By Ryan Carey, MEI Sales Manager

Infinity from Marvin Replacement Windows have been the talk of the industry since their inception.  We were excited to learn more about this fiberglass product and how it would benefit our window installation customers at a training for Marvin Infinity Windows in Warroad. Minnesota Exteriors sales reps Dan Geis, Bob Guzzo, and Rodd Olsen came along with me to check it out.

We met with other sales reps from around the country that also sell Infinity windows at MSP and took Marvin’s plane up to Warroad.  Once we arrived, trainer Jay Berry greeted us and brought us to a restaurant that serves fresh walleye right out of Lake of the Woods. This was quite a treat for all the other reps, travelling from California to Virginia
and many states in between.  Jay Berry told us about the history of Warroad and how the Marvin family has been an integral part of the community for nearly 100 years.

In times when many talk about corporate greed, there could not be a more refreshing story than Marvin’s commitment to its employees and to the Warroad area.  When the company’s building burned down in the 1961, many larger communities with larger employee bases offered Marvin incentives to rebuild in their city. Warroad is a small town that is very isolated in its position along the Canadian border and Lake of the Woods, but the Marvin family refused to abandon the town that made them the company the were. A new factory was built in Warroad and the Marvin family continued to help out the employees financially while they waited for the factory to be operational.

With the recent downturn in the economy, Marvin stood as one of the only window manufacturers that didn’t lay off workers.

Hours were cut back and managers took pay cuts, but Marvin did not want to lose any of what they considered their greatest asset: their employees.  The Marvin company received national recognition for this fact, as president Susan Marvin was interviewed on Fox News and President Obama mentioned Marvin Windows in a speech as a positive example to be held for all American companies.

In the next two days, we learned about the benefits and strength of Infinity Fiberglass Windows and were truly amazed by the product.  Even more amazing is the Everwood Pine interior.  It can be stained like wood,but doesn’t deteriorate with moisture. We encourage those in the market for windows to stop by the newly remodeled Minnesota Exteriors showroom, where we have a “fish tank” display with an Everwood Pine window sash submerged in water.  We also have full Infinity window displays in our showroom along with all the roofing and siding displays one would need to see for a full exterior remodel.

We were actually sad to leave Warroad after the training.  We were taught well, fed well, and treated well.  We made some great new friends from around the country and even made a successful trip to the local casino!  Thanks again to Jay Berry, Molly Carr, and the Marvin family for making the trip such a great experience.  We look forward to coming back soon!

Minnesota Exteriors, Inc. was honored with two Trillium Awards for the fine exterior work completed on homes built by TJB Homes, Inc. and K. A. Witt Construction, Inc.  The first award was in the $245,000-$269,999 category and featured prefinished James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim, and Rollex aluminum soffit and fascia.  The second award was in the $285,000-$304,999 category and showcased the installation of James Hardie fiber cement siding and fiber cement shakes, Heartland vinyl siding and Rollex soffit and fascia.  Both homes were featured in the recent Fall Parade of Homes. 

This is not the first time that Minnesota Exteriors has been recognized for superior workmanship.  In 2008 MEI received two Trillium Awards for outstanding exteriors in conjunction with TJB Home, Inc. and Andreen Construction.

Minnesota Exteriors wants you to be aware of some basic ideas / tips when repairing or restoring your home after a storm or natural disaster.  You will need to work with your insurance company, their adjuster and a qualified contractor to make these repairs a reality and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.  We have put these tips together from our 63+ years in business along with some information from the Better Business Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

What to do first – Contact your insurance company

• Call your insurance agent or insurance company and provide a description of your damage.  Once your loss is reported, an insurance company adjuster will contact you to inspect the damage.  It can be an advantage to a homeowner to have a qualified contractor at the adjustment inspection to help the adjuster find all damage to the home. 
• Take photos of the damaged areas. Pictures can be valuable if any questions arise during the claims process.  A qualified contractor can help with this part of the process.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage – cover broken windows, damaged roofs, etc. Keep track of supplies and materials you purchase.  Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
• Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected.
• Read your policy to determine what is covered and the level of coverage that exists. Most policies have deductibles that will apply.  Some deductibles are only a few hundred dollars and others are much larger and sometimes a percentage of the homes value.  Understand how much of the loss you will be responsible for in the repair / restoration process.
• A typical policy will usually cover the replacement cost for the damaged portion of your home, including any upgrades that are required by local codes when damage is repaired.
• Refrain from filing an insurance claim for repairs that you do not intend to make. There could be repercussions from your insurance company when you are being compensated to make certain repairs. Keep in mind that if you hold a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company may have a vested interest in you making the repairs and most mandate you to make the repairs.

What to do next – Contact a contractor about repairs

After a storm event there will be contractors seeking work, some licensed and reputable and some not.  You will have contractors knocking on your door and canvassing your neighborhood.  You will hear and see advertisements on the radio, television and in the newspapers plus direct mail.  How can you make an informed decision on whom to hire to restore your home?  Keep reading for some very important tips and information.

• Remember to ask the contractor if he/she is licensed in Minnesota as a building contractor. Make sure the contractor license is in good standing and there are no enforcement actions against the contractor license.  Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651.284.5065 or www.doli.state.mn.us for online license lookup. 
• Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.  A qualified contractor will not have a problem providing these items.
• Get all proposals in writing, and be sure the contractors name, phone number, address, and license number is on the proposal. Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses.
• Ask your contractor for references. Check with the Better Business Bureau at www.thefirstbbb.org to read a company’s reliability report.
• Be aware that anything you sign is a contract. Read carefully or avoid signing an “estimate” or “authorization” form before you have actually decided to hire a particular contractor. Pay special attention to any details in bold, that are underlined or that you need to initial.  Once you ‘sign for it’, in many cases ‘you bought it’.
• Some contractors specialize in storm damage repair. Ask your contractor to explain their process for working with insurance companies and to describe what you can expect to experience during the process. For example, the claim may need to change depending on whether or not additional damage is found during the restoration process.
• Local or national companies may both do a fine job with your storm damage repair needs. If you choose to do business with someone who is not local, be sure to understand who will be taking care of any service needs that may arise after the completion of the project and the contractor has left town.
• Consumers may or may not be entitled to a re-inspection if their initial storm damage claim is denied. Factors taken into consideration may include the quality of the original report and the photos from the original inspection. You will want to ask your contractor to assist in asking for a re-inspection.
• Some companies list bids on their on contract to do service work on your home and some do not (basing their pricing on insurance allowance). Both are acceptable methods of conducting business.
• Consumers may or may not be entitled to a re-inspection if their initial storm damage claim is denied. Factors taken into consideration may include the quality of the original report and the photos from the original inspection. You may want to ask a qualified contractor to assist in asking for a re-inspection.
• Understand the differences between warranties and guarantees. The manufacturer warranties their products and contractors have warranties on service. Contractors may also offer customer service guarantees. Get copies of any/all warranties and guarantees.

The most important thing for a homeowner to do after a storm is to understand their insurance policy and not make hasty decisions about which contractor to hire to fix your home.  Unscrupulous contractors try and take advantage of a homeowners fear at this time.  As long as you make temporary repairs such as boarding broken windows you have time to chose and hire a competent contractor using the information above.

Minnesota Exteriors has been in business locally for over 63 years and has worked with insurance companies on behalf of thousands of Minnesota homeowners.   To learn more about repairing your home after a storm or other catastrophic event you can call Minnesota Exteriors at 763-493-5500.

The new credit has different maximums on windows and doors but some of the factors are the same.  The windows and exterior doors must meet the requirements for the ENERGY STAR rating.  In both cases the credit only applies to the cost of the product and does not include installation costs.  The tax credit is for up to 10% of the amount paid with the following maximums:

1. The tax credit maximum is $500 total for all improvements.  This includes windows, doors, roofs, HVAC, water heaters and insulation. 
2. The maximum credit on qualifying windows is $200.
3. The maximum credit on qualifying doors is $500.
4. If you replace both windows and doors the total maximum is $500 and only $200 of the credit may be from a window purchase. 

Minnesota Exteriors has a variety of windows and doors available to homeowners that qualify for the 2011 credits.  These products include vinyl windows, wood windows, aluminum clad windows, patio doors and entry doors. 

In order to qualify for the credit homeowners must:

1. Purchase and install qualifying windows and doors beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
2. Save you invoice, Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and NFRC ratings from your windows and doors.  Your contractor should assist you with gathering this information.
3. Claim the tax credit associated with your purchase on your Federal filing in 2011.

For more information you can visit www.energystar.gov.

These days, cost is a large factor when making any decision about home improvements.  While the cost of a metal roof can be significantly higher that asphalt, there are other benefits that you won’t find elsewhere.

Metal Roofs

• Metal roofing can last as long as 60 years or more.
• This is the lightest material you can install on your roof.
• Most manufacturers offer warranties that last up to 50 years.
• Metal roofing offers excellent wind resistance and withstands hail better than an asphalt shingle.
• Metal roofing is environmentally friendly.

While these are all great reasons to select a metal roof for your home, some homeowners feel the look of a metal roof is too harsh for a residential application.  Many of us are used to seeing metal roofs on industrial buildings and barns and have difficulty picturing them in our neighborhood.

Before you make your decision on which product is right for your home you should also consider asphalt shingles.

Traditional Asphalt Shingles

• Asphalt shingles are a product that homeowners know and trust.  These roofs have been used in the home building industry for 100 years and continue to be widely used today.
• The cost of an asphalt roof is lower than a metal roof.
• Asphalt shingles are easy to install and repair.  Often an asphalt roof can be completed in a single day.
• There are different styles of shingles that mimic the look of shakes or slate which give homeowners the opportunity to install a better looking and better quality shingle.
• Asphalt roofs often come with a 20-30 year warranty and require minimal maintenance.

Your roof is the most important surface on your home.  It is constantly exposed to the elements including sun, rain and snow.  A leaky roof can result in thousands of dollars of repairs to your home.  It is important that you take the necessary steps to replace your roof if you suspect your existing roof isn’t up to par.  Hopefully Minnesota Exteriors has provided the information necessary for you to make an informed decision.

Minnesota Exteriors wants all Minnesota homeowners to be aware of significant changes to the tax code that took effect as a part of the Economic Stimulus Bill that was signed into law on February 17, 2009.  This law increases the tax credits for eligible exterior home items such as replacement windows, doors and steel roofing installations made between now and December 31, 2010.

What energy-efficient exterior home improvements are eligible?

• Replacement windows including skylights and storm windows.  The windows must meet or exceed both a U Factor and SHGC criteria of less than or equal to .30.  (In general, only some Energy Star rated windows qualify).
• Exterior doors including door/storm door combos that meet or exceed both a U Factor and SHGC criteria of less than or equal to .30.
• Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements are eligible.

The tax credit does not apply to insulated siding.  The IRS clarified that insulated siding does not qualify as an Eligible Building Envelope Component for purposes of the energy tax credit.

Who is eligible to receive the credit?

Individuals who install specific energy-efficient home improvements qualify for the credit.  All the improvements must be installed on or in the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States.  A principle residence is defined as a home that you own and where you live most of the time.

The home must be in the United States. It can include a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, condominium, and a manufactured home.  New construction homes are not eligible for the credit.  Condo and co-op improvements are apportioned to the owners.

How much is the credit?

The tax credit amount is 30% of the product cost of the energy-efficient improvement measures for windows, doors, roofs and other parts of the building “shell”.  There is a total lifetime cap on the credit amount of $1,500.  Thus, the credit applies to up to $5,000 in total product costs.  The cost to install the products is not eligible for a tax credit.

When is it available?

The home improvements tax credit applies to improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.  The IRS defines “placed in service” as when the products or materials are ready and available for use.  This would generally refer to the installation, not the purchase.

What do I need to do to get the tax credit?

Homeowners will need to file IRS Form 5695 with your taxes.  In addition, you will need to keep receipts proving that you purchased the improvements.  The receipt must show how much of the improvement was for product and how much was for installation.  You must also keep a copy of the manufacturer’s certification.  Products placed in service in 2009 must be filed on a homeowner’s 2009 tax return and products placed in service in 2010 must be filed on a homeowner’s 2010 tax return

Minnesota Exteriors will supply the proper invoice and a copy of the manufacturer’s certification to you when the job is complete.  Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return.

Can I get $1,500 in 2009 and another $1,500 in 2010?

No – even if you purchase multiple products you can only get a maximum of $1,500 over the 2-year period (2009 & 2010). Basically you can spend up to $5,000 during this 2 year period on a single or multiple products and get 30% or $1,500 (30% of $5,000 = $1,500) back as a tax credit. If you get the entire $1,500 credit in 2009, then you can’t get anything additional in 2010.

What is a tax credit and why is it more valuable than a tax deduction?

You don’t receive an income tax credit when you buy the product as you would with an instant rebate.  You claim the credit on your federal income tax form at the end of the year.  The credit then increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay.

Tax credits vs. tax deductions:  In general, a tax credit is more valuable than a similar tax deduction.  A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar.  Tax deductions, like those for home mortgages and charitable giving, lower your taxable income.  If you are in the highest 35% tax bracket, the income tax you pay is reduced by 35% of the value of a tax deduction.  But a tax credit reduces you federal income tax by 100% of the amount of the credit.

Is there an income limit on the tax credit?

There is no upper or lower limit on income for the energy efficient tax credits.

However, these energy efficiency tax credits are technically “non-refundable.” which means you can’t get more money back in tax credits than you pay in federal income taxes (your tax liability).  Tax credits are being administered by the IRS.

Minnesota Exteriors proudly installs products that qualify for the $1500 tax credit including:

• Andersen Windows Eco Excel package
• WeatherShield Windows
• Vista Windows
• Donlin Doors
• Edco Steel Roofing

To learn more about how you can take advantage of the tax credits offered to homeowners by the Economic Stimulus Bill you can call Minnesota Exteriors at 763-515-4851.

Minnesota Exteriors is not a tax advisor.  Please contact your accountants or tax advisor to receive personal guidance.

Most people are aware of the federal tax credit which gives homeowners a tax rebate of up to $1500 when they purchase energy efficient products including windows, doors, roofing, HVAC, insulation and water heaters.  For the uber-green homeowner you can even qualify for the rebate when you purchase solar panels, geothermal heat pumps and residential wind turbines.  It is a simple program-homeowners report the material cost on IRS form 5695 and retain a copy of the manufacturer’s certification statement for their records.*

Many homeowners have also caught on to state and local funding programs that offer home improvement loans at low interest rates often below current market rates.  These “fix-up” funds help improve the home’s energy efficiency while giving homeowners the opportunity to increase the value of their home.

More information on these loan programs can be found at the Center for Energy and Environment at www.mncee.org.

*Homeowners should consult a tax professional when applying for the energy credit.

Spring is a great time to do a walk around your home and property to make note of items in need of repair and maintenance.  Here are just a few things to keep in mind:

• Inspect concrete for cracks and seal with an appropriate waterproof caulk or cement.
• Remove all debris from your gutters and make sure your downspouts are positioned properly to drain water away from your foundation.  Use a hose to check for leaks.
• Do a visual inspection of your roof.  If there appear to be areas of concern, have the roof professionally inspected.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer.
• Check the weather-stripping around doors and windows and replace any that are worn.  Close up any air leaks by checking the condition of caulking around exterior door and window frames.

And finally, Spring is also a great time to test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.