Renew • Colorado's Remodeling Magazine

Dispelling common myths about solar panel systems in Colorado

Despite the fact that solar panels are dotting roofs all across Colorado, many homeowners still might be skeptical. Several myths exist about this form of energy, including its cost and effectiveness. Below are five commonly held myths and the actual facts that dispel these falsehoods.

Solar Myth #1: Solar panel systems are too expensive.

Colorado currently has some of the best local utility rebates in the country. Rebates from utility providers such as Xcel Energy or Black Hills Energy, combined with a federal tax credit, can pay for more than 50 percent of a system’s cost. You can avoid missing out on these huge rebates by working with a solar installer to lock in your rebate.

Solar Myth #2:  Solar panel prices keep dropping, so I should wait to purchase a solar panel system for my home.

Solar panel pricing has gone down over the past several years and is currently at a historic, all time low. One reason for this is the basic law of supply and demand. Currently, solar panel manufacturers are sitting on large inventories of solar panels that they are trying to sell — panels they purchased before the current economic recession hit. Industry competition also has continued to drive down the price of solar panel systems.

However, the market for solar is growing at a rapid pace, and the increased demand is leveling out pricing. With the current incentives pushing an ever-growing demand, the price of solar panels has stabilized.

Solar Myth #3: If I install now, my panels will become obsolete.

While there are new products in development, such as thin-film technologies, most experts would agree that there is nothing on the near-term horizon that will rival the efficiency, durability or performance of the current generation of poly-and mono-crystalline solar panels. Unlike other products, like televisions or computers, the same technology that has been in place for more than 30 years is still the leading technology today. In fact, many of the first solar panels that were ever developed are still in use currently, with only slightly lower production levels than when they were originally installed. As a proven and widespread technology, solar panel manufacturers typically offer an incredible 25-year power production warranty, attesting to the longevity and performance of today’s panels.

Solar Myth #4: Solar panels are aesthetically unappealing and will lower the value of my home.

Most people who make this statement are referring to the older solar water heating (thermal) systems that were installed several decades ago. These large solar collectors, used to heat your home’s water supply, were typically installed on a tilt-up racking system and were larger and much more visible than the even more modern and compact solar water heating collectors installed today.

Solar electric panels, by contrast, are typically mounted flush to your roof, and now come in a variety of sizes and shapes to make them fit the angles and contours of your roof. At only about two inches thick, solar electric panels integrate virtually seamlessly onto your home.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, homes equipped with solar panel systems are proven to actually increase in value and appreciate over time. According to a study conducted by the Appraisal Institute, the selling prices of homes increased by $20.73 for every $1 decrease in annual utility bills.

For example, a Colorado home outfitted with an average-size renewable energy system would add $20,000 to the overall value of the home at current electricity rates.

Solar Myth #5: My Homeowner’s Association (HOA) would never allow me to install solar panels on my roof.

In Colorado, there is a law that prevents Homeowner’s Associations from forbidding homeowners who wish to install renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. This law was actually strengthened in August of 2008, and it now includes a more extensive list of energy-saving improvements you can make to your home.

Solar panels are not only cost-effective, but save money in the long run and can increase the overall value of your home. Solar is not a futuristic idea — it’s becoming more commonplace everyday and will continue to grow in popularity as more of these common myths are shattered.

Founded in 2006, Standard Renewable Energy (SRE) is the nation’s largest Distributed Energy Services Company (DESCO) and leading provider of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses. Products and services include solar and wind energy systems, energy monitoring, energy audits, efficiency heating and cooling products, high-efficiency insulation and lighting, solar window film and more.

By Zeke Yewdall, Chief Electrical Engineer
Standard Renewable Energy
www.sre3.com

Posted on 21 March 2010

Find yourself in ‘the zone’ during your next high-end kitchen remodel

The first concern of today’s homeowner who is looking for a high-end kitchen, whether it’s new construction or a remodel, is to find a designer consultant who is knowledgeable and experienced, has a hand on the pulse of the industry and is a good fit for them and their project. What the homeowner wants is someone who can create an individualized space featuring one-of-a-kind luxury items and the newest and hottest products. The room must reflect their lifestyle and life preference. The “wow” factor is being replaced with the “me” expression in this highly used room as homeowners’ needs evolve.

Spatial planning
Kitchen design is now based on activity zones rather than the working triangle or work centers of the past. Activities include a consumable zone that contains both dry and refrigerated food items; a non-consumable zone that is used to store items accessed daily, such as dishes, glasses, plastic containers and silverware; a cleaning zone where the sink, dishwasher and recycling center are located, as well as trash bins. Cleaning supplies are also kept in this zone. The preparation zone is the main work area of the kitchen. Utensils, mixing bowls, small electrical items, plus all items needed for food preparation are found here. Finally, the cooking zone includes the cooktop, ovens, microwave, pots and pans, cooking utensils, baking items, spices and all items commonly used while cooking.

Bigger vs. smaller
A smaller kitchen within the full kitchen works well for today’s lifestyle. During the week, we use a smaller portion of the room to prepare meals and snacks.

Gathering areas
During the weekend we spend more time there with our family members and friends. Having enough space for this social interaction is a must, and should include plenty of seating. Seating can be at table height, countertop height or even higher.

Storage and organization
These options are big factors when it comes to individualizing a kitchen for the homeowner. It could include a silvercloth-lined drawer for the silverware, customized storage for several sets of dishes, special serving pieces, specialty appliances and refrigeration for handy storage of wines.

Appliances
The appearance of appliances is emerging as an important design element in the kitchen. Having the same style handle on every appliance is important to some homeowners. The brands of the appliances need to fit into the design based on the “me” factor.

Personal mementos
Well-traveled people like to incorporate styles they’ve discovered in foreign countries in their new kitchens. They also bring home goods to use in the kitchen or to simply enjoy as a reminder of their trip. The inclusion of these mementos is tantamount to creating that “me” expression in their kitchen. Foreign travel is also influencing color. Many cultures of the world use a more saturated color pallet, which is needed to help create the feeling of the design expression.

Penny Morrow, CKD, is based in Arvada.
pennym.ckd@gmail.com
303-795-6060, office
303-931-7070, cell

Posted on 11 September 2009

Where Denver-area pros offer advice

Tom Higgins owns and operates Superior Products Home Improvements in Littleton and is the immediate past chair of the HBA of Metro Denver Remodelors Council.

Q.What are the current trends in home remodeling?

A.The biggest trends in remodeling right now relate to the slumping housing industry and the consumer credit crunch. People who might have otherwise traded up and bought a new home are now opting to stay in their current home. This encourages remodeling projects because home owners often opt to remodel a room they’ve always wanted to fix, knowing that they are going to be there for awhile.

Another trend is that the big home builders are now starting to get into the remodeling business to make ends meet. On one hand, competition is good for consumers. On the other hand, some contractors with no real expertise in remodeling are getting into that business.

Q.What are the current design trends in remodeling?

A.One of the biggest remodeling design trends is a focus on “outdoor living.” Outdoor living extends the livable space of your home with decking systems (made with new composite materials that don’t rot, crack, or need much maintenance) and outdoor cooking/dining areas and outdoor cooking equipment ranging from high-end grills and smokers to outdoor refrigeration units. Given Colorado’s 300-plus days of sunshine a year, investments in outdoor living certainly make sense for Colorado homeowners.

Q.What remodeling work has the best chance of improving the resale value of my home?

A.According to a 2008 study by Remodeling Magazine, the top investments that will enhance the re-sale value of one’s home are new siding and replacement windows. This is because new siding and new windows contribute greatly to a home’s curb appeal. In addition to improved aesthetics, new energy-efficient windows help lower heating and cooling bills because there’s less leakage. With the anticipated rises in heating costs this winter alone, investing in windows that keep the cold outside and the heat inside makes good sense.

Q.How do I hire the right remodeling contractor?

A.It’s a sad truth that home improvement contractors are ranked number one in consumer complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau.

To follow the top 10 best practices in contractor selection, seek out contractors that:
1. Don’t use high-pressure sales tactics.
2. Offer standard payment terms (vs. asking for all the money up front, or cash).
3. Can prove their credentials and gladly offer references.
4. Obtain the permits for the project (vs. asking you to get the permits).
5. Offer a realistic schedule (vs. something that doesn’t seem feasible).
6. Offer a written warranty of their work.
7. Are organized in their approach to the work and contract.
8. Are a member either of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
9. Get a high percentage of their work from repeat business or referrals from their past customers.
10. Offer a lien waiver (which protects you from a lien, should the contractor not pay their subcontractors).

Q.How do I protect myself from my property being placed under a lien when undergoing a remodeling project?

A.In many cases, your remodeling contractor will utilize subcontractors for certain parts of the project. It’s the contractor’s job to ensure these people are paid for their work. To ensure that this has been done and to protect you from a property lien for unpaid subcontractors that have not been paid, insist on a written lien waiver upon completion of the project for both materials and labor, and make sure the contractor is willing to provide you with a lien waiver before you begin the project.

Q.What elements should a contract for remodeling contain?

A.A good contract for a remodeling project should contain the following 10 items:
1. Project timetable.
2. Specific price and payment schedule.
3. Detailed specs for products and materials.
4. Insurance information, including safety provisions for children and pets during the remodeling process.
5. Permit information.
6. Procedures for handling change orders.
7. Lien releases (waivers).
8. Provisions for conflict resolution.
9. Notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days.
10. Details on logistical issues such as access to your home, care of the premises, bathroom usage by workers, clean-up policy, and work that’s not included.

Q.As the head of the HBA of Metro Denver’s Remodeling Council, what advice do you have for people considering a remodeling project?

A.There are three key things homeowners need to watch out for when starting a remodeling project:

First, have a plan.

Second, don’t over-invest.

Third, have a detailed contract from the start so project specifications, special items — and what’s not going to be done — are crystal clear.

Posted on 07 March 2009

Stacey Davis owns Stace’s Spaces, Real Estate Staging & Interior Redesign in Centennial.
303-842-1723
www.StacesSpaces.com

Q. What is home staging?

A. Home staging is using limited funds, practical creativity and extraordinary expertise to professionally prepare a home to sell. A staged home becomes clearly more attractive to potential buyers and sells quickly for more money. Staging is a small investment resulting in greater home sale earnings. Staging can be as simple as a one- or two-hour consultation, after which a detailed do-it-yourself report can be provided. Another option is a half-day of hands-on staging working with what the homeowner already has. It can be as in depth as an entire home makeover or completely furnishing and accessorizing a vacant home for the duration of the listing. Stagers can make recommendations based on a client’s budget. A professional stager can recommend the best service for the home and the client.

Q. When should I stage my home?

A. Ideally, before it goes on the market. Staging a home prior to listing will assure that your photos look great and are going to draw in potential buyers. Statistics show that over 80 percent of potential buyers shop online first. Having great photos of the interior and exterior of the home will attract more interested buyers. Every day that a home is on the market without being staged reduces the chance of achieving the sales goal. If your home was not staged prior to listing, it is time to get it staged. Don’t let another potential buyer walk away.

Q. Can I stage my own home? Should I have a friend help?

A. A home is typically a large investment, potentially gaining thousands of dollars if sold for the highest possible price. A professional home stager is there to be impartial and to help make you the most profit possible in the shortest amount of time. Experts in the industry will have the resources and experience to obtain discounts to stage your home for the least possible cost. Staging a home to sell is way beyond cleaning and de-cluttering. In the least, have a professional come in and give you an unbiased report that you can work from.

Q. Is home staging expensive?

A. No, especially when compared to having to reduce your price, or having your home go unsold for a long period of time. An article published February 2007 by Realtor Magazine Online reported that staged homes sell 50 percent faster than non-staged homes. In the same article, it stated professionally staged homes sell on average for 7 percent more than non-staged properties. Staging a home to sell could mean simply rearranging the furniture to create a better traffic flow or repainting. Professional home stagers will recommend the most cost effective improvements needed to make a home stand out above the competition. A complete staging consultation can be done for as little as $150.

Q. Do I need to buy all new furniture to stage a vacant home?

A. No. Professional stagers will have the resources to completely furnish a vacant home for the time it is on the market. Bringing in artwork, greenery, modern furniture, and accessories will help show buyers what living in that home could be like. Staging can be done for one room or the entire house. An experienced stager will give you their recommendation on what rooms need to be staged to help sell the home. A stager will emphasize the positive characteristics of the home while detracting from the negative features. But an ethical stager will never hide defects!

Q. Does every home need to be staged?

A. Yes. Staging is a marketing tool used to present the home. With so many choices for a buyer in today’s market, a home needs to stand out above the competition and entice buyers. This will help assure you the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.

Q. How do I choose a home stager?

A. Choose a professional, someone with experience in the field. Look at their website, portfolio, and testimonials. Typically, professionals will have personal statistics showing they are result oriented with a reputation to protect. Stagers should have the proper business insurance to cover the home, and merchandise in it. As with most industries you get what you pay for. Don’t go with the cheapest stager in town, chances are they are lacking in experience, but you don’t need the most expensive either. And above all, ask questions.

Posted on 01 June 2008