Going Green with your Patio Can Save You BIG in 2015

In this way- a new addition to your home could pay for itself, and quickly! So there’s no better time than now to save yourself some dough come tax day and help out the environment by choosing sustainable, or recycled products and reducing your carbon foot print. Below are some incentives California is offering to home owners who choose to go green this year:

1.) Energy Star

Products that pass the Energy Star test generally use 10 to 50 percent less energy or water than other models. They include everyday items like storm doors, water heaters, and certain types of roofs. When it comes to patios- think about purchasing an Energy Star grill to reduce your gas consumption!

2.) Natural Gas BBQs

For existing homes used as a primary residence, homeowners can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of these appliances, with a cap set at $1,500. So $5,000 worth of renovations could be reduced to $3,500 after the refund if you qualify. That’s a HUGE savings! How do you know if its energy star? Check for their logo!

3.) Home Builders can benefit as well!

Green tax breaks are not just for renovating existing homes: New-home builders have an opportunity to take advantage of tax incentives as well if they built more energy-efficient homes before January 1. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, home builders can get a $2,000 tax credit for building a new, energy-efficient home that achieves 50 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the minimum standard. Home builders who achieve energy savings of 30 percent could receive a $1,000 tax credit.

4.) Gas Heating

Heating is the number one energy expense for most customers. In fact, heating can account for more than half of your total gas bill. Switching to a natural gas furnace or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model can help save you money. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) provides weatherization and furnace repair/replacement to qualified limited-income customers.

5.) Use Reclaimed/Recycled Materials

Using reclaimed or recycled materials is one of the best things you can do for the environment. It completely eliminates energy drains associated with quarrying, processing, and manufacturing new materials, and it saves discarded building materials from ending up in a landfill. In addition, recycled/reclaimed brick, stone, and concrete pavers are particularly well-suited for use in driveways, patios, walkways, and even interior flooring applications thanks to their potentially long life spans, durability, and high level of availability in many areas. We offer a wide selection of quality, recycled or composite materials which add style and a piece of mind.

5.) Solar Panels:

We know what you're thinking- solar panels seem like a huge undertaking, and its no secret that some people don’t find the panels particularly aesthetically pleasing. However, technology continues to improve- the panels become sleeker, thinner, easy to manage, and less and less noticeable. The incentives are many!
to get more information on tax rebates. More and more, the environment becomes the urgent topic of conversation. Going green with your next home build could pay for the renovations! The rebates and incentives are out there, and we will use our expert knowledge to meet all of your energy saving goals.