money
Bargain paint holds up
“Big box” brand paints sold at Wal-Mart (Kilz) and Lowe’s (Valspar) perform at least as well as several more expensive brands, according to Consumer Reports, which recently tested of 58 exterior paints and stains for its June issue. While M.A.B. Sea Shore Satin ($40 per gallon) was Consumer Reports’ top overall pick, less expensive Kilz Casual Colors Semigloss ($23), Kilz Casual Colors Flat ($20) and Kilz Casual Colors Satin ($22) also got high ratings.
energy
Window wisdom
Home improvement experts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete worked with Simonton Windows on “Your Complete Replacement Window Guide,” a free booklet available from . Among other things, the guide offers advice for taking advantage of the new energy-efficiency tax credit for new windows. Kraeutler and Segrete report that the new law has some very specific restrictions, including:
New windowsmust not exceed a U Factor of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30.
The purchaseof qualified windows must be made during the taxable year for which the credit is being claimed.
The credit is allowedonly on the price of the windows themselves, not on installation, on- site preparation, assembly or sales tax.
space
Home project upturn
Despite the sour economy, homeowners are investing in “targeted, economical enhancements that increase long-term property value, improve energy efficiency, or add home appeal,” according to Craig Smith, CEO of Service . He was commenting on his company’s 2009 Home Remodeling and Repair Survey. Among its other findings:
Fixing and refinishingexisting furniture is more popular now and reflects how homeowners are investing in lower-budget projects and preventive maintenance to preserve home value rather than making major upgrades.
Home energy auditsare twice as popular as they were in 2008.
Sales of flat-screen TVsand home theater installations are up as more people plan their “staycations.”
Most home improvement professionals who responded to the survey said they are optimistic about their company’s performance for 2009.
