Last Minute Tax Credits!

All of the great tax credits that we have been hearing about are going to expire at the end of the year which is why it is a great time to take advantage of these projects now and not later.  All of these changes will pay for themselves over time, you will literally be paying less for energy with these changes and the govt. will most likely cover almost 30% of the costs!!! 

1. Get an energy audit - this can target problem areas and sometimes are required in order to take advantage of certain energy audits.
2. Re-Insulate - help keep cool air in and hot air out.....or vice versa depending on the time of year.  If you use insulation approved by the Energy Conservation Code the you can have 30% or up to $1,500 off 2010 taxes.
3. Replace old windows & doors - same as insulation, keep what you want in and what you don't wan out. This is a more expensive project but think of it as adding to your home's aesthetics as well as your pocket book.
4. Replace old appliances - Cash for clunkers isn't just for your old cars, check for these deals and always buy Energy Star Rated Appliances.  New energy saving appliances can qualify for a tax credit that is equal to 30% of the cost up to $1,500.
5. Re-Roof - a new roof is one of the best investments you can make for your home. In addition to appliances, there are also Energy Star rated metal roofs.  These roofs have "cooling granules" that help reflect the sun's heat rather than absorb it. 
6. Plan to install a solar water heater - Solar credits were extended to 2016, so if you can't afford it now, don't worry but don't put it off either! 
7. Install a smart meter - By showing you data in real time, you can monitor your usage more effectively.  This will also tell you when it is the best time to run certain appliances when the cost of electricity is low. 

Read a more comprehensive summary on The Daily Green.

Lunada Kitchen Storage Solutions

Recently, I was reading an article on Better Homes and Garden's website that gave a lot of great ideas for storing your small kitchen appliances.  Not unlike our Laundry room blog (seen below), your kitchen can be easily customized to fit the way you live without a demolition crew.  Don't get me wrong, custom kitchens, especially Luanda's, are amazing and beautiful, but the practical issue is a full blown kitchen remodel is not always in the budget and sometimes new appliances aren't either. Looking to streamline your kitchen? Need more counter space?  Are you embarrassed by your old or dingy appliances when company comes over? There are quick and easy solutions to your problem, my friends.  Well, first of all, we are going to need space and there is no time like the present to clean out those cupboards and make room for those eyesores.  Tuck away those microwaves into the pantry after you add a sliding shelf.  If you are feeling spontaneous, they now have microwave drawers that come in standard sizes so it is easy to replace an existing drawer in your lower cabinets.  Better Homes and Garden also had some great ideas about creating a snack bar or baking station.  You can group  all of your dry ingredients with your stand mixer that is now on a shelf that can be easily tucked inside a cabinet.  Or, you can group your toaster and coffee maker in a cabinet where you can easily grab a quick bite to eat in the morning.  You can find images of these great solutions below and hopefully they will get your wheels spinning.  Almost all of the hardware you need to convert your cupboards or drawers can be found at your local hardware store, or if you are dreaming a little bigger, Lunada is always here to help.

For more ideas on ways to adapt your kitchen, schedule a consultation with Lunada!

Investing in your home with Lunada

For those who have been able to weather the storm on the housing market, there is no time like the present to invest in your largest asset: your home.  Better Homes and Gardens just published an article talking about the top 20 small remodeling projects that will increase the value of your home and I thought they had some great points. (I won't list all of them, but the top 10)

1. Add a fireplace

       -Everyone loves them, they add warmth and a natural focal point to any space.

2. Install a bay window

       -In case you missed our breakfast nook blog (see below) window seats are great architectural elements that add square footage without effecting your floor plan!

3. Replace windows and doors

       -This will save you tons of money on your energy bills and add curb appeal!

4. Refinish wood floors

       -A messy job that can be done on your own, but we suggest using professionals to get a big impact that will make you fall in love all over with your wood floors.

5. Add a bathroom

       -Buyers often feel that older homes don't have enough bathrooms and can be a deal breaker!

6.Replace old plumbing fixtures with new ones (and they don't have to be the most expensive)

       -Faucets, showerheads, tub fillers, etc can be a weekend project and make all the difference.  Go with a finish like a Brushed Nickel, it always looks great and will prevent dating your home. 

7. Create a master bath suite

      -By adding a second sink, closing off that toilet to create a water closet, converting your shower so that it can be a steam shower, are all easy solutions to create a master suite in a snap.

8. Replace countertops

      -Nothing looks dingier than an old crusty countertop.  The kitchen is the heart of the house and the Rep. your local stone yard can be your most valuable asset. They will do all the work for you!

9. Upgrade appliances

      -2 words: stainless steel. OK 4 words: stainless steel, Energy Star. Done.

10. Create a backyard oaisis

      -We are lucky enough to live in Southern California and the weather has started to get nicer.  Grab some new patio furniture, a fire pit (those can be found for as little as $50), replace those old light fixtures (or string up those white X-Mas lights that are sitting in the attic anyways) and clean up the old BBQ to create a beautiful space to spend time with family and friends.

In the end, all of these small projects will create drama and put money in your pocket.  Most of these you can do yourself, but if you start to feel overwhelmed, just know Lunada is here for you!

To read the entire article go to Better Homes and Gardens

To get a little inspiration, be sure to visit Lunada's Website.

Fireplace Facelifts

A major selling point for homes has always been fireplaces. People love them for the cozy atmosphere they add to a chilly winter night but they may not always love the way they look. As the largest architectural feature in your living/family room the dated brick or old fashioned mantle might be hindering you from achieving your design aesthetic. Home owners are usually wary of proclaimed "weekend projects" or "easy fixes" due to the fact that they normally drag on longer than expected and can become an even bigger headache than originally so. Well, have no fear Lunada will show you the way to give your fireplace an quick and easy face-lift that will drastically improve it's look and your entire room's look.

First of all brick is easily painted. Old red brick can be painted any color for a clean and fresh look in about an hour. Today, consumers can easily benefit from pre-fab items such as mantles. You can pick up a new mantle at Home Depot and install it yourself in a weekend for a dramatic new look. Or you can always cover up that old brick with a new stone. You can find a great stone slab at your local stone yard where they can then measure, fabricate (a.k.a. cut and fit) and install it for you. Stone is so beautiful and can be so inspiring. You may think that sounds so lame but I am serious -- throw out your preconceived notions of stone: is not made equal. Don't be scared to ask for help from the pros, they are the pros for a reason. Bring pictures of your room and maybe even some inspiration from the pages of a design magazine. Don't let that ugly fireplace stand in the way of having your dream living room!

Here are some examples of quick fixes to some Lunada fireplaces.

Before & After:


Before & After


These are more contemporary solutions, but add a wood mantle and you have a completely different look. And don't forget to take some notes from our Color Series of blogs, mantles don't always have to be white!

Be sure to check out more Lunada projects on our website: www.lunadaconsulting.com