Smart Remodeling Projects in a Depleted Housing Market

On March 16, 2010, in General Remodeling, by Justin Bravo

In the midst of a depleted housing market, the remodeling industry is at an all time high, as people stay put in their homes and opt to remodel instead of sell. However, the current economic climate has forced people to think about what they remodel and how they do it. Homeowners are choosing projects that cost less and hold their value much better when the housing market does rise and it comes time to sell.

So what are those remodeling projects? The number one remodeling project that holds its value and offers many money saving incentives is energy-efficient improvements such as siding, windows, and doors.

Replacing old rotten wood siding with James Hardie® fiber cement siding will protect your home from the elements better and provide you with value tax rebates. Hardie® fiber cement siding can withstand the brutal humid heat of South Texas better than any other product on the market. Hardie® boards also resist cracking, splitting, rotting and swelling.

Installing Sundefense Low-E Insulating Glass with Argon windows from Pella® can have a dramatic effect on your electric bills and add a lot of beauty to your home. Their windows have insulated glass with a Low-E coating made from two layers of thermal protection PLUS a third pane of Low-E glass to maximize comfort year-round. They also block up to 97% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays to help protect furniture, window treatments, and flooring from fade damage – yet they still allow natural light in. Argon gas is inserted in the space between the insulated glass to further reduce heat transfer, making your home even more energy-efficient.

So how can you save money while improving the look of your home? The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 gives homeowners the ability to receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost for qualifying energy-efficient upgrades, to a maximum of $1,500. Between the tax credits, local rebates, and the money you will be saving from choosing energy-efficient remodeling projects, you won’t feel guilty for indulging in a face-lift for your home.

About the author

Justin Bravo

Justin Bravo is the Vice President of Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations - a design-build remodeling and interior design firm serving the San Antonio area. Justin is also the President of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in San Antonio.

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16 Responses to Smart Remodeling Projects in a Depleted Housing Market

Online Outreach for James Hardie says:

March 24, 2010 at 11:19 am

Along with being a greener choice for homeowners we are happy to know that the quality of our siding offers additional financial benefits, like a discount on homeowners insurance. Watch this video about how you might be able to save on your homeowner’s insurance with James Hardie siding. . If you have more questions or need more information, become a fan on Facebook at and ask away on our discussion tab.
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