From the Builder

Greetings!

It was great to see many of you at the Canyon County Spring Home Show. It was a good show for us and attendance was up from the previous year. We made lots of new friends while we were there and we are looking forward to a busy 2011!

With spring just around the corner, you may have a little cabin fever and are starting to think about those home improvement projects you may have been considering. If that’s the case, now is a good time to start the planning process, get bids and prepare for the project to take shape.

This month we will focus on turning your master bedroom into a master suite, one of the top five remodeling projects of 2011. Homeowners (and especially empty-nester’s) are looking for ways to create a private, spa like retreat in their own home. Walk in closets, soaker and jetted tubs are just a few amenities that are at the top of list when it comes to this remodeling project.

Our good friend Dan Hunter won the forward contest (again!) and we would like to thank him by giving him two movie tickets.  We also want to thank everyone who is forwarding this news letter to thier friends, family and constituents.  Remember to use the "forward" button at the bottom of the news letter so your forwards will count. 

As always, we hope you enjoy the newsletter and your comments and feedback are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Jeff Hibbard
 

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Your Personal Escape...The Master Suite

Now days, even the most modest of homes have a master bedroom, which is a large bedroom with its own full bathroom. Though it is essentially a private space, it is also an important place for escape, sanctuary and preparing yourself for each day. If you live in a newer home, you may already have the space you want but may still need to do some rearranging and upgrades to make the space your sanctuary.

New flooring, windows, and paint colors will automatically brighten an existing space. Consider rearranging furniture to create a seating area, and work with designers to bring more organization and space to the closest. A master bathroom can transform into a spacious luxury spa within the same footprint by introducing new cabinetry, flooring and lighting. Upgrade to a whirlpool tub and a new shower with bench seating for ultimate relaxation.

Three basic elements make a bedroom a master suite: a bedroom area, a bathroom connected to the bedroom, and a walk-in closet. A master suite technically only needs these three basic elements, but they often evolve into something even more luxurious. Today's master suites may include features like fireplaces, entertainment centers, areas for lounging, reading, and conversations. When you add access to an outdoor deck or patio to a master bedroom it becomes master suite. Think of it as creating a private apartment within your home, and there are a few good ways to create this kind of luxury for yourself.

Click here to read more
 

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Homeowner Tax Breaks for 2010 Tax Season

The sub-prime mortgage meltdown of 2008 has not diminished the tax advantages of home ownership in America. Ownership of a personal residence is still easily the biggest tax break available to taxpayers. It is the only type of investment that offers both current and future tax breaks without having to be placed inside a tax-deferred account like an IRA.

Home ownership does come with some tax advantages. Before you benefit from any tax breaks, though, it is a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable tax professional or visit irs.gov for more information. This way, you can learn more about qualifying for tax breaks and get additional information on which tax breaks are phasing out and those you may be eligible for.

Here is a list of the major tax deductions available to homeowners in 2010:

Mortgage Interest
This is still probably the largest current deduction available to homeowners in America. Millions of homeowners write off billions of dollars of mortgage interest each year on their tax returns. Mortgage interest is reported to homeowners on Form 1098, which is issued by the mortgage lender. Homeowners then report this information on Schedule A of the 1040. This expense alone is often enough to allow many taxpayers to itemize.

For those married filing jointly, it is possible to get a tax deduction on interest payments on up to $1 million in mortgage debt secured by your first or second home. (Those filing separately get a deduction for up to $500,0000 of mortgage debt.) The only exception is if you pay cash for your house, and then take an equity loan out using the home as collateral.

Real Estate Taxes
The taxes assessed on personal residences are another major expense that is reported on Schedule A as an itemized deduction. This tax is paid to the state in which the residence is located and is usually also reported by mortgage lenders on Form 1098. If not, then the state department of revenue website usually has this information or the County Assessor’s Office.

Click here to see the complete list
 

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When Bad Remodels Happen to Good Houses

What happens when a renovation goes bad? Unscrupulous contractors are the major reason for unfinished work and poor quality workmanship, which leaves clients dissatisfied and unhappy. This shouldn’t happen to you but you have a 65% chance of this happening to you if you don’t hire the right contractor.

There are ways to help prevent or remedy a remodel job gone wrong. Here are four steps that homeowners can take to ensure a successful project or help resolve a bad situation.

1. Do your research before the job starts.
Performing due diligence beforehand reduces the chances of having shoddy work done on your home. This includes contacting several potential contractors until you have a list of at least three strong candidates.

2. Document everything.
Once you select a contractor, work with him or her to craft a written timeline for completion, including milestones to be met along the way. Make sure the scope of work and quality of materials is clearly defined in your contract.

3. Raise concerns immediately.
If you discover problems, promptly bring documented concerns to the attention of the supervisor or general contractor on site. Good communication is key to the success of your project and should be exercised throughout the process.

4. Escalate if necessary.
If the work problem hasn't been adequately resolved in a reasonable time or the contractor is unreachable, the next step may be legal action. Review your contract to determine how to proceed.

Your home is the biggest investment in your life and a bad remodel could destroy it's value. With all that at stake, it's really no wonder so many people are concerned about getting it right – the first time. However, that doesn't mean you should be frightened away. A successful remodel looks good, makes your home easier to live in, and improves the value of the home. No matter what kind of remodel you want to do, you can make it happen. All you need is a good plan right from the start.
 

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Just in Time for Warmer Weather

Another Hibbard Construction project completed.

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This daylight basement home originally had a deck at the main level and concrete patio at the basement level. The homeowner wanted to expand both the deck and the patio to twice its original size and have the deck covered to increase seasonal usage. Trex© decking material was used to construct the new deck, handrails and all columns wrapped and painted. The deck cover was constructed so as to match the exterior of the home and painted the same color scheme. Can lighting was installed in the new cover and two sets of stairs were constructed that lead to the lower level.