Builder Confidence Edges Higher in October

Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes edged slightly higher for a sixth consecutive month in October, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. The latest, one-point gain brings the index to 41, its strongest level since June of 2006.

“Many builders are reporting increases in the number of serious buyers visiting their sales offices, and the overall confidence measure is much higher than it was at this time last year,” noted NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “The concern is that, even though demand for new homes is rising, overly tight credit conditions are still constraining new building and new purchases at a time when that kind of economic activity and the job growth it generates are greatly needed.”

“The slight gain in builder confidence this month is an indication that, while still moving forward, the speed at which the housing recovery is proceeding is being moderated by the various constraints such as tight credit, difficult appraisals and more recently, the limited inventory of buildable lots in certain markets,” explained NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “These are the complicating factors that make it difficult for builder confidence to reach and surpass the 50-point mark, at which an equal number of builders view sales conditions as good versus poor.”

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for the past 25 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores from each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor.

Following substantial increases in the previous month, the HMI components measuring current sales conditions and sales prospects for the next six months each remained unchanged in October at 42 and 51, respectively. Meanwhile, the component measuring traffic of prospective buyers increased 5 points to 35, its highest level since April of 2006.

Builder confidence continued to improve in three out of four regions in October. Looking at three-month moving averages, the HMI gained two points in the Midwest and West to 42 and 44, respectively, and three points in the South, to 39. A three-month moving average for the Northeast’s HMI held unchanged at 29.

This article is property of NAHB and is reprinted with permisson granted to the AHBA.

Swings, Wings, and... Hula Skirts?

Over 25 teams gathered for a fun day of perfect fall weather and great company as each foursome dashed around the Black Mountain Golf Club.

Among the eighteen holes, ten member companies displayed their products to the players as well as offering great food and beverage as the golfers made their way around the course. Contests and games such as Corn Hole and longest drive were played to break up the course as well as the very interesting game that was played at the AHBA's NCBuildPac Hole.

Members gave a small personal donation to the NCBuildPac Fund to wear, or have another player on their team wear a grass skirt, coconut bra, and lei. While wearing their outfits, that player was able to hit from the women's tee on Hole 1.

Special congratulations to the ProBuild Team of Roger Baldwin, Rick Buchanan, Dan Lamper, and Jimmy Baldwin for being the big winner of the Tournament with a close second place of GBS Lumber's Team of Tildon Whiteside, Micheal Bates, Frank Turchi, and Matt Taylor.

Create the Curb Appeal that Brings Home Buyers to your Door

A home may have the latest and greatest features and technologies, but if the outside of the home — the first thing a home buyer sees — isn’t appealing, it will be difficult to get them in the front door to see the amazing interior.

Two NAHB Leading Supplier Council members discuss how modern window design and decorative doorways can make the difference between turning a buyer away and inviting them in to see more.

Enhance a Home’s Exterior with Window Design

During the past decade, windows have become architecturally styled design elements in virtually endless colors that can significantly improve the home’s appearance and buyer traffic.

Between 1955 and 1985, most homes were built with wood, aluminum or white vinyl windows in plain rectangles or squares with no grille patterns or details to differentiate one from another. With the growing advancements in window design and increased focus on architectural details, there are a number of options for home builders to consider today.

Operating style, grille style, grille pattern and color are important window elements to consider when building an architecturally authentic home. “The combination of these choices has a tremendous effect on the historical accuracy and general aesthetic appeal of the window system,” said Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Windows. “If these window design elements don’t match the architectural style, the home can look out of balance.”

Window operating style — many new homes today are built with single-hung windows, but replacing them with other operating styles such as double hung, casement or awning can add function and help highlight a home’s historical styling. For instance, single- or double-hung styles work well for traditional Craftsman or Shingle homes, but for other home styles like the Prairie or Mid-Century Modern, think about suggesting casement and awning window combinations.

Grille style — simulated divided lites (SDLs) are an excellent modern alternative to true divided lites. The benefit of today’s window choices gives home owners the best of two worlds — the energy efficiency of advanced glass technology and a historical look.

Grille pattern — grille patterns go hand in hand with grille styles, but the pattern is what takes a home from cookie-cutter spec home to timeless design. For example, the Victorian or French Country two-over-two pattern is a very powerful element that gives the home an elegant feel, while a six-over-six style is a strong architectural element of classic, colonial homes like the Georgian.

Color — with advancements in color technology, builders can now enhance exterior elevations with darker colors that complement today’s darker siding and stone veneer hues. Black, green, red or bronze windows provide “pop,” which can make a significant improvement in the overall look of a home exterior.

The Ply Gem® Windows Mira™ Premium Series is an aluminum-clad exterior/wood interior window and patio door product line, available in multiple shapes, options and colors to match various architectural styles. The Mira Premium Series is offered in traditional window colors plus bolder options such as Evergreen for a pop of color and Dark Bronze to mimic the look of weathered aluminum windows. The series also includes casement shapes such as extended eyebrow, extended quarter eyebrow, extended round and extended quarter round, offering style and function.

The Mira Premium Series and other Ply Gem Windows products are a part of The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem, a complete exterior home solution from a single manufacturer that includes windows, siding, stone veneer, fence, rail, accessories and accents, helping builders begin conversations with home owners by providing inspiration for architectural styling, color selection, window design specifications and suggested style and grille patterns. For more inspiration, visit www.plygem.com.

Transform Dreary Entryways into Neighborhood Showpieces – and Boost Profits

One cost-effective upgrade that can transform a client’s plain entry doors into neighborhood showstoppers — and boost remodelers’ profits too — is the addition of beautiful decorative doorglass. Installation in most steel and fiberglass doors is easy, and it can be done on site in less than an hour.

“Decorative doorglass provides home owners with a cost-effective way to update their home entry and significantly improve curb appeal,” said Randy Brown, channel marketing manager for ODL USA, ODL, Inc. “Builders can replace or install doorglass for a quick and efficient renovation project. New doorglass can make a huge difference in visual appeal and perceived home value, and it can also improve energy-efficiency.”

Decorative doorglass also provides added privacy and security. Clear glass is transparent, allowing a clear view. Opaque glass shows shadows and color, but no distinguishable shapes.Decorative doorglass comes in a wide variety of textured designs, so if privacy is the client’s goal, builders should select a design featuring opaque glass texture.

Once the home owner has selected a doorglass design, it can be added to a new door with a quick precision cut, or by popping out the existing glass in an older door (see the before and after doorglass installation photos). Besides good looks, some decorative doorglass is thermally sealed between safety glass to improve energy-efficiency. Also, doorglass is surrounded by high-performance frames that are maintenance-free and can be stained or painted to match the existing door.

If clients decide to sell their house instead of remodeling it, here are a few recommendations from Realtors around the country to boost the entry’s curb appeal.

Add Lighting — Exterior lighting is important because it makes the eye focus on the entry. It also enhances safety and security, illuminating the house numbers and steps. Select a fixture style that complements the home’s architecture.

Upgrade the Door — The front door is an introduction to the home. Choose a door made of a durable, low-maintenance material that is pre-hung and ready to install. Steel and fiberglass doors require less maintenance than wood and tend to be more energy-efficient. Install decorative doorglass to enhance the door’s features.

Paint/Stain the Door — A fresh coat of paint or a beautiful stain on the entry door makes the home look well maintained and inviting. Select a color that enhances the architectural details of the home’s exterior.

Re-face the Steps — Turn a dull concrete walkway into a showstopper by covering it with stone. A natural gray granite veneer on the risers is a good choice, as well as clay tiles, split bricks or limestone pavers.

Add Containers and Flowers — Large potted plants at the entrance anchor the entry. Choose attractive, weatherproof containers made of cedar, molded fiberglass, glazed ceramic or metal, and fill them with colorful flowers and plants.

For more information about ODL decorative doorglass, visit www.ODL.com.

For more information about this item, please contact Christopher Mclarty at 800-368-5242 x8247 or via email atcmclarty@nahb.org.

Reprinted with permission from the NAHB.

Make your Move Easier with a Garage Sale

As the school year comes to an end, many families move to new homes during the summer months in order to get settled in before the new school year. One way to make moving less stressful is to get rid of unwanted household items before you start packing. It doesn’t make sense to transport unused items or clothes you never wear to your new house; not only will it save you the time you would’ve spent packing it up, it will save you money because movers often charge by the size of the load they are transporting.

One of the best ways to quickly get rid of unwanted stuff is by holding a garage sale. In one day, you can ease your packing burden and make some money. As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another’s treasure,” so the old end table that has been gathering dust in your basement may be just what someone else wants to put the finishing touch on their new decorating scheme.

To get started, you first want to go through your house, being sure to include the garage, attic, basement and closets. Organize things into groups: what you think might have value to someone else and would sell, what is in good condition but should be given away, and what is no longer useful to anyone and needs to be thrown away.

Next, check with city hall to see if your community requires permits for garage sales, and take the necessary steps to obtain one.  Find out if you're allowed to hang signs on telephone poles, light posts, or street signs to advertise the sale. Many communities have regulations for how far in advance you can hang signs, and when you need to take them down. If signs are allowed, make clear, readable signs with large black print that includes the dates and address of the sale, and attached them securely. 

Be sure to advertise your sale in your local newspaper, either in the printed version or on the paper’s website, or both. You can also post information about your sale on www.craigslist.com, an online classifieds website where people can list items for sale for free. There may be other opportunities to promote your sale online such as community blogs or email listservs.

Start your garage sale early in the morning on the weekend. Bargain hunters hit the streets early and you'll miss out on possible sales if you set up late. Mark prices clearly on all items and price things reasonably. Don’t get caught up in sentimentality — your object is to get rid of things and make a little money, not to score big profits. Have plenty of quarters and dollar bills on hand to make change, and it’s helpful if you have plastic bags and newspapers available to wrap purchases.

After the sale, contact local charities to donate the unsold items and other things you've marked to give away. Some charities will send a truck by to pick up your donations, particularly large items like furniture and appliances. Remember to get a receipt from the charity so you can deduct the donation on your income taxes.

On moving day, you'll be grateful for the extra work you did ahead of time.  And when you move into your new house, you'll be pleasantly surprised at all the storage space you have. To learn more about making the process of buying a new home and moving easier, go to www.AshevilleHBA.com or www.nahb.org/forconsumers. 

Top 5 Remodeling Projects

As the summer home selling season approaches, home owners considering planning to place their properties on the market should know about remodeling projects that return the most value and increase selling likelihood with better curb appeal or popular features.

Housing market data reveals that small, smart remodels reward home owners with better return on investment and can help update a home for a better sale. Review these top five remodeling projects and begin planning during National Home Remodeling Month.

1.     Add a deck.

Building on a wood deck returns 82 percent of the expense, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value study. Decks built from composite material also offer a hefty return. Home owners and prospective buyers are attracted to outdoor living space where they can relax and entertain near the comfort of indoor conveniences.

2.     Replace vinyl siding.

Improving curb appeal with small enhancements can increase the likelihood of a home sale. Refreshing the exterior with new siding updates the look of the home and is a necessary home maintenance task. Vinyl siding replacement returns a national average of 81 percent of the investment.

3.     Replace windows.

Updating windows can also return a solid portion of the investment (78 percent for wood frames and 77 percent for vinyl). New, energy-efficient windows also helps reduce energy leakage from the home and can bring down heating and cooling bills. A recently expanded federal tax credit can help defray the cost for purchasing and installing qualifying windows. Visit www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit for more details.

4.     Remodel the kitchen.

A minor kitchen remodel can improve the look without costing a bundle, and yields an 80 percent return. Considering replacing cabinetry fronts, countertops, and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses.

5.     Remodel the bathroom.

Payback on remodeling a bathroom can reach 75 percent with new fixtures, tile, toilet, vanity and lighting. Low flow toilets consumer less water and can decrease the monthly water bill.

Smart remodeling projects for improving the home can attract buyers and make the home more comfortable. 

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeler

Did you know that May is National Remodeling Month? Here is a great article about the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Remodeler

Home owners reap many benefits when hiring a professional remodeler for their home renovation. According to the Asheville HBA, experienced remodelers bring a multitude of skills and qualities to successfully execute a home remodeling project.

Professionals just do home remodeling better. They not only bring advanced construction skills, trained remodelers better manage customer service and business management to improve the remodeling experience for home owners.”

What qualities do professional remodelers provide to a home renovation?

1.     Customer Service
Knowledgeable home remodelers understand that they are providing a service, not a one-size-fits-all product. Just as every home owner is an individual, each home is also unique. A professional remodeler knows how to create customized solutions for the residents and provide continuing customer support.

2.     Business Management and Integrity

Running a business well is part of the responsibilities of a professional remodeler. This includes having systems for the business, writing clear contracts, having insurance, providing warranties, and more. Better business management means better service for home owners because they can rely on the remodeler to perform with integrity.

3.     Experience
Do you know what to expect when you take that wall out? A professional remodeler understands the structure of a home and is prepared for surprises behind walls. They’ve developed expertise from performing home remodels, attending trainings, and are familiar with laws and regulation pertaining to home construction.

4.     Longevity
Anyone may be able to purchase a truck and some tools, but only professional remodelers have the skills to remain in business for the long haul. By understanding the practice and business of home remodeling, these professionals can manage changes in the market and return to service your home for years to come. Use the remodelers you can trust to fix problems and keep a home in good health for the long term.

5.     Creativity
Home remodeling frequently involves problem solving, such as maximizing existing space, strategically building additions, or navigating limited budgets. Professional remodelers can help home owners manage challenges and meet their needs while staying within the budget. Experience and skills help remodelers propose choices and solutions to satisfy their customers.

Bring home the benefits of hiring a professional home remodeler for your renovation. Harness their skills and knowledge to create a more comfortable home.

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit www.nahb.org/remodel or contact the Asheville Home Builders Association at Ashevillehba.com

Check Credentials When Hiring a Professional Remodeler

If you’re planning a home remodel, hire a professional remodeler with excellent credentials. According to the Asheville HBA the best remodeling results are achieved when qualified remodelers do the work.

Remodeling professionals have training, experience, skills, and solid references. Home owners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate.

Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler:

1.     Licensing and Insurance
All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, in those states the remodelers should also be able to share proof of licensure. Insurance and licensing (where applicable) helps to demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing.

2.     Education
The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job, but education. This may include designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Green Professional and more. These remodelers have invested in continuing education and professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serve their customers.

3.     Association Membership
Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders—Remodelers because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunity for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry.

4.     Excellent References
Glowing references are abundant for professional remodelers because happy home owners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Ask to speak with previous clients and to see photos of previous home remodels for getting a sense of their customer relations practice and work style.

5.     Business Skills
Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling job, as well as guarantees and warranties for their work. Another important sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash up front. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating solid business operations.

Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying smart business practices and remodeling expertise will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully.

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit www.nahb.org/remodel or contact Asheville Home Builders Association at Ashevillehba.com

Weigh Your Options Before a Do-it-Yourself Remodel

According the U.S. Census Bureau, home owner do-it-yourself (DIY) projects account for 20 percent of all home remodeling performed nationwide. While there are a substantial number of weekend warriors out there, remodeling industry professionals report that between 25 and 30 percent of their work comes from fixing DIY debacles.

Some credit the desire among home owners to tackle repair and remodeling projects to hit television show’s like ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover.” The introduction of cable channels with programming dedicated to all things home including HGTV and the DIY Network may inspire home owners to take on home fixes and decorating challenges as well.

While most professional remodelers understand that home owners will do some of their own home repairs or small renovations, overwhelmingly they believe that many jobs should be left to the pros.

“The rule of thumb that I always live by is that if a handyman service in your area can do the project, then odds are that a good do-it-yourselfer can do it themselves,” says Bob Birner, CGR, CAPS of Amazing Siding Corp. in Houston. “If they don’t do it, then that’s a good sign that you need a professional.”

Birner adds, “Remodelers wouldn’t perform open-heart surgery on a loved one without medical expertise. Remodeling is open-heart surgery for the home — only professionals should attempt it.”

Still think you can tackle a big remodeling project? Bob Van Cleef, CGR, CGB, GMB, owner of Yankee Housewrights in Jamestown, R.I. cautions all motivated DIYers. “A home owner should look at a project, consider the worst case scenario and ask, ‘If it comes to this, will I know how to fix it?’” says Van Cleef.

Van Cleef and other professionals admit that when it comes to repairs and remodeling their own homes they hire professionals to do it. “I have been in construction my whole life and I still hire a pro to do work at our house, because there are certain things even I wouldn’t touch such as electrical, plumbing and framing,” says Van Cleef.

Advice for Do-it-Yourselfers

There are some home projects that professional remodelers believe can be tackled by determined DIYers (depending on skill level) such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, changing door knobs and cabinet pulls, and some aesthetic work such as installing crown molding.

If you are willing to put the time and energy into a do-it-yourself home remodel, Barbara Rose Peck, co-owner of S.N. Peck Building, Inc. and Case Handyman Services of Chicago advises:

• Follow product directions. Read everything that comes with the product and take it seriously.
• Get a detailed, illustrated home repair and maintenance book.
• Conduct careful and thorough preparation. Set everything up and protect surrounding surfaces and furniture.
• Practice with the tools.
• Follow safety procedures and use proper safety equipment.

Consumers are cautioned not to take on more than they are capable of doing both in terms of time and skill. “The biggest mistake the weekend handyman makes is to take on a project larger than he can handle in a reasonable amount of time,” says Douglas Nelson, CR, CGR of New Spaces in Burnsville, Minn. “I have talked with people who have been remodeling their kitchen for more than two years.”

Remember, DIY projects should be fun and suit your skill level. If they’re not, then consider hiring a professional.

For information about hiring a remodeler, contact the Asheville Home Builders at www. AshevilleHBA.com .  Visit www.nahb.org/remodel for more information on remodeling.

Add Green to Your Home — and Your Pocketbook — by Remodeling

It’s nearly impossible these days to open the newspaper and not see a story about the rapid growth of green building, where new homes are built using materials that conserve energy and environmental resources. Home owners of green homes said in a survey that 85 percent of the time they were happier with their new green home than with their previous, more traditionally built ones, due in part to the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy- and resource-efficient homes.

But for the 120 million existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way for home owners to incorporate green. NAHB Remodelers offers the following suggestions to home owners who want to increase their home’s efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits that green offers.

1. Install maximum insulation in the area to be remodeled.

Forty percent of the energy consumed in a typical house goes to heating and cooling. Adding insulation is an easy way to increase efficiency. Insulation is rated by its ability to resist heat flow, commonly known as “R-value.” The higher the R-value, the better its ability to resist heat flow. Adding insulation will help save energy costs, increase comfort by better controlling temperature, and improve indoor air quality by eliminating many gaps through which dirt, dust, and other impurities can enter.

2. Install high-efficiency windows instead of those that just meet the energy code.

Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun, which can increase your air conditioning bill dramatically. ENERGY STAR windows can help control this effect. These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the panes, improved framing materials, and microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce radiative heat flow.

3. Seal all exterior penetrations in the area being remodeled.

You can reduce cold air drafts and heat loss by inspecting your home from the inside and outside and plugging cracks or openings. Be sure to check the areas where window frames meet the structure or siding of the house. Use caulking to seal all small cracks on non-moving surfaces and weatherstripping on windows, doors and other movable parts of the home.

4. Purchase only ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

ENERGY STAR -rated appliances, ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to computers and televisions, meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for the slightly higher costs of these products.

5. Install low-flow water plumbing fixtures.

In the average home, flushing toilets accounts for some 30 percent of water usage. By using low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads, you can save up to 25 percent of that water compared to conventional fixtures while providing the same utility.

6. Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-rated or tankless water heater.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it. Replacing an electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs by up to 80 percent a year. Over its 20-year lifespan a solar heater will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. A low-cost option is to wrap insulation around your heater, which can reduce standby heat losses 25 to 45 percent.

7. Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford.

Over a ten year period, the average home owner spends more than $10,000 for heating and cooling. Installing high efficiency ENERGY STAR HVAC equipment can reduce utilities costs on average by ten to 30 percent over minimum efficiency equipment. It also can improve home comfort with more heating and cooling and a quieter operation, and often features higher quality components that result in longer equipment life.

For more information on green remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel or www.AshevilleHBA.com

Education made simple

My goodness! The Asheville Home Builders Meeting room has been full! 


The past several months have included multiple opportunities for AHBA Members to participate in great education courses. With a little something for everyone, Associates and members alike came out to the Home Builders office for free education that pertained to their businesses.


Though we all have to do it at some point or another, networking is usually an uncomfortable situation. Executive Officer Caroline Sutton taught the course titled "Taking the Strange out of Meeting Strangers" which focused on helping to remain confident in networking settings. From introducing yourself to giving your 'elevator pitch', all those in attendance left feeling more sure of themselves.

With tons of new building codes put into affect as of March 1st, over 30 builders came to here the "2012 Residential Energy and Building Codes updates" course in March. Robert Privott of the NC Home Builders Association gave his time to help save Asheville and Hendersonville builders the headache of trying to sort through the new codes. This event was sponsored by Gold Level Foundation Club member 1-800-WaterDamage.

Many of the same builders came out the the first quarter Builder Breakfast on March 14. Every quarter, the AHBA hosts a Builders only Breakfast which provides a topic that would be of interest along with a light breakfast. This session discussed 'Retaining Walls: Rules & Regulations" where representatives from both the Buncombe County and Asheville City Building Planners offices came to answer the many questions about where their projects with retaining walls fit into the building plans and how they were permitted. This Quarters Builders Breakfast was sponsored by Platinum Level Foundation Club member Brand Vaughan Lumber.

Were you unable to attend these education sessions? No worries! All education courses that are hosted by the Asheville HBA are posted on our website as well as our social media. 

Not a member of the AHBA? Several Education classes will be presented at the 3rd Annual Home & Garden Expo located at the WNC Ag Center's Davis Arena. For more information on the Expo Click Here!

'Green' Your Home Well Beyond St. Patricks Day

In March, many Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by attending parties, wearing green clothing, and even bedecking their homes with green shamrock and leprechaun-adorned decorations. With nearly 37 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry (according to Ancestry.com), that’s no surprise. But what may surprise you are the many ways that you can “green” your home that will last well beyond March 17, and save you money on utility bills year-round.

Here are a few recommendations from NAHB Remodelers to home owners who want to increase their home’s efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits of “greening” your home.  

·      Add insulation

Adding insulation will help save energy costs, increase comfort by better controlling temperature, and improve indoor air quality by eliminating many gaps through which dirt, dust, and other impurities can enter. Insulation is rated by its ability to resist heat flow, known as the “R-value.” The higher the R-value, the better its ability to resist heat flow.

·      Install high-efficiency windows

Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun into your home. ENERGY STAR-rated windows can help control this. These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the panes, improved framing materials, and microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce radiative heat flow.

·      Seal exterior penetrations

Inspect your home from the inside and outside and plug cracks or openings in order to reduce cold air drafts and heat loss, especially the areas where window frames meet the structure or siding of the house. Use caulking to seal all small cracks on non-moving surfaces and install weather stripping on windows, doors and other movable parts of the home.

·      Replace your appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated ones

ENERGY STAR -rated appliances, ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to computers and televisions, meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans use ten to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for the slightly higher costs of these products.

·      Install low-flow water plumbing fixtures

In the average home, flushing toilets accounts for around 30 percent of water usage. By using low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads, you can save up to 25 percent of that water compared to conventional fixtures while providing the same utility.

·      Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-rated or tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it. A low-cost alternative to a tankless heater is to wrap insulation around your conventional water heater, which can reduce standby heat losses 25 to 45 percent.

·      Install a high-efficiency HVAC system

High-efficiency ENERGY STAR HVAC equipment can reduce utilities costs on average by ten to 30 percent over minimum efficiency equipment. It also can improve home comfort with more heating and cooling and a quieter operation, and often features higher quality components that result in longer equipment life.

Not only will green remodeling help you enjoy your home more during the time you live in it, it will make it more attractive to potential buyers when you decide to sell. According to research by the National Association of Home Builders, 72 percent of consumers report energy efficient features in a home would influence their purchase decision.

For more information on green remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel or www.ashevillehba.com

Homeownership Can Bring Big Savings at Tax Time

As the April federal income tax filing deadline approaches, millions of Americans are sitting down and sorting through dozens of forms to determine how much money they owe Uncle Sam – or, how much of a refund they will get this year. One of those forms, the Mortgage Interest Statement Form 1098, can mean big savings for home owners at tax time.

Form 1098, which home owners receive from their lenders, shows the total amount of home mortgage interest paid during the year. Home owners who itemize their federal income tax deductions can deduct 100 percent of their mortgage interest payments on a first or second home for up to $1 million of mortgage debt. They can also deduct the interest paid on up to $100,000 of home equity loans.

For most home owners, this means they can deduct ALL of the mortgage interest they’ve paid on their home each year.

The ability to deduct home mortgage and home equity loan interest isn’t the only tax benefit for home owners.

The three most important sources of tax savings for home owners are:

·      Deductions for mortgage interest

·      Deductions for real estate taxes

·      The capital gains exclusion for the sale of a principal residence

Home owners are also able to deduct the state and local real estate taxes they pay each year on an owner-occupied home.

When it is time to sell a home, in many cases home owners don’t have to pay capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. Under present law, married couples who have owned and occupied their principal residence for at least two of the past five years do not have to pay any taxes on the first $500,000 in profits from the sale of their home. Single filers earn up to $250,000 tax free.

Another deduction home owners may be able to take is for mortgage insurance premiums. Generally, people who purchase a home without putting 20 percent down have to buy mortgage insurance, and those premiums can also be deducted from taxable income.

Even home owners who don’t use the home as their principal residence and rent it out may be able enjoy some tax benefits, including interest and depreciation deductions.

 

Buying a home offers tax savings that can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over several years. Home owners rely on the mortgage interest deduction each year to help offset the costs of homeownership and prospective buyers take the deduction into consideration when choosing homeownership over renting.

But the mortgage interest deduction, which has been included in the tax code for about 100 years, is in danger. A national deficit commission has proposed reducing or eliminating the deduction as part of a restructuring of the tax code.

Find out more about the threat to the mortgage interest deduction, and read “The Tax Benefits of Homeownership,” a study from economists at the National Association of Home Builders that provides specific examples of savings for a variety of income levels and ownership situations, at www.SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com.

Contact the Asheville Home Builders Association to find out about homeownership opportunities in the Asheville area.

Apartment Rent Estimator Shows Value of Specific Amenities

A new estimating tool by NAHB Economics lets builders and prospective renters gauge how much certain amenities add to typical apartment rents across various regions.

In October of 2011, NAHB released an updated version of our statistical model for estimating the average price of a single-family home (see NAHB House Price Estimator, Updated). This week, we followed up with another great estimating tool that's designed to estimate average gross rent for an apartment in a building with five or more housing units. Like the house price model, the NAHB rent estimator is calibrated with data from the American Housing Survey (AHS), a nationally representative survey of housing units conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and funded by HUD. And similar to the house price model, the rent estimator is available online in a form that readers with compatible web browsers and Internet service providers can access and run interactively.

By using the NAHB rent estimating model, builders and prospective renters can get an idea of how the addition of a particular amenity affects the rents charged and paid for similar apartments in the region. Developers looking to expand into other areas and relocating households can use the model to compare rents for a particular type of apartment across broad geographical regions. Owners of rental properties may use it to judge how a particular renovation would tend to increase the rent they could charge. And finally, property owners and local governments may use it to study how neighborhood characteristics impact rents. Below are a few quick highlights of the rent estimator's findings:

* The highest estimated gross rent for a standard new apartment can be found in the metropolitan California region, with the next highest estimated gross rent being found in the Northeast.
* Adding a third bedroom to a standard new apartment built in a Southern suburb adds $78 per month to gross rent, while omitting one of the two full baths found in the study's "standard apartment" reduces gross rent by $73.
* Locating a standard new apartment in a neighborhood with satisfactory shopping, such as grocery stores and drug stores, adds $53 per month to gross rent in a southern suburb.
* The presence of trash or litter in the neighborhood reduces estimated gross rent for the standard new apartment in a southern suburb by $11.
NAHB members can access the NAHB Rent Estimator tool free of charge at: www.nahb.org/rentestimatorreport.

This article was printed with permission from the NAHB

Becoming Involved in the Asheville HBA

There are so many different ways to get your business in front of the consumer these days, but what about other companies? Here at the Asheville Home Builders Association we are working hard to help our members to become more involve with the Asheville HBA and with other member companies.

What are the different way that you can get involved?

Join a Committee
     The committees of the Asheville  Home Builders Association are the "backbone" of the organization.  In order for the AHBA to effectively promote the home building industry and continue to provide outstanding services and support to the membership, your help as a member and industry professional is needed through volunteering for one of the  AHBA Committees.  Serving on any of these committees can provide you unique and valuable opportunities to network with industry peers, gain valuable exposure for you and your company, develop leadership skills and serve your industry, the association and your community.  Volunteers of the AHBA Committees work together to bring new ideas and programs to the general membership. Want to learn more about each committee and how to sign up? Click here for a full description of the AHBA Committees.

Follow us on Social Media
     Asheville Home Builders in on Twitter, Facebook, and now Linkedin. Join the conversation and see all the latest news and updates as they happen. There is no easier way to learn about what is new then by joining in the discussion!

Come to Networking Nights
     Once a month the opportunity arises for Member Companies to attend events or meetings designed for industry professionals like yourself to connect with other AHBA members. All networking nights are free to members, and provide news and updates for in the Home Building Industry as well as valuable networking time. The next meeting will be held January 19th at the Doubletree in Biltmore Town Square.

Interested in other ways that you can become involved in the Asheville Home Builders? Visit our website to see all the ways the AHBA can help your business!