Homeowner’s Contractor Connection Blog » dc home improvement

Homeowner’s! Extended Energy Tax Credits Through 12/31/2010

urbanreferrals — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:42:57 +0000

“Energy-efficient appliances and products provide many benefits such as lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution” www.energy.gov

For all qualified upgrades, the credit is 30% of the covered cost up to a $1500 total credit. The house must be your principal residence and the credits don’t apply to new construction. Other, upgrade-specific restrictions apply, so see the Energy Star site for details.

• Energy Efficient Windows and Doors, including many Storm Doors and Skylights. Cost eligible for the tax credit does not include installation costs. Certain other restrictions (like U-value and IECC qualifications apply).
• Water Heaters. Credit includes installation costs; some restrictions for energy efficiency apply.
• Metal and Asphalt Roofs. Credit does Not include installation costs. The roof must be highly energy efficient (asphalt roofs must have cooling granules, for instance).
• Insulation, whether spray foam, fiberglass, or blow-in cellulose, they’re all covered so long as they meet IECC requirements. Installation cost is NOT covered.
• HVAC Components, including certain Advanced Air Handlers, Air Force Heat Pumps, Central A/C Units, Boilers, Propane, and Gas Furnaces. Tax credits include installation costs.
• Biomass Stoves.

What is an ice dam? Please read this useful information.

urbanreferrals — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:25:14 +0000

You can prevent damage or further damage to your roof (sloped and flat) gutters and home by having a licensed and insured company remove the snow. In some situations this may not be safe and the referred company will advise if this is the situation with your home. Pricing starts at $300 and goes up depending on the type of roof, size, amount of snow and access.

You must have road access to your home for this to be completed.

Fill out our online request and include the type of roof you have, or call us at 202.332.0848 with questions.

Happy Friday – please be safe!

Screening Contractor’s so You Don’t Have Too

urbanreferrals — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:29:50 +0000

After many years in the construction industry and working on large jobsites I have come to know what a good contractor is and what good contractor isn’t. I know what quality work looks like and can see where shortcuts have been taken. I have heard the catcalls, seen the gestures and felt the uncomfortable stares. For those reasons and many more Urban Referrals has adopted the policy to personally interview each one of our prospective contractors. I often meet them on site to get a feel for their respectfulness of privacy and property, quality of work, and to observe their staff. I call client and trade references to further our knowledge of the contractors work history, quality of work and payment history. Urban Referrals expects our contractors to meet our high standards when it comes to communication, customer service, and work ethic. We may ask to join 2 of every 10 contractors we meet with.

We look forward to connecting you with exceptional remodeling companies for all your home projects.

Day 6 celebratory giveaway is for chocolate lovers!

urbanreferrals — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:54:48 +0000

Our anniversary celebration continues today and we are giving away chocolate from the Apple Cookie & Chocolate company!

The first six people that comment to this blog post will win. Tell me how much you love chocolate!

I’ll email the winners with details.

Thank you again for your business and enthusiasm for our seven day anniversary celebration.

Happy Remodeling / Marla

Let’s Celebrate! 7 days of free giveaways starts today!

urbanreferrals — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:29:50 +0000

Urban Referrals is celebrating our 7 year anniversary!

As our way of thanking you for your business and loyalty, we have planned seven days (11/16-22/09) of free giveaways beginning today.

Today’s free gift is a $20.00 gift card to Ace Hardware. The first SEVEN people to email me at marla@urbanreferrals.com receives one! Good luck!

Check our blog each morning at 9:00 am EST for the giveaway of the day!

We look forward to seven more years of connecting Washington DC metro consumers with licensed, insured, reliable and knowledgeable home improvement companies!

Best,
Marla & Erin

Please be sure to add Urban_Referrals@mail.vresp.com to your address book or safe sender list so our emails get to your inbox.

Read this and giggle!

urbanreferrals — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:46:18 +0000

The Top Ten Reasons To Call Urban Referrals
By Tos

10. “Dancing with the Stars” likes your washing machine’s shimmy so much they’ve asked it to audition for next season.
9. Your creaky floors are causing haunted house flashbacks from your childhood
8. Algae blooms in your garden pond are not considered a “green feature” of your home
7. The gentle hum of your fluorescent lights no longer lulls you to sleep
6. The EPA just listed your wet basement as a SuperFund cleanup site
5. Exposed studs are not architectural details
4. The 50’s called, they want your carpet back
3. Drafty windows are not considered a form of air conditioning
2. Your stove is suffering from hot flashes
1. Waterfalls are for rain forests not your laundry room