September 7th, 2010
Are you considering some home improvements? Replacement windows are one of the improvements that are included in the federal tax credit. Hurry, the federal offer expires on December 31, 2010. Call Regal Home Improvement today and we can answer your questions about replacement windows and how you can qualify for the federal tax credit. Here are some common questions that people are asking:
Do all replacement windows and doors qualify for the tax credit?
No. Only exterior windows and doors that have a u-factor less than or equal to 0.30 and a solar heat gain coefficient of less than or equal to 0.30 will qualify for the tax credit.
Can you use the entire $1,500 credit toward the cost of having new windows installed?
Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1,500 tax credit on windows providing the total cost of the project uses the entire amount. Remember, the credit os 30% of the cost of qualified home improvements, not including installation.
What happens if the 30% of the qualified project is less than $1,500?
The homeowner can combine different qualified projects until they have used the total $1500 allotted credit.
Posted in Home Improvements, Replacement Windows, Tax Credit | No Comments »
September 2nd, 2010
There are so many choices of window styles when you are choosing replacement windows. Do you really need all these styles? The most popular window style is the double-hung window. There are some other great choices to use in different rooms of your home too. The awning window is not used quite as often in the Central Virginia area, but it has some great features.
Awning windows are a great choice for difficult to reach places, like over kitchen cabinets and kitchen counters. The design of the window is hinged at the top and opens out at the bottom allowing fresh air in the house while keeping out the light rain. You control the amount of ventilation with awning windows. This window definitely deserves some attention when you are replacing the windows in your house. Ask about awning windows and other replacement window styles when talking to your home improvement contractor.
Posted in Replacement Windows | No Comments »
August 30th, 2010
Even though summer is officially drawing to a close, in the Richmond area we cook on our outdoor grills almost all year long. We all know that a grill can pose a serious fire hazard if not used safely. Most people know that grills can cause your wood home to catch fire if left too close, but did you know that it is possible for an outdoor grill to melt your vinyl siding? Vinyl siding on modern homes, while appealing to the eye and low maintenance, is subject to possible heat damage. Use caution when grilling outside your home.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a porch, garage, breezeway, carport, or under a surface that can catch fire. Other grill safety tip are available on their website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml97/97128.html
If you are considering vinyl siding for your home, contact Regal Home Improvement.
Posted in Vinyl Siding | No Comments »
August 27th, 2010
At Regal Home Improvement, quality matters. We are proud of the products we use on your home. The award winning Simonton Presidential Series 5500, one of our premiere products, received the 2008 JD Powers Number One Quality Award for Windows and the Highest Rated Patio Door Brand – Best in Class Award™. This series of replacement windows offers the industry’s best (.18) solar heat coefficient gain for your summer comfort and the best (.06) wind rating for your winter protection. What does this mean to you? Beautiful replacement windows with energy efficiency that provides comfort year round in your home.
Product Details of Simonton 5500 Replacement Windows:
Fusion-welded frame and sash
Flush-mount tilt latches
Dual cam-lock
Tilt-In / Lift-Out Sash
1″ Insulating glass unit
Coil spring balance system
Contoured extruded lift rails
Simonton sill
Ask Regal Home Improvement about installing Simonton Presidential Series 5500 replacement windows in your home. Don’t forget to ask about the federal tax credit currently available on this product.
Posted in Replacement Windows, Tax Credit | No Comments »
August 24th, 2010
Thinking about some home improvements? If you are like most homeowners, you have a running list of projects you would like to get done to your home.
Start by composing a list of all the home improvement projects you would like to accomplish, both short term and long term. Draft a rough budget of what you think, on average, these will cost. Based on preference and cost, start to prioritize your list. Some of the items on the list you can probably tackle yourself while others you will need to hire a home improvement contractor.
Think creatively. No one knows your home and your lifestyle better than you. Why do you want to make changes to a particular room? How do you want to use that room? These are questions you should ask yourself. Sketch out some ideas. Many times, the homeowner comes up with the best plan because they are familiar with the space and understand what changes they want.
Contact a professional. Discuss priority, budget, and ideas. In most cases, qualified home improvement contractors can make your ideas work within your budget.
Take advantage of energy efficient tax credits and product rebates that are available.
Posted in Home Improvements, Tax Credit | No Comments »
August 20th, 2010
If you are considering replacement windows for your home, now is the time to act. The federal tax credit is about to expire. A Federal Tax Credit of up to 30% of the purchase price with a maximum credit of $1,500 is offered for qualifying improvements, such as windows and doors, to homeowners on their primary residence. The credit covers qualifying products purchased and installed from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.
Windows and doors meeting the following criteria are eligible:
1. A U-Factor (measures heat loss) of less than or equal to 0.30
2. A Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (defines the solar radiation that passes through window glass) of less than or equal to 0.30.
For additional information, click here.
Contact Regal Home Improvement to schedule installation for your replacement windows while you can still qualify for the federal tax credit. Remember installation must occur before December 31, 2010.
Posted in Replacement Windows, Tax Credit | No Comments »
August 18th, 2010
“The crew did a great job…They are AMAZING!” – V. B. of Glen Allen
“Just wanted to say that we are very pleased with the work your company has done on our home. Your crew did an excellent job…” – J.H. and J. P. of Richmond
At Regal Home Improvement, we are proud of our employees. Offering exceptional customer service is impossible without the right team to back you up. “This strong loyalty has been the true secret to our success – this longevity certainly makes us unique in the industry.” says owner, Glenn Mullian. “We are truly privileged to have many employees who have been with Regal for 20, 30, and even nearly 40 years.”
Dedicated employees committed to serving our customers, the Regal Home Improvement Team
“The house looks great. We love it! The guys did a fabulous job. Thank them again for us.” – R. Sims
Posted in Home Improvements | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
Once upon a time there was a couple whose original aluminum windows had become dirty and discolored. The house had been built in the early sixties when aluminum frame, single-pane windows were standard. After three years in the house and countless other home improvement projects completed, they finally decided it was time to upgrade to vinyl replacement windows.
This is their story and here are the reasons they decided to install vinyl replacement windows:
1. Energy Efficiency – Their house was perpetually cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Single-pane windows are notoriously energy inefficient, and this couple had already spent a good deal of money on a new heating and cooling system and wanted to maximize its efficiency.
2. Security – The locks on their aluminum windows were flimsy and would be easy for a burglar to break. They knew that vinyl windows offered solid locking mechanisms and burglar-proof features.
3. Noise Reduction – A key reason they decided to replace the aluminum frame windows was the noise factor. Their street is busy with commuter traffic in the mornings and afternoons. Dual-pane windows provide a significant noise barrier that practically eliminate the sounds from outside their home.
4. Aesthetics – Of course, aesthetics is a major reason to consider vinyl replacement windows. Companies offer a variety of styles and finishes. You can often customize the window finishes to match your home’s paint color scheme. This couple wanted to improve the curb appeal of their home with vinyl replacement windows.
Posted in Replacement Windows | No Comments »
August 12th, 2010
Once you have decided you are ready to take on the next home improvement project, it is time to find the right person, or company, for the job. Whatever the reason, a growing family or increasing your home’s value, make sure to do your due diligence. Regal Home Improvement suggests keeping the following things in mind:
In hiring a contractor, look for a well-established company with a good tract record. Check with your local Better Business Bureau.
Understand your payment options. If the project requires financing, shop around for the best home improvement loan and ask about financing options through your home improvement company.
Ask for references. Most home improvement companies are happy to provide testimonials from previous customers.
Ask for a written contract. The contract should contain the contractor’s name, address, license number and contact number.
Posted in Home Improvements | No Comments »
August 9th, 2010
Personalize your deck with unique deck railing designs; a wonderful way to individualize your home’s style. There are different wood options and other materials available to help you create your own special look.
There are plenty of ways to individualize your deck using wood railings. Examples of wooden railings include colonial, victorian, tapered, twisted, bevelled, and plain styles. To make your design as unique as your home you could alternate sections between posts – one section with traditional balusters and the next section use specialty balusters.
Other deck railing design options include aluminum and glass. Aluminum can be twisted and turned for a unique look. You can use it alone or combine aluminum with wood. Glass used as a material for decks is growing in popularity. The glass can be individual pieces as traditional balusters form fitted between the posts or one full sheet of glass covering the full space between the posts. Use ONLY specialized glass made for deck railings.
Make sure that the design you choose suits the style of your home. Contact Regal Home Improvement today and talk to our experts about your deck.
Posted in Decks & Railings | No Comments »
