$8000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit 

Visit this web site for more information www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

 January 19, 2010

It must be so cheap to build right now!!! I hear this every day and feel its important for people to understand that building and remodeling new is still just that, building NEW. We are still using New products, features and the codes to build and remodel. Most pricing has remained relatively the same with some exceptions with certain products such as copper, metal and cement. Those products will also begin to rise as the world economies improve. The competitiveness for work on projects is very high and savings are to be had but with only careful scrutiny of who is doing the work. There is some desperation out there to get work and unfortunately that has led to under pricing to get a job and once the work starts your presented with additional costs for so called unexpected work. Also remember thousands of construction jobs have been lost in Arizona and without revenue many companies stop paying their insurance, licenses and bonds, so do your research before choosing the lowest bid or any bid. A great way to check the status of contractors, subs and companies is to look them up at the Arizona Register of Contractors web site. www.azroc.gov In conclusion remember the old phrase "you get what you pay for". Don't gamble with your home, as most trends are now saying we will be staying in our homes longer these days.

Tucson Electric Power currently has excellent information on the rebates and bottom line savings for installing Solar Electric and Water. There has never been a better time to install these energy saving features that are also more environmentally responsible. www.tep.com/Green

The Builder

As Tucson native and the first contractor and builder in Southern Arizona to build a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certified Home, I am committed to building and remodeling homes with principles that exceed national standards and create less impact on the environment. I also provide consulting services if you are considering greening your home.info@gipsoncorwin.com

The Company

Gipson Corwin Homes was established in 2004 as an LLC and has completed several remodels and homes throughout Tucson. All designs are developed and drafted by me and separately engineered if out of prescriptive code. A variety of home designs are available. Design services are also available for your own plan ideas.

Remodeling?

During these difficult economic times most of my current work is designing, drafting and remodeling projects. There are several advantages to remodeling and expanding your existing residence and which I can provide design and build services to ease the process and help improve the energy efficiency and performance of your home.

Build Lots Available with or without home plans

• Located in NW Tucson, near the Saguaro National Monument.  MLS numbers: Go to www.tarmls.com and look up #20831887 for the smaller house at 2000 sq. ft. and #20831864 for the lager version at 2278 sp. ft. Lots are also available for purchase without homes. Please call or email for more information. info@gipsoncorwin.com

Home plans are designed for Energy Savings, Green attributes and environmental advantages with a variety of size options.

This small 1400 sf. home is designed to be a zero energy home, with solar electric, solar water and highly energy efficient. Email for more information on how a home achieves Zero Energy status.

 

News

Rebates & incentives

There are several rebates and incentives available for solar and energy efficient upgrades to your home. Listed are just a few. Email me for others or use the links.

City of Tucson - free permits for Solar installs up to $1000 credit.

Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit - Up to $1500 Federal

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit - 30% of cost with no limit - Federal

What is Green? Green washing?

The most common question today is what does Green really mean and the interpretation is varied depending on who you ask, however the industry is now providing several local and national certification programs. The US Green Building Council appears to have the longest establish and most developed program for certifying projects as Green. And the National Home Builders Association now has the Model Green Home Building Guidelines, which has now evolved into the National Green Building Standard as established by the International Code Council. Green washing is a term for those taking advantage of green terminology and calling something green that really is not. Most Green programs revolve around the following categories

Energy Efficiency

Includes: Tight Construction, Improved Thermal Systems, Right-Sized HVAC, Framing and Sheathing, Lighting Efficiency and Energy Star Appliances.

Water Efficiency

Includes: Low-Flow/High Efficiency Toilets, High Performance Appliances, Engineered Plumbing Systems

Indoor Environmental Quality

Includes: Duct Tightness, Right-Sized HVAC, Combustion Safety, Fresh Air and Spot Ventilation, Air Balancing, Internal Moisture Management, Low or NO-VOC paint, Low or NO-VOC carpets,

Durability

Includes: Advanced Framing Techniques, Air Barrier, Thermal Barrier, Internal Moisture Management

Sustainable Sites

Includes: No invasive plants, limited turf, drought tolerant plantings, permeable materials (driveway)

Education

Teaching the occupants about living in a Green home and also educating the public.