Welcome to Green Tip Tuesday!

Each Tuesday, we’ll give you one tip (big or small) to help you be a little greener in Cincinnati.  So, be sure to check back each week for new ideas.

To get us started, we called Duke Energy to find out about their free energy assessment.  Duke Energy’s Home Energy House Call Program helps qualified customers learn how to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bill.  Once you’ve qualified and the appointment is set up, Duke Energy will send an energy specialist to your house to analyze your total home energy usage, check your home for air leaks, examine your insulation levels and review your appliances and heating/cooling system.  Before they leave, they will give you a detailed report with recommendations.

To qualify for the program, you must be a Duke Energy customer who has owned a single-family home for at least four months (mobile homes do not qualify).  Some other restrictions may apply.  To find out if you qualify for a free energy analysis and to schedule an appointment, click on the link HERE or call 1-877-388-7676.

Check back each Tuesday for another tip on how to go green in Cincinnati!

Related...

• April 22, 2009 -- Earth Day: HGTV Green Home
• December 13, 2011 -- Green Tip Tuesday: Holiday Shopping at Park + Vine
• June 24, 2011 -- Greenarama Continues this Weekend
• May 5, 2011 -- This Year’s Landscaping Trends

Itching to get out in your garden and make it fresh for summer? It’s that time of year to get outdoors and freshen up your outdoor space.

It’s great to have a plan before you go to the garden center. Calculate how much mulch you’ll need, whether you need plants that grow in sun or shade, or if you want annuals or perennials. If you’re hoping to incorporate large changes into your landscaping, do lots of research first. You’ll want to know how much your plan will cost and how long it will take. Consider calling a landscaper for big projects.

Here’s a taste of what designers and professionals say are trending nationally in 2011.

1. Gardening with a purpose
   The Garden Writers Association lists “gardening with a purpose” as a trend. It means making changes to your garden that serve a purpose greater than cosmetics. Examples could include making changes in your landscaping for weed control, installing lighting or other features that improve safety in your outdoor area or adding retaining walls or edging that help contain moisture.  

2. “Ecoscaping”
   Ecoscaping can include the use of native plants in your garden that don’t need extra water or fertilizer, and also reducing lawn into landscaped areas that need less maintenance. Perhaps some grass areas are turned into garden with lower-maintenance native plants, or areas are created with attractive flagstones or pavers to reduce the amount of lawn needing maintained. Vegetable gardens are also trending. 
3. Water
   Trending now are fountains and “pondless waterfalls.” Homeowners who spend a lot of time outside want a space that is a soothing oasis — A water feature can help create this mood. 
4. Lighting
   Both solar lights or LED lights are trending now. Solar lights are simple, they can be inserted into the ground anywhere. For installed lights, LEDs burn cool and use way less power. 
5. Vertical Gardens
   Vertical gardening or “green walls” are a big trend for landscapers and designers. If you don’t have a lot of garden space but want to add life, this may be a good option for you. It’s popular in urban areas.

More Trends!

• Realty Times
• Landscape Management Network
• Garden Writers Association

Related...

• May 4, 2009 -- Go Green in Your Urban Garden
• December 13, 2011 -- Green Tip Tuesday: Holiday Shopping at Park + Vine
• November 29, 2011 -- Green Tip Tuesday: A Home Energy House Call
• June 24, 2011 -- Greenarama Continues this Weekend

No matter how big or small, all homes have one thing in common: wall space. But many homeowners get stumped by what to do with it. Walls are a blank canvas for creating an inviting space and showing off personality, and although homeowners’ tastes vary widely, there are a few general ideas and guidelines to consider when deciding how to make the best use of your walls.

Sconces are a great way to add light and style to a room. They should be placed about six feet above the floor, and if there are two or more, be sure to place them evenly to provide balanced sources of lighting. If the sconce is merely an accent to an already decorated wall, choose a simple design and a smaller sconce, rather than upstaging what’s already there.

If art is your wall decoration of choice, it’s important to decide on a style before choosing the paintings or photos. More traditional decorators might go for landscapes or gardens, while those with contemporary taste might lean toward bold, bright colors. A little quirky? Think about framing old records or vintage movie posters instead of ready-made pieces. Be sure the size of the framed pieces complements the furniture in the room — wall art shouldn’t compete. A room with minimal furniture can have large art, but if the room already has big, ornate pieces of furniture, keep the art minimal.

Play with groupings of framed pieces. Experts suggest combining odd numbers such as three or five in a row or a square block of nine small prints. Be sure the pieces are similar in color and theme, and take time to choose a neutral colored frame.

Content from CRS — Your Home Newsletter.

Related...

• May 3, 2010 -- Oakley Coffee and Art – Redtree Gallery

Time to Fall Back also means time to change the batteries in your smoke detector. Have you done it?

It’s recommended that you change the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year to ensure your safety. While you’re at it, check to make sure you have an accessible fire extinguisher (especially near the stove) and that it’s not expired.

If you don’t own a carbon monoxide detector yet, now is a good time to pick one up. They are inexpensive and can plug right into an out-of-the-way outlet in your home. It’s always a good idea to have one when you start to use your heat. If you do have one, make sure you change its batteries, too!

Don’t end up like Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, driven mad by a chirping smoke detector!

Other Posts

• October 11, 2010 -- Your Neighborhood’s Trick-or-Treat Schedule
• February 2, 2012 -- Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Schools
• July 31, 2006 -- 1010 Bellpointe Commons, Bellevue, KY 41073
• November 14, 2008 -- Have we hit bottom yet?

Even as homebuyers look to downsize their homes, kitchens are taking up a larger percentage of the overall floor plan. Once- popular home theaters and dining rooms are making way for larger kitchens, according to design experts with General Electric.

“The kitchen has become the new living space, and it’s expanding in both size and comfort to accommodate everyday life and entertaining,” says Marc Hottenroth, manager of GE Appliance’s Industrial Design Organization. “The attention to detail that once went into the selection of the leather sofa, plasma TV and Oriental rug in the family room is now going into the selection of appliances, countertops and accent lighting.”

Kitchen islands and dedicated work spaces for special hobbies, such as wine tasting or baking, continue to grow in popularity. Homeowners are creating custom work spaces with under-counter refrigerator drawers and wine refrigerators.

For busy families that want faster cooking and easier clean-up, induction cooktop stoves are a popular choice. Induction cooktop stoves boil water faster than gas or electric cooktops, and spills are easier to clean because they don’t cook onto the stovetop.

Stainless steel is still the finish of choice for appliances, but homeowners also are choosing more energy-efficient models. Another design trend for 2010 is the creative use of lighting, such as combining overhead can lighting with accent lights to highlight design elements.

Whether it’s adding a custom work space, highlighting design elements with light or creating comfortable living spaces within the kitchen, homeowners are finding creative ways to design the kitchen to suit their day-to-day needs.

CRS Content: Your Home, August 2010

Related...

• December 30, 2009 -- Small Improvements go a Long Way!
• January 7, 2009 -- Upgrade Costs: Most Valuable to You!
• November 20, 2008 -- Minor Kitchen Upgrade is EASY and Affordable!

Have smelly or slow-draining sinks in your house? There are a few simple things you can do to clear out your drains, and you might not even have to resort to nasty chemicals.

• Try to run hot water through drains frequently to kill nasty odors and keep it clear. If you get the start of a clog, treat it quickly with one of these methods before it gets out of hand.
• For kitchen drains, pouring a strong brine (salt water) solution down the drain every so often will help kill odors and keep it free of grease.
• Naturally clear sinks by pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by a quarter cup of vinegar or lemon juice. The fizzing reaction will clear minor build up and freshen.
• Backed-up bathroom drains are probably full of hair (and other gunk). Check your local hardware store’s plumbing section for an inexpensive drain cleaning tool — one is called a “Zip-It“ (pictured). For about $3 or $4 you can purchase one of these long plastic sticks, which will have some barbs or bristles. You simply slide the tool down your drain, and when you pull it up you will remove all the gunk and hair. Do this a few times, and toss the tool (and the gunk)!
• Eco-friendly drain cleaners are available, check online (at retailers such as Drugstore.com or Amazon.com) or at natural stores (like Whole Foods) for different varieties that you can try instead of the toxic chemical cleaners. Use those as a last resort.
• Some like to use bleach for clogs and odors. This can work, but use it at a minimum. Lemon juice or vinegar can be just as effective. If you’re going to use bleach, pour a 1/2 cup down the affected drain, let it sit for five minutes, and then run very hot water for three minutes or so. Do not use bleach if you have a septic system, and never mix bleach and ammonia. (Check cleaning product labels, you may not know what contains ammonia or bleach.)
• Think twice before you rinse something down the drain that could clog: wax, fat that can harden, contact lenses, lotion, hair trimmings, etc. Avoiding clogs before you get them is best.
• For anything other than minor clogs, call a plumber! If one of these techniques doesn’t work, or if you have a major back-up, there might be a bigger problem. You can always ask me for recommendations for a good plumber.

How to Clean a Sink Drain at eHow.com

Other Posts

• February 3, 2009 -- Do I need a Lawyer if I build New Construction?
• June 17, 2010 -- Cincinnati’s Free Computer Recycling – Drop Off Saturday
• June 18, 2009 -- Financial Reforms
• September 15, 2006 -- 361 Herschel Ave., Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH 45208

How did Americans fare at becoming greener last year? Here’s some stats.

Percentage of Americans who:

• Installed more energy-efficient light bulbs: 63 percent
• Purchased energy-efficient appliances: 36 percent
• Started paying bills online: 46 percent
• Switched to paperless financial statements: 40 percent
• Donated an electronic device for recycling: 41 percent
• Switched from bottle to tap water: 29 percent
• Installed a low-flow showerhead: 17 percent
• Installed a low-flow toilet: 16 percent
• Made home improvements (e.g., windows, solar panels or insulation) that provided government tax credits: 14 percent
• Bought a more fuel-efficient car: 13 percent
• None of these: 13 percent

Don’t forget, there’s still one more year to take advantage of the energy tax credit. If you receive a refund this year, please consider putting it back into your house by purchasing an upgrade that qualifies for the energy credit.

This list can give you some ideas of things you can try — if you haven’t already. You can find a low-flow shower head around $30. For more water efficiency, simply remember to turn off the water while brushing your teeth and keep showers short.

If making energy upgrades in your home is a little too costly for you, consider easy fixes like shrink-wrapping windows and using draft guards on windows or doors during the rest of the winter. These efforts will makes your home warmer, keep your energy bill down and save power.

Related...

• December 3, 2009 -- What is a HERS Rating?
• November 13, 2009 -- Incentives for an Energy Efficient Home
• December 20, 2011 -- Green Tip Tuesday: Rechargeable Batteries for Holiday Gifts
• October 11, 2010 -- Be Eco-Smart: A Few Fresh Tips

Home remodeling is still worth the investment, according to the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report.

According to the data in the report, various types of siding and window replacements and expansions of living spaces round out the list of the top ten ways to get the greatest return on investment for a remodel. And many of the projects that are receiving top returns are mid range and modest cost projects. So don’t let a slow economy prevent you from making an upgrade to your home. Keep it mid-range to see the best return.

The best thing to do? Do the upgrades as you can and as you want to. It’s so much better to already have a great house if you plan to go on the market in the next year or two. It makes going on the market much less costly, and makes your home more enjoyable while you’re living in it.

Here’s some of the top projects:

Siding, window and door replacement: First impressions count, and these changes can make a huge difference in your homes first impression. The frequency of these upgrades in 2009 could have something to do with the energy tax credits as well. Siding, windows and doors not only look great but can have energy benefits.

Adding an attic bedroom or a deck: This reinforces the idea that adding living space to your home is cost effective and that more living space is attractive to buyers. In our area of Ohio and most nearby states, an attic bedroom is the number one return on investment project from 2009, with an %83.1 return.

Kitchen and Bathroom upgrades: Restraint is golden. Modest and midrange remodels of kitchens and baths are offering better return on investment nationally. So, spend less on your kitchen upgrades, that high-class kitchen is not fetching what it used to. A major upscale kitchen remodel is trending at 63.2% return, with a midrange remodel at 72.1%.

Up from last year’s report in return on investment in our region, along with their return ranking:

Attic bedroom (#1)

Back-up power generator (#2)

Basement Remodel (#3)

Roofing Replacement (#16)

Everything else, including ALL upscale remodels, are trending lower return than last year. Although with returns on some of these projects at 70 or 80 percent, it’s still a great way to invest!

To see a complete list, visit our region’s data in the Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

Related...

• October 11, 2010 -- Kitchen Design Trends

So, you’ve made your home purchase — now what? In talking with my CPA Mark Conrad, I asked about how exactly first-time buyers file for their 8,000 tax credit. He explained it in very simple detail:

“Federal Form #5405 is the only form that needs to be filed with the tax return. It is a half page long. It is very simple to fill out. The information needed to fill out form is as follows:
1) Address of home
2) Date Acquired
3) Purchase price of home
4) What your adjusted gross income is (on the 2008 return it was line 38 on form 1040)”

After calculating the credit – 10% of purchase price not to exceed $8,000 – the credit goes on line 69 under the “payment” section of form 1040.

The line numbers on the forms may change for the 2009 tax year. (These forms are not available yet.)

Signed closing documents or HUD 1 Forms should be supplied to your tax person to help fill out the needed forms. (This is the 2 page legal size statement you signed at closing.)  If you are a client of AmyBSells, Amy will send you a copy in January, otherwise check your closing folder and it should be on the top of your documents.

“All supporting documents need to be saved for at least 7 years from date of filing a tax return,” Mark says.

Mark even sent me the form to exhibit how simple this really is. You can view or download it here. For more info on retaining Mark to get the best from your 2009 taxes, contact him via email at mconrad@fuse.net.

Using your 8,000 Tax Credit:
The best use of this FREE money is to put it back into your house. You can use it towards energy saving items and get an additional tax credit from a qualifying Energy Star upgrade.

Amy B’s “Best ways to use your $8000 Tax Credit:”

• High Efficiency or Dual Fuel Furnace
• Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
• Adding insulation in your attic and walls
• Put on a new light shingled roof with extra vents
• Upgrading your kitchen appliances
• Updating the Kitchen
• Updating the Bathroom
• Adding a deck or patio to your home
• Paint the exterior or interior of your home
• Update your electric
• Update your plumbing
• Build a garage or sturdy car port

This is how you can make the tax credit work for you and your home’s benefit. I do NOT recommend using the credit for vacations or television or car purchases. If the benefit came from purchasing a home, put the money back into your home. If you do the energy items, you will see a return in your monthly bills, as well as another tax credit in 2010.

As always, I work with trusted and honest contractors that work at great prices. If you need any recommendations for Electric, windows etc, give me a call anytime 513-377-3637, or email amy@amybsells.com.

Feel free to leave a comment with how you plan to use YOUR $8,000 tax credit!

More from AmyBSells.com:

Filing for the Energy Star Upgrade

Energy Star Upgrades can Earn You Money

Using A Residential Tax Abatement in Cincinnati

More from the web:

SmartMoney.com: Government pays for your upgrades with Energy tax credit

CBPCA.org (California Building Performance Contractors): A chart to help you understand the results of energy upgrades

Related...

• July 15, 2010 -- Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended for Buyers Who Purchased by April 30
• May 4, 2010 -- The Post-Tax Credit Real Estate Market
• April 12, 2010 -- Will the Tax Credit Get Extended?
• April 6, 2010 -- Remaining Weeks of Homebuyer Tax Credit

What gives me the most bang for my buck?

An update to our information about the Energy Tax Credit and how you can put it to work for you.

I asked my CPA, Mark Conrad of Knoll and Associates what you need to file the Energy Tax Credit. He shared this list of tips:

• There is a credit available of 30% of the cost of qualified purchases up to $1,500 for the years 2009 and 2010.
• $1,500 is the maximum amount that can be claimed for all products place in service in 2009 and 2010.
• To claim the credit, FORM 5695 is filed with your tax return.
• The manufacturer supplies the purchaser with a SIGNED CERTIFICATION STATEMENT that states the purchase qualifies for the credit.
• This certification does not need to be filed with your tax return, but it needs to be maintained in your records that support the deduction on your tax return.
• The purchases must be made for your own personal residences on existing homes – not new construction. (There are different credits available for new construction.)
• Some purchases that qualify for the credit include insulation, windows and doors, roofing, various forms of HVAC, water heaters and biomass stoves.  Most products that qualify are marked with and “Energy Star” sticker.
• Other credits are available for geo-thermal heat pumps, solar energy systems, fuel cells and cars.

This is really about getting a perk for adding value to your home with these upgrades. The tax credit, while not huge, is significant and is also on TOP of the energy savings you will receive with these upgrades.

Mark Conrad can help you understand these tax credits further. If you’re looking for a great CPA, you can reach him at mconrad@fuse.net.

If you’re interesting in making an upgrade before the end of 2009, I would be happy to introduce you to some great contractors I know. It’s important to do these upgrades right or you may not qualify for the credit. Below are examples of the categories for improvements, and some people you can call! Be sure to tell them you’ve worked with me.

Insulation: It is truly amazing what just $400 of insulation will do for the heating and cooling of your home all year long!  M&D Insulation

Windows/Doors: Gilkey Windows, ask for Eric Cone Gilkey ONLY makes windows that qualify for the energy tax credit and they have done so for more than 20 years.  Great service and warranty!

HVAC: I recently had a dual fuel furnace put in  at my home, offering electric heating until the temperature drops below 35 degrees, then my gas furnace steps in.  I increased my efficiency from 64% to 95% and saved more than $100 a month on my energy bills.  On top of that you can get the energy credit too!  It pays for itself in almost 2 years!  Arronco

To read more about the kinds of products that qualify, read our previous blog entry.

More info:

Energy Star Tax Credits

Related...

• February 8, 2010 -- Tax FYI: Energy Star Credit
• January 4, 2011 -- Our Favorite Blogs of 2010
• July 15, 2010 -- Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended for Buyers Who Purchased by April 30
• April 6, 2010 -- Remaining Weeks of Homebuyer Tax Credit