Energy Tax Credit Scams Target Homeowners.

The Better Business Bureau is already fielding calls from homeowners who’ve been deceived in their purchases. A BBB spokesperson advises, “This is a warning to consumers to ask the right questions, watch what they’re buying and make sure they understand the tax credit. With the newly-passed energy tax credit, many homeowners are enticed to upgrade windows, doors and other systems. Scams are generally the result of unethical contractors selling and installing non-qualifying upgrades.

For complete information on qualifying products visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

CHS Training for Weatherization Work.

CHS Staff at Weatherization Course

Several employees of Complete Home Solutions completed a 35-hour course in Weatherization Tactics. CHS is looking forward to creating an environment that is green, comfortable and cost efficient for our current and future customers. In our green economy, weatherization means modifying buildings to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency. This 35-hour course included installation of energy efiicient measures such as insulation, caulk, and heater blankets; basic knowledge of building science, weatherization materials and ventilation rates; and calculation of area and volume. CHS looks forward to continuing education in energy efficient measures to better serve our customers.

Calvert County Green Fair Expo on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 11:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the Calvert County Green Fair Expo on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 11:00 – 4:00 p.m at Jefferson Patterson Park. There will be speakers, displays, demonstrations, free items, door prizes, etc. Learn how, why and where we can all help to create a greener environment. Let Complete Home Solutions help you understand you on the tax rebates available and what projects you should consider that would save energy costs and help you GO GREEN. Go to www.calvertgreenexpo.org for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!

www.calvertgreenexpo.org

“A Beacon on the Waterfront” – Award Winning Project

A Beacon on the Waterfront

Washington Spaces Announces Architecture Competition Winners

VIENNA, VA, August 24, 2009 – The Fall issue of Washington Spaces announces eight award winners in the second annual Washington Spaces Best of Architectural Spaces competition. The winning projects, by a variety of talented architects from the metropolitan region, range from 19th-century elegance to mid-century modern.

“These properties will capture your imagination with their distinctive details, artistry, and ingenuity,” Washington Spaces Editor in Chief Trish Donnally said.

The Fall issue of Washington Spaces, which features the winning projects, will reach homes and businesses this week and will be on newsstands on September 8. All of the nominated properties from the 2009 Best of Architectural Spaces competition are featured in the Photo Gallery section of WashingtonSpaces.com.

The complete list of winners for the Washington Spaces second annual Best of Architectural Spaces competition follows:
• Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects LLC
• Anthony Wilder Design/Build Inc.
• Complete Home Solutions LLC
• Cunningham | Quill Architects PLLC
• Hamilton Snowber Architects PC
• J.A. Burton Architecture Inc.
• KG Studio
• McInturff Architects

About Washington Spaces
Washington Spaces is an award-winning shelter magazine with a unique format that combines stunning photography and concise writing to engage the reader in the design process. Washington Spaces is in its fifth year of publication.

http://www.washingtonspaces.com/competitions/2009/architecture/architecture-entrant.php?id=722&winner=1

Carpet in the bathroom?

Flooring options for bathrooms — you’re thinking tile or . . . tile. Hold on, there are lots of ways to cover your floor.

Carpet is very possible. Just make sure it’s water and mildew resistent and doesn’t let water under the pad. Carpet provides a luxurious feeling of softness.

Ceramic tile comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. You can do anything with tile, but make use its porosity (water absorbency level) is right for you.

Laminate – yes, the ’70s are back. Actually, laminate looks like the real things nowadays. You’d swear you’re on tile, slate or even wood. This is a inexpensive and durable flooring that’s most popular with families.

Hardwood floors are doable if you keep it watertight. That means regular costs of clear gloss sealant. And if things go bad, you can always stain or paint the floors to match the walls.

Vinyl is less expensive because you can buy it by the sheet. An easy way to freshen a room.

Natural stone can be pricey, but it is durable. It can also be textured to avoid slippery problems. It feels great on a hot summer day, too.

So which is right for you? Why not ask Complete Home Solutions for a free in-home consultation at 410-286-5564.

Replace your windows and get a tax credit

That’s right — Uncle Sam will help pay for new energy-efficicent windows and skylights. They also save you energy costs. And, they sure look nice.

Talk about your win-win-win situations!

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) extends, expands, and simplifies the federal income tax credits for homeowners making energy efficiency home improvements. The new law extends credits from $500 to $1,5000 through 2010 for windows, permits 30 percent deduction for qualified energy efficiency improvements and removes the cap on geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters through 2016. The savings come right off your federal tax bill. Businesses qualify for deductions, too.

Check out the link below for the Alliance to Save Energy on the tax credit specifics. Then give Complete Home Solutions a call to discuss these energy-saving windows, skylights and more at 410-286-5564. After all, Uncle Sam is helping pay for it.

Alliance to Save Energy

The 5 most popular remodeling projects

A survey of more than 2,000 homeowners planning to remodel showed interior projects were more popular than exterior.

Bathroom remodeling                          16 percent
Kitchen remodeling                                 7 percent
Remodeling and room additions            7 percent
Floor coverings                                        6 percent
Painting and wall covering                     5 percent

Why? New siding or roof may raise curb appeal, but it’s not something most homeowners can touch every day. Interior projects seem worth the money more because they’re used more.

We’re not saying to ignore the outside of your home, especially the roof. But when looking at the inside of your home, now you know what most of your neighbors are considering.

So how much does it cost? Oh, that’s a wide-open question. It depends on the job, which is why Complete Home Solutions offers a free analysis and estimate. Just call us at  410-286-5564.

Spring cleaning means spring fixing

Got a honey-do list that would choke Yogi Bear? We can help with that.

Spring means time to fix things up. They may not be a lot of major repairs, but a short list that will take away your weekends for the next month.

1. Paint the trim.
2. Install new screen door.
3. Replace sliding back door.
4. Install insulation in attic.
5. Replace garage door.

You get the idea. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior who can do these jobs but is too tired after busting your gut all week at work. You want Saturdays on the water or golf course, not on some ladder. Maybe you’re just not very handy and need some help? That’s fine, everyone has their own talents and home repair is ours.

But you’re thinking this may be pricey. Actually, it’s usually not as bad as you think. That’s why we have free estimates so you can decide what works best for you.

Call Complete Home Solutions today at (410) 286-5564 to discuss how we can turn that honey-do list a honey-done list.

Spring cleaning extends to your roof

If your roof is at least 15 years old, we need to talk. It may be time to put a new top on your home.

Go outside and look for the following:

1. Are the shingles curled up — like they’re dried leaves?
2. Are the roof granules washed off the shingles, leaving them bare?
3. Are any shingles missing?
4. Do you see signs of blistering?
5. Is the roof buckled?

If you any one of these, it’s time to call for a free roof estimate. If you see two or more, flag down our truck because we need to fix it now.

What’s it going to cost? Roofs aren’t that expensive, especially when considering they are the first line of defense for your valuable home for the next 20 years or more.

Complete Home Solutions offers:

1. New residential and commercial construction
2. Renails and tear-offs
3. Roofing service – leak repair, storm repair and more.
4. Asphalt/fiberglass shingle installation, metal bay & trim work

Many jobs can be done in one day with minimal disruption to the homeowner. Often, homeowners are at work and come home to a new roof.

Give Complete Home Solutions at 410-286-5565 for your free estimate.

Reason No. 876,772,990 to use Complete Home Solutions

Times are tough out there. A lot of carpenters, bricklayers and electricians are out of work with the housing slump. So, Tom the Toolbox might knock on your door or put a flyer in your mailbox offering a heckuva deal.

Maybe they know what they’re doing. Maybe they don’t. Do you really want to risk your home to someone with a hammer and ladder on the back of his truck? This video shows why you want a trusted company to do the work.

And it’s OK to laugh at the video. We did.