Great Partnerships Make for Great Remodels

Did you know that Louisville Handyman is a full Registered Remodeler with the Home Builders Association of Louisville? About 50% of our sales, in a given year, are full remodel projects such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

One of the often overlooked, but most important parts of any remodel is the planning stage. We take pride in partnering with customers to take their ideas of features or design elements for their project, and bring additional ideas, products and designs together to make their dream remodel a reality. Louisville Handyman also has architectural software, which provides 3D walk-throughs, and talented designers to help you with choices such as tile, counter tops, plumbing fixtures, etc.

Over the years, we have learned that great partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors make for great remodeling projects. An example is our partnership with Southern Kitchens, which allows us to offer our customers ten different lines of cabinetry at a wide range of pricing and a full showroom. Customers benefit by being able to see samples of the cabinets before making selections and don't pay extra because we receive a discount not available to retail customers.

If you are looking for a great partner, use Louisville Handyman for your next remodel project. Also, feel free to visit our website www.louhandyman.com for pictures of remodel projects.

 

Home improvement projects that go beyond the surface -- including things like replacing an old air conditioner or adding extra attic insulation -- can actually put money back into your wallet. And with the federal tax credits that were part of the government's economic stimulus package for 2009-2010, replacing windows, upgrading an outdated furnace, or swapping out an inefficient water heater is more affordable than ever. Chris Spencer -- an energy-efficiency expert with Lennox Industries -- suggests focusing on one or more of the following key areas of your home:


· The Attic. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, roughly 80 percent of homes built before 1980 can benefit from additional attic insulation. Properly insulating and sealing your home can cut heating and cooling bills by 10 percent, according to the DOE, and tax credits are available for up to 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500, for qualifying insulation products.

·The Heating and Cooling System. By replacing an 8 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) cooling system, which is much less efficient than the current SEER level allowed by law, with a 21 SEER system, you can save approximately 50 percent on energy bills and up to $4,000 over a five-year period. The tax credits can offset the cost and installation of a new high-efficiency air conditioner, furnace or heat pump by 30 percent or up to $1,500, making 2010 a good time to buy.

· The Water Heater. Consider replacing your water heater if the existing one is more than 10 years old, as it probably is operating at an efficiency level of 50 percent or lower. New tankless water heaters qualify for federal tax credits. If your existing water heater isn't that old, you can still save energy and money by insulating the water heater with a water heater jacket and lowering the temperature setting on the water heater.

· Windows. Upgrading old single-pane windows with new ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can save on average between $126 and $465 per year on energy bills, and some new windows qualify for the federal tax credit.