Build it Green

At Marvelous Home Makeovers we make deliberate actions in design, process and materials that will have a positive effect on our environment. We believe in educating our teammates, peers and clients about sustainable practices and technology in building science to be better stewards of our environment and set a better standard for the future.

We respect our planet and environment and encourage our clients to make choices that allow them to do the same. Here are some of the ways we execute earth friendly practices during our projects.

Design with the Earth in mind

  • Plan properly to reduce material waste
  • Select energy efficient appliances, ceiling fans, and lighting fixtures
  • Minimize disruption to existing plants and tress on job site

Reduce construction waste on site
We  recycle as many materials from the job site as possible, such as packing materials, old piping, lumber, etc.

Use environmentally friendly products

  • Low/No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) based products
  • OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for sub-floors and sheathing
  • Engineered lumber for framing and sheet goods

Build with continued energy efficiency in mind

  • Insulate pipes and walls beyond minimal code requirements to promote optimal efficiency
  • Leverage natural lighting
  • Install ceiling fans to reduce need for air conditioning

Home Improvement Tax Benefits

New federal tax credits are now available for green home improvements on a principal residence. Qualifying modifications must meet a certain energy efficiency level to be eligible for the credit. The credits are available for improvements purchased and in service from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. The amount of the credit is deducted from any income taxes the homeowner may owe. The credit is nonrefundable, allowing taxpayers to lower their tax liability to zero, but not below zero.

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 through December 31, 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
  • Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Water Heaters (non-solar)
  • Biomass Stove

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through December 31, 2016 (for existing homes and new construction) for:

  • Geothermal Heat Pumps
  • Solar Panels
  • Solar Water Heaters
  • Small Wind Energy Systems
  • Fuel Cells

Additional information is available from the Department of Energy.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

These advanced bulbs use up to 75% less energy than regular bulbs and they last about 6 to 12 times longer. Experts say that replacing regular lights with CFLs can be the cheapest, most effective way to get big savings on energy bills. Cost: about $3 a bulb. Payback: 3 to 71 months.

LED(light-emitting diode) lamps and lighting

  • Energy efficient
  • LED lights save you money on the long run.
  • LED light last much longer than incandescent and CFLs
  • LED light are much safer