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!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
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
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!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Savvi Speed Dating in Everett
Savvi Speed Dating is coming to Everett! Featured in King 5, NWCN's "Home Front", The Tacoma News Tribune, andRemodeling 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!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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!
Monday, April 13, 2009
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
Monday, March 30, 2009
Top 10 Reasons to Remodel in This Recession
From Guest Blogger 
Almost everyone I know has seen their home values fall. It is a total downer, I know. However, there is a silver lining to this economic downturn for some of you lucky folks. It's an ideal time to remodel your house. Now, read carefully here, this does not apply to everyone! If you're at grave risk of losing immediate household income or if you have no equity whatsoever in your home, please read no further.
If, however, you have been wanting to remodel for a while, plan on remaining in your home for the next ten years or longer, or want to be a more competitive seller in this buyer's market, now can be an excellent time to begin a remodeling project.
Here's why:
1. The best builders, contractors and trades have much greater scheduling availability right now, which gives you access to professionals you might not otherwise be able to get. As the New York Times put it, during the boom years, "Good contractors were as hard to get as celebrated doctors." Their knowledge and skill are unchanged. It's just that many have more down time at the moment.
2. Given the laws of supply and demand, the drop-off in work has driven down prices on some goods and services. This gives you the upper hand in negotiation. Consider, though, that the best folks are still going to cost more in labor than the less skilled ones. However, they very well may save you money - and aggravation - in the long run, as you won't have to hire someone else to fix amateur mistakes or a lawyer to bring them to heal.
3. Many of the weaker players are being weeded out by the economy before you ever meet them. The remaining pros are better project managers with stronger referrals. This will reduce your chances of running into the kind of con artist that's drawn to a boom and moves on during a bust.
4. New rules make it easier for senior homeowners to finance their projects through reverse mortgages. Contact one in your area to see how this can bring you a new kitchen, bath, addition, etc.
5. There are excellent, new products on the market that will help you save money on water and energy. By building them into your remodeling project, they could help pay for themselves, and make your home more appealing to future buyers. According to a recent study by McGraw Hill quoted by the Wall Street Journal, "One-third of home buyers say they are willing to pay a premium of $20,000 or more for a green home." (Helping the environment is a plus, too.)
6. On a related note, local laws in some areas and new federal incentives may offset costs for water- and energy-saving products you incorporate into your remodel. Please visit this excellent St. Petersburg Times article detailing the Stimulus Plan-based tax incentives. It's a must-not-miss, in my opinion.
7. If someone in your home has respiratory issues, changing to more indoor-air-quality-oriented products can improve their comfort and well-being. There are terrific products on the market now to assist you - and them - in that regard.
8. If an aging relative moves in with you, or you're looking at staying in your home into your senior years, upgrading your home with aging-in-place features can improve your safety and enhance your home's livability and resale value. (Less than 10 percent of American homes are built with aging in place features, while millions of Americans are getting ready to retire! You do the math!)
9. Unlike the house flippers we saw remodeling in recent years to keep up with the Joneses, those of you who have been in your home for a while really know its strengths and weaknesses. You also know what truly makes sense for your lifestyle. This will yield a more successful outcome on your project, more suited to how the home can best be improved for its residents and guests, not just better branded or trophy-filled.
10. If you're spending more time in the house these days, as many folks are, improving your home will provide some anti-recessionary joy. And who couldn't use that taste of sunshine these days?
Photo Note:
A recent kitchen remodel helped this Tampa home sell in less than 30 days last December, at asking price, in one of the nation's hardest-hit housing areas.
Coming Next on Gold Notes:
3/17 - Irish Design... In honor of St. Patrick's Day
3/25 - Storing and Displaying Collectibles... In honor of Elton John's birthday
Visit Jamie Goldberg's blog at http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com.
Almost everyone I know has seen their home values fall. It is a total downer, I know. However, there is a silver lining to this economic downturn for some of you lucky folks. It's an ideal time to remodel your house. Now, read carefully here, this does not apply to everyone! If you're at grave risk of losing immediate household income or if you have no equity whatsoever in your home, please read no further.
If, however, you have been wanting to remodel for a while, plan on remaining in your home for the next ten years or longer, or want to be a more competitive seller in this buyer's market, now can be an excellent time to begin a remodeling project.
Here's why:
1. The best builders, contractors and trades have much greater scheduling availability right now, which gives you access to professionals you might not otherwise be able to get. As the New York Times put it, during the boom years, "Good contractors were as hard to get as celebrated doctors." Their knowledge and skill are unchanged. It's just that many have more down time at the moment.
2. Given the laws of supply and demand, the drop-off in work has driven down prices on some goods and services. This gives you the upper hand in negotiation. Consider, though, that the best folks are still going to cost more in labor than the less skilled ones. However, they very well may save you money - and aggravation - in the long run, as you won't have to hire someone else to fix amateur mistakes or a lawyer to bring them to heal.
3. Many of the weaker players are being weeded out by the economy before you ever meet them. The remaining pros are better project managers with stronger referrals. This will reduce your chances of running into the kind of con artist that's drawn to a boom and moves on during a bust.
4. New rules make it easier for senior homeowners to finance their projects through reverse mortgages. Contact one in your area to see how this can bring you a new kitchen, bath, addition, etc.
5. There are excellent, new products on the market that will help you save money on water and energy. By building them into your remodeling project, they could help pay for themselves, and make your home more appealing to future buyers. According to a recent study by McGraw Hill quoted by the Wall Street Journal, "One-third of home buyers say they are willing to pay a premium of $20,000 or more for a green home." (Helping the environment is a plus, too.)
6. On a related note, local laws in some areas and new federal incentives may offset costs for water- and energy-saving products you incorporate into your remodel. Please visit this excellent St. Petersburg Times article detailing the Stimulus Plan-based tax incentives. It's a must-not-miss, in my opinion.
7. If someone in your home has respiratory issues, changing to more indoor-air-quality-oriented products can improve their comfort and well-being. There are terrific products on the market now to assist you - and them - in that regard.
8. If an aging relative moves in with you, or you're looking at staying in your home into your senior years, upgrading your home with aging-in-place features can improve your safety and enhance your home's livability and resale value. (Less than 10 percent of American homes are built with aging in place features, while millions of Americans are getting ready to retire! You do the math!)
9. Unlike the house flippers we saw remodeling in recent years to keep up with the Joneses, those of you who have been in your home for a while really know its strengths and weaknesses. You also know what truly makes sense for your lifestyle. This will yield a more successful outcome on your project, more suited to how the home can best be improved for its residents and guests, not just better branded or trophy-filled.
10. If you're spending more time in the house these days, as many folks are, improving your home will provide some anti-recessionary joy. And who couldn't use that taste of sunshine these days?
Photo Note:
A recent kitchen remodel helped this Tampa home sell in less than 30 days last December, at asking price, in one of the nation's hardest-hit housing areas.
Coming Next on Gold Notes:
3/17 - Irish Design... In honor of St. Patrick's Day
3/25 - Storing and Displaying Collectibles... In honor of Elton John's birthday
Visit Jamie Goldberg's blog at http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
HomeSavvi Speed Dating- March
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!
In addition to enjoying wine, soft drinks and appetizers, you will receive a free in-home lighting consultation from Lighting Universe.
Please RSVP by Monday, March 16th to reserve your spot. Visit http://www.homesavvi.com/savvi-speed-dating-homeowner.html to sign up.
Savvi Speed Dating, hosted by Pande CameronDate: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Address: Pande Cameron
13013 NE 20th St
Bellevue, WA 98005
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