Here Comes The Sun – A Quick Guide to Solar Energy

With the tax credit being extended until 2019, solar paneling is coming back into the spotlight, and for good reason. The Solar Energy Industries Association sees solar capacity tripling by 2020, with enough power for 20 million homes, representing 3.5% of electricity generated in the United States.

Demand for solar power isn’t as strong here as it is in the southwest corner of the country. But some states, like California for instance, are really getting behind it, demanding that all new residential buildings must be zero net energy by the year 2020. This means they will need renewable energy systems to generate as much power as they consume.

So why solar? Firstly, the sun is expected to be around for the next five billion years or so, and since it’s a renewable resource, the power is constantly replenished and there is very little likelihood that it will run out. Additionally, the amount of energy the sun gives us is over 20,000 times more than the amount of energy used by mankind, so unlike the energy we’re pulling out the ground, it’s likely that we can rely on it for a long time coming. 

Some homes are better candidates for solar paneling than others. Firstly, the best position for panels is a roof that faces in a southerly direction. The roof should also be at a 35 to 50-degree angle, which encompasses most roofs and allows for the best possible energy production for all seasons. You want to make sure the panels have clear access to the sun, so any large trees, chimneys or buildings that obstruct the panels’ ability to absorb sun rays might want to be cleared if possible. Finally, your roof will need to be in good condition and probably less than 10 years old. The last thing you want to do is install solar panels on a roof that will need to be replaced in a few years time.

Does your home check all the boxes? If so, your next step should be Energize CT where you can find the latest information on rebates, incentives and financing options for renewable energy. Before you decide on which solar panels to use, you should have your home inspected to ensure it’s ready for the upgrade. If you don’t have proper insulation in your home already, now is the time to get it. Without proper insulation, all that energy you’re generating will go right up through the roof, literally.  An energy inspector will also assess your windows and doors for leakage, and will likely make recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of your home appliances.

After your home is inspected and any necessary improvements are made, you can look for a certified contractor to install your panels. The contractor will assist you with the incentive application and help you decide which system is right for you. Remember, it’s always a good idea to shop around and get multiple quotes before deciding on both a system and a contractor. 

What’s Mold Got To Do With It?

Mold is a problem that most homeowners have to deal with at one time or another. It’s the damaging by-product of water and moisture that can wreak havoc on your home, and more importantly, your health. So with spring on the way, now is a good time to inspect your house for mold and get rid of it before it does any kind of serious damage. But first, it’s a good idea to learn a little more about this pesky organism and why it demands to be treated so seriously.

You might be familiar with mold (otherwise known as mildew) from your shower or bathtub. Since the shower is often wet and the tiles are waterproof, water can sometimes seep into the grout, which, if it’s old and can’t handle its repelling duties properly, can become a breeding ground for mildew. So you’re left with microscopic organisms that feed off the moisture, allowing it to grow until you nail it with some Tilex and wait for the next clean. But what happens when mold starts to grow in the places you can’t reach to scrub – places like your ceiling, inside walls or attic? You’re probably saying, “Not in my house”. Well, guess again.

At least half the homes I visit for improvement and remodeling projects have a major mold problem and the owners don’t even know it. How? Besides that well-known smell at the source, mold generally grows in places that you can’t see – like inside the walls and attic. What most people don’t realize is that mold reproduces, or grows, by releasing spores that you’re breathing in day after day.

How common is this? If you’ve ever had a leak, you’ve most likely had a mold problem. So what can you do about it? You can prevent mold by ensuring your home stays dry. Here are my top tips:

1. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear so water can drain away from your house.
2. Don’t let a leaky roof go unfixed.  Get it patched up immediately and ask your contractor to inspect for any mold growth.
3. Make sure the ground around your house doesn’t slope inward towards the foundation where water can idle.
4. Inside the house, beware of any discoloration in the ceiling.
5. Ensure high moisture areas like bathrooms are well ventilated with good ceiling fans.
6. If a leak has poured into the carpet, don’t just leave it to dry. A damp area can attract mold in less than 48 hours.
7. Ensure large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines aren’t leaking and have a catchment tray in the event of a malfunction. 
8. If you use a humidifier, make sure it’s cleaned and the water is changed regularly.
9. If you feel that your house or basement has a high level of moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity and remove any excess moisture from the air.

If you’ve had a mold problem that you’ve tried to control by scraping, cleaning and repainting the area, don’t make the same mistake twice. If the mold keeps coming back, that means the issue runs deeper than the eye can see. It’s time to call in the pros.

The Five Remodeling Jobs with the Worst Returns on Investment

 It’s the first week of March and as spring fever starts to creep into many people’s minds, so too does remodeling projects. Spring is also known as real estate season, which means that many homeowners are looking for small improvements they can make on their properties to increase their home’s sale price.

Back in January, Remodeling magazine put out their annual Cost versus Value Report, where they compared the average cost for 30 remodeling projects with the value those projects retained at resale. When the report came out, I covered the project with the top resale value, which was added to the list for the first time and shot to the top with a 162.2% return on investment. That project was adding fiberglass insulation to your attic and I wasn’t surprised by the result. Adding insulation to your attic is easy, cost effective and will save you in heating and cooling bills for years to come. Plus with 75% of homes in our area deprived by under-insulation, it’s an investment that can make a home stand apart from the resale competition.

So we know what the best investment is, but what about the worst? The five projects with the lowest resale value in Hartford County might surprise you!

Number five is a family room addition. With an average cost of $96,298 in Hartford County, a family room addition offers an average resale value of under $48,000, making the cost recouped a mere 49.6%. 

Number four is a backup power generator. Many homeowners think these will come in handy, and often times they do, especially with our wild weather. But with a cost average of $13,337 and a resale value of $6,458, you’ll only end up getting back 48.4% of the money you put into it.

Bathroom facelifts are always popular on the list of remodeling for resale projects but don’t expect to make your money back on this one. With an average spend of $19,384 and a resale value of $9,318, that job will get you back just over 48% of the cost.

Well, what about the basement? A man cave or rec room might sound like a good idea, but it will only get you back 45% of your investment, according to the report. This is based on a spend of $75,063, which equates to a resale value of $33,750. Yikes!

So if these popular remodels occupy spots five through two, what could possibly be number one? Believe it or not, the worst return on investment would be the coveted extra bathroom, netting home sellers only 43.6% of the average $45,904 put into it. It’s a big job too!

With spring, and real estate season on the way, it’s a good idea to know what fix-it jobs will offer your home real value, especially if you’re in the market to sell. You can view the Remodeling Cost versus Value Report in its entirety by visiting remodeling.hw.net and filtering the report by region.