If you are interested in Green Design, here is a list of products and websites to get you started.<u>Countertops</u><b>Products</b>GraniteMarbleRecycled GlassBamboo<a href="http://www.qualitysurfaces.com/"</a><a href="http://www.marble-institute.com/"</a><a href="http://www.vetrazzo.com"</a><a href="http://www.totallybamboo.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=22"</a> <u>Cabinets</><b>Products</b>Showplace Lyptus Cabinets<a href="www.showplacewood.com"</a> <u>Flooring<u><b>Products</b>BambooCorkCornsilk CarpetingNatural Linoleum-not vinylWoodRubberLeather Tiles<a href="http://www.bambooflooring.biz/"</a><a href="http://www.forbolinoleumna.com/default.aspx?menuid=123"</a><a href="http://www.norarubber.com/index_us.htm"</a><a href="http://www.flor.com/"</a> <u>Roofing</u><a href="http://www.fibertite.com/green_roof_systems.html"</a><a href="http://www.interlockroofing.com/green-roofing/"</a> <u>Building Materials</u><b>Products</b>DrywallSolar Water HeatersInsulation<a href="http://www.seriousmaterials.com/html/ecorock.html"</a><a href="http://www.templeinland.com/BuildingProducts/Gypsum/"</a><a href="http://www.rheem.com/products/solar_water_heating/"</a><a href="http://www.ecofirst.net/loft-cavity-wall-insulation.asp"</a><a href="http://cork.gumtree.ie/cork/98/35052898.html"</a> JKB Contractingwww.jkbindy.com    Home Remodeling ...read more

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) gives homeowners an avenue to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their  environmental foot print.There are several home improvement options which qualify for this $1500 tax credit . Buyer beware that not all products that are energy star rated will qualify for the credit.There are three brackets of tax credits:1.Tax Credits are available at 30% of the cost of a product up to $1500 for 2009 and 2010.Only the product cost is eligible for the $1500 credit. Labor cost can not be included . Your invoices must have labor cost and product cost separated. These include the following improvements:Window and DoorsInsulationRoofs (Metal and Asphalt)2. Tax Credits are available at 30% of a product including installation costs up to $1500 for 2009-2010.These include the following improvements.HVACWater HeatersBio mass Stoves 3. Tax Credits are  available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016.The tax credit for solar water heaters, solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, wind energy systems and fuel cells is 30% of the total cost including installation with no upper limit.These include the following improvements.Geothermal Heat PumpsSolar PanelsSolar Water HeatersSmall Wind Energy SystemsFuel Cells Window and DoorsGovernment Specification RequirementsU Factor <=0.30U Factor is  " A  measure of how well heat is transferred by the entire window-the frame, the sash and glass-either into or out of a building.  The lower the U-factor the number, the better the home will retain heat inside  on a cold day." - Babylon dictionarySHGC <=.30SHGC is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is basically this concept.  When you  are out in the sun and absorb the  heat  into your body from the sun  you are taking in heat. Your house does the same. The less heat a window allows in the cooler your house will be.TheHere are links to manufactures  that produce  tax credit eligible window and doors.http://www.marvin.com/?page=Tax_Creditwww.anderson.comhttp://www.simonton.com/http://www.plygemwindows.com/tax_credit.html   https://web.pella.com/supportcenterRoofingGovernment Specification RequirementsAsphalt shingles must be treated with coatings or cooling granules specifically designed to reduce heat gain.  All Energy Star rated metal roofing material qualifies.Here are links to manufactures that produce  tax credit eligible roofing.www.gaf.comTimberline Prestique Serieshttp://www.metalroofing.comInsulationGovernment Specification RequirementsInsulation must meet 2009  International Energy Conservation Code and amendments.Primary purpose of material must be toHere are links to manufactures hat produce  tax credit eligible Insulation.http://insulation.owenscorning.com/homeowners/taxcredit/index.aspxhttp://www.nuwool.com/Footer/TaxCreditForms.aspx HVACGovernment Specification RequirementsCentral A/CSplit System (Typically found in  residential)    Package System ( Window unit, Roof unit)EER>= 13     EER>=12SEER>= 16   SEER>=14    Air Source Heat PumpsSplit System    Package SystemHSPF>=8.5 HSPF>=8    EER>=12.5 EER>=12SEER>=15    SEER>=14FurnacesNatural Gas or Propane   AFUE>=95Gas, Propane or Oil >=90Hot Water BoilersGas, Propane or OilAFUE>=90 Here are links to manufactures that produce tax credit eligible HVAC products www.carrier.comhttp://www.rheem.com/Products/federal_tax_credit/http://www.trane.com/Residential/Getting-Started/Greening-Your-Homehttp://www.lennox.com/products/list.asp?type=1If you are thinking about how to wisely improve on your largest investment, your home, taking advantage of these credits is a great incentive.  Your home will be more energy efficient which will pay off  in reduced energy bills.  Energy efficient  features are always a great marketing tool if you eventually decide to sell your home. You can also check with your state and local governments for tax incentives offered for home owners .Energy companies may also offer incentives for improving the energy efficiency of your home.  Those local clients  can go to the  link below to see Indiana's  tax incentives.http://www.in.gov/oed/2379.htm Helpful website and resources:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_creditshttp://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8908.pdfhttp://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdfhttp://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbnam JKB Contracting317-376-2694Martinsville, IN. 46151www.jkbindy.com ...read more