Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits
Proposed Legislation Would Boost Remodeling Activity With More Tax Credits
HIRE Act of 2009 offers credits for meeting environmental standards
News Release July 13, 2009 HousingZone.com
Congressman Henry Johnson (D-GA) and Nathan Deal (R-GA) are sponsoring legislation, the Home Improvements Revitalize the Economy (HIRE) Act of 2009, to provide tax credits to stimulate the purchase of kitchen cabinets and other remodeling and home furnishing improvements.
“Not only would this help stimulate the manufacturing market for home furnishings and buildings products, it would save retail jobs, generate billions in revenue and increase home values at the time when we really need a boost,” according to Johnson. “By creating this tax deduction, we will offer incentives for consumers who would otherwise forego spending in 2009 and 2010. We will encourage environmentally sound practices by doubling the benefits for the purchase of building products and home furnishings that meet nationally recognized environmental standards.”
Under the proposed HIRE Act, individual consumers and joint filers would receive respective $2,000 and $4,000 tax credits for purchasing items that meet recognized environmental standards (LEED, NAHB, Green Globes, SFI/FSC and ESP). Retailers, contractors and building product resellers can receive up to $10,000 for covered purchases.
A coalition that includes 14 associations representing kitchen cabinets (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) home furnishings, flooring, paint and coatings, carpet and rug, and other interests have joined forces to support passage of the legislation.
“This bill would help everyone in our industry – manufacturing, retail, design and suppliers. The costs would be more than offset by increased economic activity and saved jobs. The incentives cease after three years. This definitely is a pump-priming effort of limited duration and near immediate payback,” according to KCMA Executive Vice President Dick Titus.
A copy of the HIRE Act can be viewed on the KCMA Web Site – www.kcma.org. Supporters are encouraged to contact their congressmen and ask that they co-sponsor the bill.
How Composite Decking Can Capture Homeowner’s Attention
How Composite Decking Can Capture Homeowner’s Attention
With demand for decks expected to increase, composite materials offer an option
By Brent Gwatney, Moisture Shield June 25, 2009 HousingZone
Despite challenging economic conditions, demand for decking continues to increase. A recent report from housing market research firm SBI predicts the U.S. market for residential fence, deck and rail products will grow 4% in 2009, with 7% - 9% annual growth from 2010 through 2012.
Among the decking materials with the highest expected percentage increase is wood-plastic composite decking, with demand estimated to rise 9.5% annually through 2013, according to a 2009 report from the Freedonia Group.
Reasons for composite decking’s growing appeal include its durability, versatility, environmental benefits, and long life span. Due to its unique product make up, wood-plastic composite decking is resistant to moisture and insects; does not rot, splinter or decay; or require sealing or staining to maintain its beauty. As a result, it allows today’s busy homeowners more time to spend enjoying their outdoor living areas.
Builders can set themselves apart from their competition and attract homebuyers by incorporating decks and landscaped areas into the homes they build. And, by using wood-plastic composite decking, they can be confident that the decks they build can withstand tough weather conditions, look great year after year and last two to three times longer than solid wood.
The Green Factor
Composite decking offers builders and homeowners an environmentally responsible alternative decking material. Some wood-plastic composites include recycled content such as recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastics from items including detergent bottles, grocery bags and milk jugs – helping save thousands of pounds of trash from entering landfills each year.
Depending on the amount of post-consumer recycled content, some composite decking products qualify for credit under green building rating systems, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard.
To ensure a composite decking product contains recycled content, builders should consult the manufacturer. If recycled materials are incorporated, it is also important to determine the percentages of post-consumer and pre-consumer content, as they vary among manufacturers.
The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking. |
Application and Design
The combination of wood and plastic used to create high performance composite decking allows these materials to be cut, shaped, colored and designed in ways that are not possible with wood decking.
Composite deck boards can be bent for use in curved stairs, benches, trellis and walkway arches, planter boxes, and any surface or non-structural features that call for round edges. The composition of some wood-plastic composites, like MoistureShield® decking, absorb substantially less moisture than other composites and solid wood, making it possible for it also to be used in projects that have direct contact with the ground (such as landscape trim).
With color choices ranging from gray to warm, rich hues of tropical hardwoods, builders and homeowners can mix and match multiple colors to add visual appeal within the deck itself, as well as complement the home’s finishing materials.
Decking areas built with composite materials also resist splintering, twisting, splitting, and cracking. A splinter-free and non-slick surface makes composite decking suitable for use in kid-friendly play structures and in other applications where safety is a concern, including access ramps and pool and hot tub surrounds.
Composite decking materials are easily machined, and can be installed with standard hand and power tools. For some wood-plastic composites, stainless-steel trim head screws can minimize the chance for metal corrosion or staining on the material. If a project requires screws to be hidden, they can be countersunk to draw up excess decking material that can then be brushed over the screw head and tapped with a hammer for the desired look. Some composite decking is also compatible with hidden fastener systems.
Product lines continue to expand as the interest in alternative decking materials increases. Some manufacturers have added decorative railing components, including posts, post caps, balusters, and trim boards to their product offerings, making it simple for builders and homeowners to complement their decking. For easy installation and concealment of outdoor lighting, security systems and audio equipment, railing and posts are available in hollow form.
Composite deck tiles offer remodelers, builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces. |
Deck Tiles and Fencing
Another product type – composite deck tiles – offer builders and homeowners a new option for enhancing exterior surfaces, quickly and easily. The versatile and environmentally conscious tiles can be installed on patios, balconies, rooftops and virtually any hard, level surface. For example, made using 90% pre-and post-consumer recycled content, EcoShield deck tiles snap together for simple and secure installation. Such tiles are available in multiple colors, patterns and sizes. They will not rot, splinter or decay, and can be simply unsnapped, repositioned or removed at anytime to create a new design.
In addition to decking materials, some manufacturers are adding wood-plastic composite fencing to their product offerings. The new composite fencing materials are designed for installation with traditional treated wood frames or metal frame systems. Available in both dark and light finishes, composite fencing provides builders and homeowners another solution for their landscaping needs.
As the market continues to move toward sustainable construction, builders and homeowners are choosing materials that are environmentally responsible. Wood-plastic composite decking products offer engineered strength and long-lasting beauty, while making efficient use of recycled materials. Suitable for a variety of applications and climates, composite decking products help builders and homeowners transform the exteriors of their homes into outdoor living areas that can be enjoyed for years to come.
About The Author
Brent Gwatney is vice president of sales and marketing for MoistureShield composite decking. For more information, visit www.moistureshield.com
Thinking of a Kitchen Remodel?
The only thing that stops most people having the kitchen of their dreams is the potential cost. Kitchen remodeling costs will vary depending on the type of kitchen you currently have, the type of kitchen you want, and how much you want to spend. Even if your ideas are for all the best appliances, quality cabinets and worktops seem too high for your budget, it may still be possible for you to enjoy a new kitchen.
However, if you are willing to make a few compromises and a little research then there is no reason why you can’t get close to what you desire. So if you plan it carefully, the cost should only be a minor obstacle to you achieving the kitchen style you really want.
Many homeowners, in an effort to save money, often go the do-it-yourself route. It should also go without saying that you need to be comfortable using tools and not afraid to get your hands dirty because if you aren’t then the chances of you completing this project are small. Whilst it may look very good on paper, if you are not able to do this but try anyway, the chances are you will have to pay a kitchen fitter to rectify your mistakes before they can complete the work.
The main factor you need to consider that will make your kitchen remodeling dream a reality is which jobs you’re able to complete yourself and those where you will need a professional tradesman. Many homeowners find out the hard way that hiring a professional is actually cheaper in the long run after you factor in quality, warranty, and the value of your time that will be wasted trying to spend the next year on a remodeling job that would have taken a professional one month.
