Windows that are over 15 years old and original to the home are almost always low quality or “construction grade” windows.  Though they might be double pane, they usually don’t have Low-E coatings, and have highly inefficient aluminum frames. Want to see how cold or hot it is outside? Put your finger on an aluminum window frame!  And, as many homeowners know, their old windows can be very drafty.  Upgrading to vinyl or fiberglass frames with high wind infiltration ratings and the latest glass technology make a dramatic difference. If you have a backyard with southern exposure, a patio cover can make a difference by shading your home.

Of course, these home improvements do more than just save you energy. New windows are easier to operate, reduce noise and add beauty to your home. Patio covers create a wonderful place for outdoor living and increase the time you can enjoy your outdoor spaces. Insulated acrylic siding adds beauty and reduces noise with virtually no maintenance including never having to paint again. Energy savings of 21% to 26% and higher can be achieved over a typical older home with the added R-value these products offer.  The additional savings realized by not having to paint every 4 to 6 years can really add up over time and help make a siding project pencil out. All of these improvements both prepare your home for solar and increase the value of your home.

Your home’s improved energy efficiency will give you a better return on your solar investment. If you were to make most of the above energy related home improvements, you might find that your utility bills are low enough that you may be able to reduce the size of your investment in solar or you may not need it at all. However, if it still makes sense to install solar it can be to your advantage to work with a company that offers a wide range of energy related home improvements. New funding programs being introduced enable homeowners to add multiple energy improvements at the same time with long-term government loans that don’t require refinancing or credit approval.

As you look around your home for ways to save money, improving your home’s energy efficiency can pay for itself with the reduction in utility bills. In the long run, it can ensure that you’ll be able to live in your home comfortably over the years while utility rates continue to rise. However, whether you plan on being in your home for 5 years or 50, today’s tax credits, rebates and special financing make now a great time to make energy efficient home improvements.

For more information contact Northwest Exteriors at (916) 851-1632 or http://northwestexteriors.com. Northwest Exteriors is an experienced local company where you can find solar systems, high quality energy efficient windows, patio covers, insulated acrylic siding, and coming soon, a wind powered energy product for those of you that have more wind than sun! For a limited time, Northwest is offering Free 10-step energy audit kit by mail, which shows you how to test your home for energy efficiency and to help you identify which areas need improvement. Their 10-step home energy audit kit allows you to evaluate ten areas that effect energy usage, so you have the data necessary to make informed decisions about improving your home’s efficiency. Northwest’s home energy audit kit, and their experienced representatives can help you put together a comprehensive plan that will meet your specific needs and optimize the investment in your home. By working with a company who can provide multiple solutions you are more likely to stay within your budget and have your needs met working with one, rather than many different companies.

By Chris Trussell of Premier Remodeling & Construction Kitchen & Baths of Sacramento

Very often, the term budget is viewed as meaning cheap or sub-quality. Depending on whom you are talking with this may be true but if you are interviewing high quality, flexible contractors, budget means keeping your costs down without sacrificing quality.

When planning your project you should have a list.

1. What’s your budget? Over-spending will cause a lot of anxiety.

2. What are your bottom line needs? If your needs cannot be met within your budget, you should wait until more funds are available, or it’s guaranteed that you will be disappointed in the end.

3. What is your wish list? Your wish list might be amenities in your cabinetry or some higher-end plumbing fixtures, etc.

4. What options are available for the bulk items of your remodel such as tub styles, lighting fixtures, tile, granite, etc.? What are the varying costs?

If you are working with a contractor who is conscientious of your needs and desires, he will present you with items that fit your budget. Once again this does not mean cheap! They should be offering ideas on where you should spend and where you can save. No reputable contractor will allow you to put in a $39.99 kitchen faucet. On the other hand, you do not have to spend $700. Many quality faucets from major manufacturers are priced between $200 and $400.

Cabinets are another great example. Some big box store cabinets offer many “upgrades” to their cabinet lines, like dovetail drawer boxes or quiet close hardware but this does not change the underlying construction of the cabinet, which is often not built to last. When working with a quality custom-built cabinet, the construction and materials will be top quality, but to keep costs down may not include tons of amenities like spice pull-outs, dovetail drawer boxes, or upgraded trim items. These can be added based on your bottom line needs, but what is important is the cabinet either way is built and finished to last.

On the subject of cabinets, refinishing your existing cabinets may be a great way to save thousands for the other parts of your remodel. Often homeowners don’t plan to change the configuration of the space they are remodeling but simply want fresh, new items. Working with your existing cabinets can be a good fit.

Many features can be added prior to refinishing that make a world of difference such as roll-out interior drawers, garbage receptacles, crown moldings, under cabinet lighting, and even new doors and drawer boxes. This is an area that your contractor should discuss with you to make sure this is a good option for you as opposed to new cabinets. Once again, no one wants to get to the end of a project and be disappointed because the bottom line needs were not met; so, if new cabinets are needed, then that is a bottom line need.

In this thinking process, if a standard kitchen remodel for a space would be $40,000 with all new cabinets and some nice extra stuff in them for ease of access etc., it would not be uncommon to keep your costs down to $20,000- $25,000 by utilizing the existing cabinets. Of course with your contractor’s reassurance that your existing cabinets are quality built and worthy of what your new kitchen will be!

This process can be used for all items in your project with the help of a professional guide. Keep in mind, whether you are able to put $5,000 or $50,000 into your project, working from a budget minded stance should never mean cheap; what it does mean is that you’ve found the right fit in a contractor for your job!

For more information on budgeting your remodel, contact
Premier Remodeling & Construction Kitchen & Bath at (916) 641-8117 or www.premierremodel.net