| Everything seems to be working to the advantage | | | | need in your remodel include: |
| of homeowners who want to remodel their homes | | | | > Either install a storm window over your |
| right now. A bad economy is driving prices down, | | | | bathroom windows or upgrade to high-efficiency |
| some contractors and skilled workers are reducing | | | | UV-coated windows. |
| their rates to stay busy, and there are rebates, tax | | | | > Add an energy-efficient skylight or roof window. |
| credits and tax exemptions available for | | | | > Upgrade to better insulation in the walls. |
| energy-efficient products. When you add up all of the | | | | > Choose an energy-efficient spa tub with inline |
| opportunities to save, bathroom remodeling now can | | | | heater. |
| cost at least ten percent less. | | | | > Install an instant tankless water heater for the |
| There are four important ways to save money by | | | | bathroom. |
| remodeling your bathrooms now. In fact, the | | | | > Put the bathrooms on a separate super-efficient |
| incentives could make it possible for you to upgrade | | | | water heater, or upgrade the whole house to a solar |
| your bathrooms in ways you never imagined! | | | | water heater. |
| First, shop carefully and compare prices on | | | | Third, check on State tax credits, as well as rebates |
| everything you need for the project. The crisis in the | | | | and other incentives from utility companies. Most |
| housing market, combined with a bad economy, has | | | | states offer sales tax exemptions, rebates or |
| driven down prices of many building materials. For | | | | personal or real estate tax deductions for |
| example: | | | | energy-efficient appliances. Many utility companies |
| > Lumber and plywood prices are at a | | | | also offer an array of financing options, credits and |
| thirteen-year low. | | | | rebates for energy-efficient appliance, lighting and |
| > Cabinetry manufacturers have seen sales drop | | | | other items. Local water companies also frequently |
| by as much as 40% in the last couple of years and | | | | offer rebates or lower rates for homeowners who |
| are offering discounts of as much as 50%. | | | | install water-saving plumbing fixtures. To find out |
| > Drywall prices are down. | | | | what is available in your city, visit and call your water |
| > Floor covering prices are being discounted by | | | | company. |
| 10% or more | | | | Finally, once the remodel is complete, enjoy the |
| Shop carefully for the right contractor for your | | | | comfort of your new bathrooms and the knowledge |
| project and keep in mind that many top-notch | | | | that your choice of efficient products will continue to |
| contractors are discounting their prices now. Learn | | | | save you money by reducing your utility bills for as |
| everything you can abouthow to save money when | | | | long as you own your home. Choosing |
| you remodel. You can get higher quality materials and | | | | energy-efficient and water-saving items for your |
| workmanship for a lower cost. Be sure to take | | | | bathroom remodel will result in lower bills every |
| advantage of the opportunities. | | | | month, and you will be helping to save the |
| Second, choose environmentally-friendly product | | | | environment. |
| options and take advantage of Federal tax credits. | | | | Shop wisely, looking for bargains, choose |
| The Economic Recovery Act provides for | | | | environmentally-friendly products, take full advantage |
| homeowner tax credits of 30% of the cost of | | | | of tax credits and other incentives, and discover how |
| qualifying items for their remodeling (up to a total tax | | | | bathroom remodeling now can cost at least ten |
| credit of $1,500 per year). Several items you might | | | | percent less. |