On February 17th 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The highlights for homeowners include:

• The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.
• The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
• The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount have been converted to 30% of the cost.
• The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010) however, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1500 maximum.
• The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

For consumers to receive the tax credits the home improvement:

• Must be "placed in service" or ready for use from January 1, 2009 – December 1, 2010.
• Must be for the tax payers principal residence.
• The improvements will include windows, doors, roofing, insulation, hvac, geothermal heat pumps, water heaters, biomass stoves, solar energy systems, small wind energy systems, fuel cells, and cars.

There are other requirements to receive the tax credits so it would be a good idea to read the act yourself and/or contact the IRS or your tax accountant.

Source: Energy Star Website

All projects qualifying for a $1,500 tax credit purchased through Rhino Builders before December 31, 2009 will qualify for an additional Rhino credit of $200.00.

At Rhino Builders we are aware of today's tough economy. We also know that some repairs to your home cannot be held off any longer and must be made. At the same time there are other repairs and remodeling projects you're thinking of but don't think are affordable at this time. If the above is true we recommend contacting your contractor before you try to do it yourself. Most professional companies especially those associated with NARI want to help. They have the expertise and the knowledge to work with you, make the job affordable and get it done! I am a past NARI president and would be willing to answer any questions you might have about any type of remodeling or repair. You can contact me any time at tskilling@rhinobuilders.com

We are exicited at Rhino to have developed a new concept in kitchen remodeling that takes into account the advantages of your good existing cabinetry or our new custom cabinetry plus solid surface counter tops. Our goal is to provide our clients with a long lasting, beautiful kitchen, quickly and installed at a price range from $15,000- $30,000. For more details please contact us through this blog, by email tskilling@rhinobuilders.com or by phone 913-722-4353.

At Rhino Builders we are currently involved in many kinds of projects. One of our most interesting involves using reclaimed fir timbers to construct a timber frame front entry. Using old world contruction techinques all connections are made with wooden pegs in lieu of metal fastners. Please view photo's of the construction as it progresses. It is very impressive and very green.

Before

Work Dated 6/12/08

Work Dated 6/12/08

Work Dated 6/16/08

Work Dated 6/16/08

Work Dated 6/23/08

Work Dated 6/23/08

Work Dated 6/23/08

Work Dated 7/1/08

Work Dated 7/1/08

Completed 7/10/08

Completed 7/10/08

Completed 7/10/08

I would like to take this moment to thank you for visiting our website, I truly do appreciate it! In the coming weeks, we will be creating some very interesting writings for you to delve right into. Have a look around, if you see something that catches your eye, please contact us! We can be reached by clicking on the "…email us!" link to the left or by calling us 913.722.4353.

Have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Terry Skilling