‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ to Feature Pella® Products

December 3rd, 2010

—Dec. 5 episode marks 25th donation of Pella windows, doors —

PELLA, Iowa, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The Sun., Dec. 5, episode of ABC television network’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (EMHE) will include energy-efficient Pella windows and doors donated by Pella Corporation. The episode will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC-TV.

The makeover in Maple Heights, Ohio, in the greater Cleveland area, marks the 25th donation of Pella products used in construction of a new home for a deserving family. The new Tudor style home will feature durable, energy-efficient Pella® Impervia® windows made in Murray, Ky., Pella fiberglass entry door systems created in Fairfield, Ohio, and a Designer Series® wood patio door crafted in Pella, Iowa.

Local Pella Window & Door distributors from the Bedford Heights team in the Cleveland area donated installation, together with those designated as a local Pella Certified Contractor(SM) and others who volunteered to support the project.

“Pella proudly partnered with ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to create better views for this deserving Ohio family,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Corporation spokesperson. “Since this family lives with complications of diabetes, Pella was especially proud to help, as our team has raised more than $1.7 million for diabetes research through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) over the years,” she said. “It was an honor for Pella to help this family and partner with Marous Brothers Construction in the inspiring build that will help make life easier for this family.”

Each episode features a race against time on a project that would normally take at least four months to achieve, involving designers, contractors and several hundred workers who have just seven days to build an entire house plus the exterior and landscaping. Viewers see the transformation of the home and the reactions and emotions of the deserving homeowners.

Previous episodes

Pella products were included on 24 previous episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” providing new or renovated homes for deserving families in Woodlawn, Tenn.; Suffield, Ct.; Albert Lea, Minn.; Geneva, N.Y.; Fairmont, W. Va.; the California cities of Los Angeles, Martinez and Penngrove; and the New Jersey cities of Bergenfield and Irvington. In addition, Pella has provided windows and doors for homes featured on the show in Billings, Mont.; Alma, Ark.; near New Orleans, La.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Clarksville, Tenn.; Bountiful, Utah; Purdy, Mo.; Biloxi, Miss.; Berry, Ky.; Minot, N.D.; Gladbrook, Iowa; Kansas City, Mo.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Albany, N.Y.

About “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” in its eighth season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8-9 p.m. ET on ABC.

About Pella

Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 85-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

SOURCE Pella Corporation

Posted in Home Improvement Tax Credit | No Comments »

Federal Tax Credit Expiring: New Jersey Homeowners, Renovate Your Home Now and Receive $1,500 from the Government!

November 11th, 2010

If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your home- now is the time! The Federal Tax Credit expires on December 31st, 2010 and if you don’t begin your renovations now, you’ll miss out on your $1500 savings. Don’t let this federally backed, money-saving opportunity pass you by- it could be detrimental to your wallet.

How it works:

Homeowners must renovate their homes with energy efficient products, such as the custom made windows, doors, and seamless vinyl siding available at Nationwide Windows, in order to qualify for this convenient tax credit. The government is refunding 30% of all energy efficient home renovations, up to $1,500.

Why?

Remodeling your home now is a great investment for the future. Installing replacement windows and doors will ensure that your family stays safe and warm during the upcoming winter season. And with the rising cost of fuel, the return on your renovation investment will continue for years and years to come. Renovating your home will help you save money year round, keeping cold air outside during the winter and warm air outside during the summer.

The details:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Stimulus Bill, is set to expire December 31st, 2010. This tax credit is valid on qualified energy efficiency improvements, which can include windows, doors, insulation, etc.

For more information about what’s included in the federal tax credit, visit the Federal Tax Credits For Consumer Energy Efficiency website.

Want to participate in this huge money saving tax credit before it’s too late? Schedule your free estimate on energy-saving replacement windows, doors, siding and roofing today!

Posted in Home Improvement Tax Credit | 241 Comments »

The “Green” Initiative is Contagious

October 15th, 2010

It seems there is an increasing interest among businesses, both small and large, to take part in the “green” initiative for the benefit of climate control and the overall well being of the environment.  There are do-it-yourself ways that include changing light bulbs, filling holes with caulk or adding seamless vinyl siding which can cut energy wastes while cutting costs.

Recently, an old renovated church in Georgia was nationally recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in their efforts to go “green,” St. Alban’s Church in Monroe, Georgia added insulation, changed the light bulbs from incandescence to CFL and also added timers on the water fountains and caulked weather stripped areas around the church.  Built in 1953, St. Alban’s main concern was not energy efficiency, but their recent efforts have illustrated the potential for reducing damage on the environment with small efficiency tactics that go a long way.

Proud of their work on the church, the parish signed up for the ENERGY STAR challenge which is a commitment to any business that enters, to reduce energy usage by ten percent each year.  According to the article, St. Albans “estimates that they are saving more than $1,500 annually in energy costs for the operation of their worship space. The savings of nearly 70,000 kWh per year represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the annual electricity use of over five homes.”

It seems that the parish’s efforts have ignited a greater environmental awareness initiative for the Georgia church.  Since their vow to energy efficiency, the church has also begun recycling cardboard, saving trees and reducing the waste of water.

The green initiative is on a roll and it’s contagious as seen in the story of St. Alban’s Church.  Take the green initiative now and find out how you can improve your home, business or organization to be energy efficient; you’re saving money AND the environment.

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Posted in Energy Efficient Practices | 237 Comments »

Tax Credits See Positive Outcome, Which is Soon to End

September 13th, 2010

The reinstated federal tax credit for home owners will come to an end this December as it has already seen a positive outcome for energy efficient home purchases. The tax credit has allowed for plenty financial incentives as home owners can apply for a 30% tax credit while taking advantage of the money-saving benefits of energy efficient products. The tax credit was reinstated last fall, courtesy of the Bush Administration and at first offered only 10% credit on remodeled homes with a lifetime cap of $500. However, home owners were not very responsive to this plan, which soon yielded the triple increase of 30% and $1,500. The increased tax credits and extended deadline for applications have shown a boost in the already largely popular “going green” movement for a better future for the planet.

The incentives for home owners to remodel their homes for aesthetic value as well as energy value have helped older homes become environmentally friendly. According to a California study conducted in 2008, 70% of green house gas emissions are attributes to older homes built before 1983. With environmental and monetary benefits in mind, the tax credits have definitely proved to help the nation make strides towards energy efficiency while putting money back into the country’s pockets. However, these tax credits are not going to be accepted for much longer. The reinstated tax applications will end in just four months and it is vital for any home owner to submit now or lose out on their refund.

The tax credits are applied to products implemented from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010 with a $1500 maximum back for all combined purchases. If you’ve had anything from new roofing installations to energy efficient windows or skylights added to your home, you’re eligible for a tax credit.

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Posted in Home Improvement Tax Credit, Home Improvements, Replacement Windows | 187 Comments »

Federal Stimulus Tax Credits Encourage Energy-Saving Replacement Windows

March 6th, 2010

There has never been a better time to replace the drafty old windows you discovered this winter, with energy-saving upgrades, according to Joe Znyski, owner of Bayside Construction in Edison, NJ.

Edison, N.J. (PRWEB) February 24, 2010 — There has never been a better time to replace the drafty old windows you discovered this winter, with energy-saving upgrades, according to Joe Znyski, owner of Bayside Construction in Edison, NJ.

“You can pay yourself back twice,” Znyski says. “Tax credits were raised substantially for 2010; plus you see enormous utility savings with insulating replacement windows.”

The Federal economic stimulus act provides a 30% tax credit for energy-efficiency upgrades. This is an increase from 10% last year. Homeowners can recoup up to $1500 dollars of the cost of materials.

“It means several if not all of your new windows pay for themselves,” Znyski adds.

There is a strong argument for scheduling window replacement before April 1, 2010, when new standards for energy-efficient windows go into effect. Buying soon can avoid new prices beginning in April while still qualifying for the tax credits.

Windows can account for a 30-40% loss of heat and cooling in an average home; eliminating that energy waste greatly reduces heating and air conditioning costs.

Most energy-saving replacement windows are LowE/Argon double or triple glass. In addition, during window replacement any leaks between the window and the wall are corrected.

“On top of the one-time chunk tax repayment for the upgrade, replacement windows immediately begin paying back your investment every month in reduced utility bills”, according to Znyski. “As a trusted construction contractor, we feel it’s our responsibility to get the word out!”

To do its part to stimulate interest in replacement windows, Bayside Construction is offering a cost-saving special on white double-hung windows, of any size. The deal includes installation, for less than $200 per window.

The contractor also points out that the federal tax credits are available for installation of energy-saving roofs, appliances and plumbing as well.

“I can’t imagine why the savvy homeowner wouldn’t at least ask for a free estimate,” Znyski remarked.

Posted in Home Improvement Tax Credit | 176 Comments »

Replacement Windows and Siding Have New EPA Requirements

March 6th, 2010

(I-Newswire) February 25, 2010 – On April 22, 2010, the new EPA rules for Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting go into effect. Replacement windows and siding fall under the new rules. The new rules are meant to protect young children and pregnant women from lead poisoning from lead based paints. The new rules require the containment of any renovation related dust and extensive clean up after the project is finished. Window World MN is a lead certified firm. Its crews are trained and the company is positioned to be in full compliance with the new regulations.

A large list of training, certification and work practice requirements are called for by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. The RRP Program takes effect in April 2010. By then, renovation firms must receive EPA certification to disturb lead paint as part of their work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. All of these jobs must be supervised by certified renovators; individuals who have completed an EPA-accredited, training course. Plus, other crew members on such job sites must be trained and equipped to follow the RRP Program’s lead-safe work practices while performing their work.

This EPA program is a federal regulatory program affecting renovation firms and individual workers who disturb lead base painted surfaces. It includes renovations to residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care centers built before 1978 and containing lead based paint. Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling and maintenance activities, including window replacement and siding replacement. Under EPA’s RRP Program, both construction firms and individual workers who perform (or direct other workers to perform) renovations must be certified by EPA by April 2010. In addition, all crew members must be trained on the lead-safe work practices that they must use when performing their work. The certified renovator is required to ensure that the renovation is performed in accordance with the work practice standards of the RRP Program, among other things. These requirements pertain to warning signs and work area containment, the restriction or prohibition of certain practices, waste handling, cleaning and post-renovation cleaning verification. “We are ready, willing and able to do renovation work with homes containing lead based paint. Contract with us and you will know your project will be completed correctly under the new rules.” says Terry Derosier, President of Window World MN.

The new EPA requirements for lead renovation, repair and painting go into effect in April 2010. The rules protect children and pregnant women from exposure to lead created by renovation projects. Window World MN is an experienced lead certified company, which has completed the required worker training. The company is in full compliance and is continuing to contract for lead based replacement window and siding projects under the new rules. Find out more here about the new rules and replacement windows and siding.

Posted in Home Improvements | 195 Comments »

Home Expo vendors optimistic of rebound

March 6th, 2010

For Steve and Joyce Jenson, this weekend is one more step toward building their new house.

“We love to see the new innovations, the creativity,” said Steve Jenson, of Franklin. “Everybody has something different every year.”

More than 100 businesses are scattered throughout the Sloan Convention Center this weekend as part of the Builders Association of South Central Kentucky’s Home Expo – an annual event that allows home-related businesses to showcase their products and services, and gives residents home improvement ideas.

“We know with the economy picking up a little bit, we’re hoping more people will come out to see what is available,” said Anita Napier, chief executive officer of the builders association. “We’re having a really good turnout right now.”

Crowds shuffled past booths, stopping to admire drawer handles, door frames, window shutters and other items. A variety of businesses, from landscape companies and interior decorators to banks and security system providers, were on hand.

Vendors handed out information, gave home buyers and home builders tips and even generated some business deals.

“You get that individual contact with the homeowner. You can answer immediate questions,” said Kat Darnell, show specialist for Dixie HomeCrafters in Nashville. “We would rather have eyeball to eyeball contact.”

Officials hope more than 2,000 people attend the event, which was first held about 30 years ago. Since then, the event has grown, even though the economy has slumped over the past couple of years.

Several vendors said they have been affected by the weak economy, but are optimistic that business will rebound.

“It’s slow just like everything else,” said Judy Sawyer, operations supervisor for Nashville-based Patio Enclosure Inc. “But we’re hanging in there … this year, phones are ringing off the hook. It’s coming back.”

At the other end of the room, Darnell was peddling her company’s signature item, the Gutter Guardian, which keeps debris out of a home’s gutter system.

“It’s difficult,” Darnell said about business this past year, “mainly because of financing, not the desire of people to do it.”

Over the past two years, financial institutions have tightened lending regulations, making it more difficult to get a home loan, which, in turn, hurts home-related businesses.

Still, some businesses have received a helping hand over the past year. Federal tax credits for home buyers and for consumers who purchase energy-efficient home products have boosted sales for some companies.

The energy tax credit has helped business at Window World in Bowling Green, which specializes in energy-efficient replacement windows, said Frank Farris, senior home remodeling specialist.

In fact, business this year has been “very good,” he said. “We’ve stayed busy.”

Other factors have benefited housing businesses. At Pool and Spa Depot in Bowling Green, the bad economy has been challenging, but it also has been helpful.

“The whole concept of stay-cation has kicked into high gear,” store manager Jerry Lankheet said. “We’ve seen people who have decided to spend money on (items to put) in their backyards or game rooms instead of going on vacation.”

Sales also tend to be weather-driven. As temperatures improve, people become more willing to purchase items, Lankheet said.

“Just the last couple of days, our store has been crazy,” he said.

But, for this weekend, many businesses have opened a temporary storefront at the convention center, marketing their products to people, such as Rita Trammel, who is preparing to build a house.

“We’re just getting started,” the Scottsville woman said as she inspected some showcased doors. “It’s the first time we felt like we could.”

— The Home Expo continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for individuals, $15 for two tickets and free for children accompanied by an adult. The expo also features door prizes, seminars and workshops.

Posted in Home Improvements | 101 Comments »