How Much Does it Cost to Re-Wire a House?

This post has been  permanently moved to http://contractorequotes.com/improvements/electrical/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rewire-a-house/

10 Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Maker

Chris Crimmins has some great advice on his website that includes 10 questions you should ask your cabinet maker when having custom cabinets built for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Most people stress over trying to find a cabinet style they think will look in their newly renovated kitchen. Aesthetics are part of your choice, but if you don't seriously think about what it's going to be like to live with these cabinets for the next twenty years... you'll end up miserable. Chris' questions will help give you a plan. A plan will make sure you end up with no surprises.

Having custom cabinets made is not cheap. And the cabinets are usually not refundable. So, if you end up with problems you'll be stuck. Write down the questions and do a little research online so you can see what your options are.

Here are a few of my favorite questions from his list:

4. How are the drawers and slide out shelves made? Dovetailed drawers are the standard of strength, but material and an alternative type of mechanical connection are the most important. Solid wood sides are best, but please no stapled MDF. In fact, please no MDF at all in cabinets. MDF is not a structural material when attached perpendicular with like materials. I have seen a few painted shelves that turn out okay in MDF, but I still prefer quality sheet goods.

8. What is behind the doors? This is a tricky one because when you approve drawings, many times the number of shelves, slide out drawers, trash bin receivers, and many other items can be left out of the conscious. This is a great time to tackle expectations on what is included.

10. Is the installation included? Installation is a big factor, and I prefer that the cabinet maker installs. That way any mistakes or adjustments are their responsibility. Also ask if the knobs and pulls will be installed as well.

He asks for recommendations for additional questions, but I can't think of anything he missed. Check out the rest of his questions here.

Chris is a general contractor and owner of Crimmins Construction in Nashville, Tennessee and with his building and renovation experience, he knows a thing or two about cabinets. He even includes a great list of definitions for cabinets so you'll have all the jargon down before you ask your questions.

If you're looking for custom cabinet makers, ConstructionDeal.com can help. We can match you to 4 quality cabinet makers in your area - at no cost. If you're near Nashville, contact Chris and he can give you some recommendations. If not, submit your request today.

We'll save you time - cabinet makers will call you. And we'll save you money - you'll get at least 4 bids from local cabinet pros and you can choose the best price. There's no cost and no obligation to use our service.

Need Replacement Windows?

This post has been permanently moved to http://contractorequotes.com/improvements/windows/need-replacement-windows/

Save Money on Utility Bills with Radiant Roof Sheathing

It's one of the best kept secrets to helping home owners live more comfortably and save money on their utility bills - radiant roof sheathing.

But let's not keep quiet about it anymore!

Radiant roof sheathing is plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) with a thin layer of aluminum on one side to help reflect the suns radiant rays.

Radiant roof sheathing helps your attic stays cooler, your home stays cooler and that leads to a more comfortable living environment and lower utility bills. The product is Energy Star-rated and according to its website, "can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100-degrees" and "can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent."

Radiant roof sheathing used to cost more than standard plywood/OSB, but I recently installed the product on a new home we're building near St. Louis for the same cost as plywood. Lumber prices are down and product competition is up, making radiant roof sheathing an affordable option.

But, you don't have to be building a new home or a home addition to take advantage of the benefits. A radiant barrier can be installed in an existing attic. ToolBase Services offers helpful information and several installation options.

Don't keep it a secret anymore. My clients are learning all about radiant roof barriers and I plan on installing a lot more of it because of the performance and competitive price.

- Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes, LLC in Chesterfield, Missouri

There's more real advice from real home builders. Kim is a quality green home building contractor in the St. Louis area. If you're looking to go green, save money on utility bills, and build a home the right way for our planet, contact Kim at Hibbs Homes today.

Tax Credits Make Geothermal Heat Pumps More Affordable

I recently took a trip from St. Louis to Greenville, Illinois to visit Enertech Manufacturing, LLC, a GeoComfort distributor.

I had a meeting with owner Steve Smith to discuss our presentation at the upcoming Green Building Conference in Dallas. When I arrive, Steve showed me around his offices. We walked into the warehouse, where I saw hundreds of geothermal HVAC units still wrapped in cellophane and I thought - oh no, another casualty of the housing downturn.

Not this time.

The units had just arrived from Enertech’s manufacturing plant in Mitchell, South Dakota and most were waiting to be picked up for installation. There is a bright spot in the current housing market. And it’s called geothermal – using underground loop systems to take advantage of the earths near constant temperature to heat and cool the home.

As a Certified Green Building Professional, I’ve often tried to convince my clients to consider geothermal. With costs twice as much as conventional HVAC systems, most clients weren’t interested.

That is changing thanks to a 30% Federal tax credit.

The new legislation covers installations from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016. Homeowners who install geothermal systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the cost in tax credits.

But, there’s more to it than just a tax credit. Geothermal is highly efficient and can save homeowners 40%-60% on utility bills. Mechanically, geothermal systems are relatively simple and require little maintenance. They are safe – no flame, no fuel, no odor. And because there are no fossil fuels, indoor air quality is cleaner.

From the Dept. of Energy website: "Even though the installation price of a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop."

A large tax credit and a good product - I have a feeling I’ll have more clients asking about geothermal. That means distributors like Steve Smith need to keep their warehouses full. After all, Steve says, "Business is up 60!"

Kim Hibbs
Hibbs Homes, LLC
St. Louis, Missouri

Looking to build a green home in the St. Louis area? Contact Hibbs Homes and they will help you design and build your ultimate green dream home - 314-581-8205

And, if you're looking to have a geothermal heat pump unit installed in your home, submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy way to get 4 quotes from heat pump contractors who install geothermal units. And ask about the tax credit to make sure you save!