Sometimes Tax Season Can Be Taxing (Sigh)
During a time of gritting teeth and pulling out hair, we wanted to give folks a reason to smile...by watching our li’l cartoon. Hope it helps! If you know someone who is bummed this April 15th, send ‘em our animation and maybe they’ll turn that frown upside down!
If tax day stings (even stinks)…
Start thinking about next year’s return today
That American Recovery and Reinvenstment Act of 2009 signed by the President earlier this year includes lots of stuff. Some of it left us scratching our heads. Other parts offer pretty good tax credits for home upgrades.
Need new windows or doors? Maybe your roof is older than you?! Dump the duck tape and start thinking about tax credits. Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 and 2010 (for existing homes only) areas. The new credits are tripled from past years and count toward:
- Windows and Doors
- Insulation
- Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
- HVAC
- Water Heaters (non-solar)
- Biomass Stoves
For details on the credit amounts visit the Energy Star web site. If you’re considering an upgrade, SGR Handyman Division can help with selections and installations. 
How do I know if my house needs energy updates?
 Windows: If your windows frames or sills are rotting, your windows need replaced. I have used something as simple as a screwdriver to tap the frame to test the softness of the wood. If the tip of the screwdriver pushed into the wood easily it’s a sign of decay and rot in the window. When you replace rotted windows, ask if new windows are eligible for the energy tax credit. NOT all windows are eligible.
 Roofs and Shingles: If your shingles are blistered, curled or split, it’s time to replace. Other indicators are: loose or missing shingles throughout the roof; exposed/rusted nails; and excess granules from shingles in your gutters. The excessive amount shingle granules in the gutters, means the shingle coating is wearing away.
 Attic Insulation: The attic is the most neglected area of the home. It’s for storage and that’s it. Right? Wrong! The attic needs proper insulation for all of your stuff and for proper HVAC control. So head up and measure the depth of the blown-in insulation. All homes need to have a minimum of 16” to 18" of blown insulation, which would equal an insulation rating of a R - 38. Most attics we see only have about half of that. Just think of all of the heating and cooling escaping the home.
 Thanks to Carter-Lee Lumber
Carter-Lee is partnering with Steve Gray Renovations for the second year in a row. Carter-Lee has operated in central Indiana for nearly 140 years. Their name is synonymous with quality providing interior and exterior trim and framing materials. SGR is extremely excited that to have them back on board in 2009!
Save the Date
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 1011 E. 22nd Street.
The Builder’s Association of Greater Indianapolis Remodelers Council will sell gently or never-used items donated by remodelers. It’s a DIYers dream deal! Tubs, sinks, cabinets, flooring and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity. Look for more details in next month’s SGR newsletter.
Thanks!
Steve Gray
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