Remodeling Seminar Last night

Last night, the HomeSavvi team had our first home remodeling seminar at the beautiful Albert Lee Appliance store in Bellevue, WA. There were five professionals who talked about ways to save money, save time, go green, and the best ways to improve your home's value. 13 homeowners were there, and 7 of them won raffle items. The pros who spoke were Rick Van Arnem of Kitchens Plus, Brian Hughes of Hughes Building Company, Vernon Learned from Lighting Universe, Bruce Donnally of Donnally Architects and Bonnie Bagley Caitlen of Bonnie Bagley Interiors. You can find all of them on HomeSavvi's local resource guide for the Seattle area.

Kitchen and bath remodeling secrets seminar

Do you wonder whether it would be better to reface your cabinets or get new ones? Or, how much value you'd get from a custom made vanity in your bath vs. one you could buy online? Tomorrow at Albert Lee Appliances showroom in Bellevue, WA, HomeSavvi is hosting its first remodeling seminar.

This picture is from our Speed Dating event held earlier this year.

20 people are registered already and there will be fun giveaways and great raffle items. We have 5 highly qualified speakers - check out the link to see more about the details.

http://www.homesavvi.com/SavviHomeRemodelingSeminar

HomeSavvi: New Home Remodeling + Improvement Forum

If you've ever wondered how much your kitchen will cost, where the best online remodel deals are, or whether your living room would look better in a bold color, you're in luck! HomeSavvi has created a new home remodeling forum for home remodeling enthusiasts and professionals to ask advice, share their projects, and save on products!

We have created three different sections intended to serve as a resource for homeowners, professionals and the HomeSavvi community at large.

HomeSavvi Forum: Ask The Community- Need advice from an expert? Just ask the question. The Ask the Community section of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is the perfect place for homeowners to ask their remodeling questions directly to expert trade professionals, interior designers, architects and fellow homeowners who have been through a remodeling before.

HomeSavvi Forum: Coupons and Discounts- Looking for deals online for your next remodel? Browse our Coupons and Discounts section. The Coupons and Discounts section of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is where you will find exclusive offers, local deals and promotional discounts for your remodeling projects, from choosing the perfect appliance to how to build a deck. We recommend you visit often to see what’s new!

HomeSavvi Forum: Pro Access (Logged in, Pros only)- The Professional Access of the HomeSavvi’s online forum is a place for remodeling professionals to communicate in a private setting, share ideas and best practices.

We look forward to your posts, and thank you in advance for participating!

Next Savvi Speed Dating in Everett- August 18, 2009

Remodeling? Learn the real cost of your dream project from award winning local professionals

Savvi Speed Dating Snohomish County, WA

• Hosted by: Contract Furnishings Mart
• Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• Address: 802 134th St SW #160
• Everett, WA 98204-7320

Get directions

Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about your specific needs. These professionals will point you in the right direction to save time and money. Simply bring your questions, photos, and ideas.

• Meet professionals who are experts in their fields
• Get matched to a professional based on your remodeling needs
• Receive a gift bag from our sponsors including a chance to win 2 Seahawks tickets

To participate, just tell us a little bit about your project. It’s free and there’s no obligation to work with anyone you meet. Space is limited to the first 15 households to sign up.

Please register by August 12, 2009.

Not in Everett? Tell us where you would like the next event to be!

Savvi Speed Dating in Everett

Savvi Speed Dating is coming to Everett! Featured in King 5, NWCN's "Home Front", The Tacoma News Tribune, and
Remodeling Magazine, Savvi Speed Dating matches homeowners and professionals to talk about their specific remodeling project. It's an easy and efficient way of meeting some of the area's top home remodeling professionals - all while enjoying wine and snacks in a beautiful casual setting.

Each homeowner household will receive a gift bag, courtesy of Contract Furnishings Mart and AAA Kartak Glass & Closet.

The next Savvi Speed Dating event takes place at Contract Furnishings Mart on August 18. Stay tuned for more information!

Savvi Speed Dating in Tacoma

Join HomeSavvi at Couch's Appliance South for an evening of fun and education. Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about YOUR specific remodeling needs. We know that cost effectiveness is on everyone's minds these days. These professionals will point you in the right direction. So, bring your questions, photos and ideas - we'll help you get started!

May Savvi Speed Dating in Tacoma

Hosted by Couch's Appliance South

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Address: Couch's Appliance South
5306 Pacific Highway E.
Fife, WA 98424

Each attending household will receive $50 gift card to Crate & Barrel.

RSVP by Friday, May 15th to reserve your spot!

2009 Tax Credits - Obama's New Stimulus Goes to Work

While most home improvement expenses do not have a tax impact in the year they are incurred, there are some significant exceptions, and those exceptions change each year. Read on to find out the latest in government tax credit programs.

In 2009 and 2010 the Federal Government is allowing homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost (up to a total of $1,500) for certain energy efficient home improvement products on existing homes.

That means you can spend up to $5,000 on products and get tax credit worth 30% of the cost, or $1,500.

Here are the simple rules to follow:

• The items you purchase must be installed during 2009 or 2010, which means the tax credit can be claimed in April 2010 or 2011.
• The items must be installed in your principal residence, not a rental or vacation home.
• The items must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify.
• Beware, because NOT ALL Energy Star rated products qualify. To find the list of what does, visit the government link included here.
• You’ll use IRS form 5695 which allows individuals to claim credits for making their residences more energy-efficient.
• Save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement. You’ll need them if you are audited.

What qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit?

The government is not allowing the tax credits unless the products meet certain energy criteria (which have increased in strictness this year), and have a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.

A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products.

Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

Here is the list of home improvement items that qualify.

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water Heaters (non-solar)
• Biomass Stoves

Installation costs

• Installation costs are included in the total item cost for HVAC, Water Heaters, and Biomass Stoves.
• Installation costs are NOT included for windows and doors, insulation and roofs.

Even bigger tax credits are available

If you are planning a major remodel between now and 2016, the government is giving a tax credit on 30% of the cost for certain energy efficient items with NO UPPER LIMIT. That means you can claim up to 30% on expenses that total in the tens of thousands. The other benefit is that these credits are available on new home construction as well, not just existing homes.

Items included in this more generous tax credit are:

* Geothermal Heat Pumps
* Solar Panels
* Solar Water Heaters
* Small Wind Energy Systems
* Fuel Cells

For detailed information on what the energy criteria are on these uncapped expenses, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits