Monthly Archives: October 2011

The Governor has withdrawn the Capital Improvement Tax…due in part to the determination and tireless efforts of Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, NYSBA and STHBRA Leaders. This is one item on the list of taxes that will be eliminated from the proposed 2009-2010 Executive Budget: Eliminate Proposed Limitation on the Capital Improvement Exemption. The Executive Budget would have limited the capital improvement exemption under the tax code to new construction, a new addition to existing construction, or complete reconstruction. This proposal is no longer recommended. (2009-10 Impact: $120 million, 2010-11 Impact: $160 million). This is Good News for our area and this industry!!!

We can be proud that neighbors in our area have pulled together to help each other after our recent floods. Now, it’s time to pull together again as we try to rebuild lives and homes. On behalf of Southern Tier Home Builders & Remodelers Association, we’d like to warn you about another potential disaster: unscrupulous contractors. Beware Of These Warning Signs: You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.” You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front”—or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company. You are confronted with scare tactics. You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price. You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today. The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located. You can’t verify the contractor’s business address. Need Help Finding A Contractor? If a contractor you feel is not being upfront has contacted you, please contact Southern Tier Home Builders & Remodelers Association [...]

When you first move into your new home, you wonder how you are going to fill up the large, empty space. Pretty soon life takes over — and before you know it, you are wondering where all of that space went. If you find yourself struggling to find room to store everything you’ve accumulated over the years, see if these storage options might work for you. Do An Audit Before you invest a lot of time deciding where things should go, look through your closet, files and drawers to determine what can be thrown or given away. For clothes, it is a good rule of thumb to get rid of items that you have not worn in more than 12 months. A lot of your household financial documents and papers may be available online through the provider company’s Web site. If that is the case, discard old financial statements or bills that you can more easily access electronically. Invest in a paper shredder for these documents to protect your identity and accounts. It is very [...]

Update Your Home Safely with a Certified Remodeler You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home. But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project. In 1978, the use of lead paint was officially banned from residential construction. Before that, however, lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead- based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The Dangers of Lead Paint During a renovation or remodel, dust from lead paint removal can fill the air and be breathed in or small children could ingest lead paint chips that fall from the wall. For young children, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, hearing loss and behavior problems. In adults, [...]