Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act has been in effect to provide funding support in upgrading homes for increased energy efficiency. A lot of attention has been given to installing new windows and doors but the tax credits are applicable to many additional items for your home that improve energy usage.

Now through December 31, 2010, the $1,500 tax credit is available on new roofing, insulation, HVAC, water heaters and, of course, windows and doors for better energy performance in your home. You earn a tax credit equal to 30% of the product cost up to $1,500.

Although there are many guidelines and criteria, IHP Exteriors can help you understand the qualifications and product specifications needed for the tax credit. IHP Exteriors installers are certified by the American Window and Door Institute so you can feel secure that your new products are installed and working correctly.

Call IHP Exteriors today at 763-286-7429 to earn Federal tax credits!

Installation cost is not eligible for tax credit. The above information is not intended as legal advice regarding taxes, and you should consult a tax professional with specific questions.

EPA Lead-Safe Certified

The EPA has ruled that taking affect in October 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be certified by the EPA . Then they must integrate specific practices to prevent lead contamination while working on the project.

To quality for certification, the EPA offers an intensive training and testing program to become a Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Integrity Home Projects has gone through the training program and is one of the few contractors certified in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. We have our LEAD-SAFE program underway and in place to handle your projects with the finest craftsmanship while implementing best practices to keep you and your family safe during your remodeling or renovation project.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Through the EPA certification, we can keep you from harm.

This critical message about remodeling safety should be shared with anyone who is thinking about a project that may involve disturbing lead-based paint in a home, day care or school built before 1978. It’s your safety and your home - call someone you can trust, Integrity Home Projects. 763-286-7429 or http://www.ihpbuilders.com/.

Major home storm damage

Do you have major damage to the structure of your home from a recent storm? Perhaps a tree fell onto your roof or smashed through a wall of your home? Many times homeowners have a difficult time finding an experienced contractor when they have major structural damage to their home. There are many roofing and siding contractors out there banging on your door to take care of your hail damage, but very few can repair the damage to your homes structure and the interior repairs that come with it. Drywall repairs, carpet replacement, painting and trim work are not things you want your roofer to take care of. We are a full service interior and exterior home improvement company so we know our way around every part of your house. Give Dan a call at 763-286-7429 or visit us at www.ihpbuilders.com

Storm Damage Repair

Once again storms rolled through the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. Some times these storms can cause serious damage to your home. Not only does hail damage your roof and siding, but there can be less obvious damage to the seals around your windows and the protective finishes on your metal vents and flashing. We can inspect for damage on every part of your home and take care of all of your insurance paperwork; working directly with your insurance company. Give Dan a call at 763-286-7429. Or visit our website at www.ihpbuilders.com

Minnesota Fix Up Fund loans

If you are considering home improvements that increase the energy effiiciency of your home, you may be eligable for low interest loans and big rebates. The State of Minnesota Fix Up Fund is a loan program for qualifying homeowners to make certain improvements to their homes such as adding insulation and replacement windows. More information is avaiable at these links:
http://www.mnhousing.gov/partners/lenders/programs/MHFA_001236.aspx

http://www.mncee.org/programs_residential/home_improvement_financing/great_mn_fix-up_fund/index.php

Check it out, see if you qualify and make sure to check to see if your local community is offering additional rebates for Fix Up Fund projects. We can help sort through the paperwork; give us a call at 763-286-7429.

Home Improvement and Design Show in Blaine

Another Remodeling Show coming up! We will have a booth at the Home Improvement and Design Expo in Blaine. The show is at the Schwan's Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave in Blaine. April 10-11. Hours are 10AM to 5PM both days. Come to show! Stop by our booth. We will be at Booth #007. For free tickets go to our web site at www.ihpbuilders.com in the 'What's New' section and click on the show ticket link.

Welcome to the Integrity Home Projects blog

Welcome to the IHP blog. We are just underway. On a regular basis, we will be commenting on interesting topics that we discover during ongoing projects and through discussions with our associates in the remodeling world here in the metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

We will be covering industry related items, building code issues, state and federal regulations, hot product updates and money saving tips. We will cover bath and kitchen remodeling topics, basement finishing tips and room addition guidelines. We will discuss issues in the suburban areas from Maple Grove to Coon Rapids, from Plymouth to Brooklyn Park.

We hope we can help homeowners with a bit of information from our point of view.