IL Attorney General Issues Another Storm Chaser Warning Following Flooding
This weekend’s heavy rain caused a great deal of damage throughout our area (my basement included). Lisa Madigan, IL Attorney General, issued another consumer alert yesterday warning residents to be on their guard for con artists and scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners in our area. The Chicago area was already hit hard this spring with storm chasing contractors rolling in after April’s hail storms. Consumers have already been warned to be wary of contractors going door-to-door soliciting work for hail damaged roofing and siding. But the newest warning comes as a reminder that hail damage isn’t the only catastrophe that brings these storm chasers to our doors. Flooding and water damage bring the same danger and challenges for homeowners. Madigan warns residents to be extremely cautious when hiring a contractor to complete storm damage repairs.
You can read the entire text of the press release at the IL Attorney General webpage.
You can also read more about storm chasers and how to avoid them on our website.
Tax Credit Eligible Home Improvements MUST be completed by Dec 31, 2010
Just a reminder, those of you who plan to take advantage of the tax credits available for energy efficient home improvements MUST complete installation before the end of the year. Beginning in 2009, the federal government began issuing a tax credit for 30% of the cost of materials for some energy efficient home improvements, including replacement windows and doors, up to $1500. But the tax credit expires on December 31st, 2010, so if you plan to take advantage you should call your home improvement contractor soon. Installation calendars will fill up quickly with homeowners looking to take advantage of this opportunity before it expires. It can also take 4-6 weeks to measure, order and build your windows or doors, so you should call soon to insure that installation will happen in advance of that December 31st deadline. There are also several types of energy efficient roofing shingles that qualify for the tax credit, but as with the windows, installation will need to happen before the end of the year to qualify. And since roof installations need to happen before the weather turns too cold, you should act quickly if you plan to take advantage of these roofing options.
Remember, not all ENERGY STAR materials are eligible for the tax credit. Certain energy efficiency specifications must be met in order for your improvements to be eligible. Make sure that any window replacement contractor or roofing contractor you consider working with is knowledgeable of the specifics of the tax credit and has a system in place to provide you with all of the information you will need in order to correctly file for your tax credit.
More information about the federal tax credits for energy efficiency is available at the ENERGY STAR website. If you live in the Naperville, Chicago or greater Chicagoland area and would like us to give you a free estimate for roofing, window or door options that are eligible for these tax credits, then give us a call at 630-375-9110 or email info@HollingsworthHomeImprovement.com.