/PRNewswire/ -- The 27th Annual Fall Atlanta Home Show (www.AtlantaHomeShow.com) will bring ideas, innovations and experts in the home improvement and remodeling industries to Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Center Sept. 24-26, 2010. Among the many offerings is an exciting roster of speakers including HGTV favorites Joe Washington and Tonya M. Williams. They will join hundreds of local home improvement companies that will exhibit the latest home services and products, along with experts offering hands-on demonstrations and advice about home remodeling and repair, gardening and landscaping, energy savings, cooking, decorating, outdoor living and more. There also will be activities for children, live radio broadcasts and culinary demonstrations. The 2010 Fall Atlanta Home Show is a SEMCO production.
Tonya M. Williams is well-known to Atlanta audiences as one of HGTV's real estate and lifestyle experts. She stars on two of the network's popular shows, Designed to Sell and Bang for Your Buck. Williams will speak Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the Home Show Stage at 3 p.m. on My House is Worth What?
Joe Washington is another Atlanta favorite. The award-winning broadcaster spent decades as a local and national broadcaster with WXIA-TV and WTBS. He served as the original host of HGTV's Ground Breakers, the network's longest-running landscape show. He will kick-off the Show's speaking schedule with a noon presentation on Friday on The Right Plant in the Right Place the Right Way. On Sunday at 1 p.m. Washington will offer Stretching Your Budget and Your Outdoor Living Space.
WSB-AM will air two popular radio shows live Saturday morning: The Lawn and Garden Show and The Home Fix-It Show. Eight of metro Atlanta's top designers will create vignettes as part of the Total Wine & Design Experience and the Cobb County Fire Department will staff a Fire Safety House.
Sponsors and promotional partners include National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Total Wine & More, Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Cobb County Fire Department and ConsultAHomePro.com.
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $10. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over are admitted for free. On-site parking is free. 24-hour information line: 770/798-1997.
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Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Carbon Monoxide and Home Fire Risks Are Heating up This Winter
“Space heaters, generators and other alternative heating solutions offer cost-effective ways to keep your family warm throughout the winter without heating the whole house, allowing you to lower your thermostat to reduce your energy bills”
(BUSINESS WIRE)--With frigid temperatures and winter storms blanketing communities across the United States, the national nonprofit Home Safety Council and Lowe’s are encouraging families to keep safety top of mind when heating the home this winter. Following safe heating practices will protect homes against two of the most common winter safety hazards: fires and carbon monoxide (CO).
The Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America™ report revealed 67 percent of American households use fuel-burning appliances and equipment, such as gas fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters, to keep their loved ones warm during winter months. When using such products, be sure to follow all the manufacturers’ instructions and install a working CO monitor that will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly—and odorless—gas are present.
“In January and February, fires caused by heating appliances overtake cooking fires as the leading cause of home fires, and carbon monoxide risks also rise as families turn to alternative heating solutions to keep warm,” said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “To protect against fire, it is critical that families check all heat sources throughout their home to make sure they are not too close to anything that can burn. To be safe from CO poisoning, have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and cleaned by a professional, and install at least one CO detector to alert you to dangerous levels of the deadly gas in your home.”
An alarming 59 percent of American households have not installed a CO detector, and many other homes do not have a working CO detector due to missing or dead batteries. The start of 2010 marks the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in CO monitors and smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.
“Space heaters, generators and other alternative heating solutions offer cost-effective ways to keep your family warm throughout the winter without heating the whole house, allowing you to lower your thermostat to reduce your energy bills,” said Eric Sowder, Lowe’s senior vice president of merchandising over outdoor living. “Many products have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards, but be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices to avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter.”
The Home Safety Council and Lowe’s offer the following tips to help warm up your home while preventing fire and CO dangers this winter.
Portable Space Heaters
* Make sure your heater has been tested for safety. Look on the bottom for a label such as ETL, UL or CSA.
* Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, people, pets and curtains.
* There should always be an adult in the room when a space heater is on.
* Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
* Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.
Prevent CO Dangers
* Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
* Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.
* Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
* Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
* Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
* Burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, ash or maple. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, and may contain poisons or cause a home fire.
* Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys every year.
* Open flues before fireplaces are used.
* Use sturdy screens or glass doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.
Generator Safety
* Always read the Owner’s Manual and instructions for your generator.
* Carefully follow all instructions and warnings in order to safely start and operate the generator. Do not cut corners when it comes to safety.
* Permanently installed automatic standby generators are the safest way to provide backup power to your home.
* Portable generators will also provide electricity for your home when the power goes out. But you have to know how to use them safely.
* Portable generators can produce carbon monoxide. They should always be used outdoors and placed away from open windows.
* Never use a portable generator indoors or in any enclosed space, such as a garage.
* Be careful when you refuel generators to avoid starting a fire or getting burned.
* Be sure the generator is connected correctly.
* Never try to power the house wiring by “backfeeding” the generator into a wall outlet. This can put utility workers and neighbors in danger.
* After starting a generator wait 10 seconds for the power to stabilize. Then plug in your appliances. This helps avoid electrical shocks.
For more information and resources on how to stay safe during the winter season, visit www.mysafehome.org, and for tips on saving money and energy, visit lowes.com/energy.
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(BUSINESS WIRE)--With frigid temperatures and winter storms blanketing communities across the United States, the national nonprofit Home Safety Council and Lowe’s are encouraging families to keep safety top of mind when heating the home this winter. Following safe heating practices will protect homes against two of the most common winter safety hazards: fires and carbon monoxide (CO).
The Home Safety Council’s State of Home Safety in America™ report revealed 67 percent of American households use fuel-burning appliances and equipment, such as gas fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters, to keep their loved ones warm during winter months. When using such products, be sure to follow all the manufacturers’ instructions and install a working CO monitor that will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly—and odorless—gas are present.
“In January and February, fires caused by heating appliances overtake cooking fires as the leading cause of home fires, and carbon monoxide risks also rise as families turn to alternative heating solutions to keep warm,” said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “To protect against fire, it is critical that families check all heat sources throughout their home to make sure they are not too close to anything that can burn. To be safe from CO poisoning, have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and cleaned by a professional, and install at least one CO detector to alert you to dangerous levels of the deadly gas in your home.”
An alarming 59 percent of American households have not installed a CO detector, and many other homes do not have a working CO detector due to missing or dead batteries. The start of 2010 marks the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in CO monitors and smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.
“Space heaters, generators and other alternative heating solutions offer cost-effective ways to keep your family warm throughout the winter without heating the whole house, allowing you to lower your thermostat to reduce your energy bills,” said Eric Sowder, Lowe’s senior vice president of merchandising over outdoor living. “Many products have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards, but be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices to avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter.”
The Home Safety Council and Lowe’s offer the following tips to help warm up your home while preventing fire and CO dangers this winter.
Portable Space Heaters
* Make sure your heater has been tested for safety. Look on the bottom for a label such as ETL, UL or CSA.
* Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, people, pets and curtains.
* There should always be an adult in the room when a space heater is on.
* Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
* Never use space heaters to dry clothing or blankets.
Prevent CO Dangers
* Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas.
* Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.
* Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
* Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
* Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
* Burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, ash or maple. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or Christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, and may contain poisons or cause a home fire.
* Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys every year.
* Open flues before fireplaces are used.
* Use sturdy screens or glass doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.
Generator Safety
* Always read the Owner’s Manual and instructions for your generator.
* Carefully follow all instructions and warnings in order to safely start and operate the generator. Do not cut corners when it comes to safety.
* Permanently installed automatic standby generators are the safest way to provide backup power to your home.
* Portable generators will also provide electricity for your home when the power goes out. But you have to know how to use them safely.
* Portable generators can produce carbon monoxide. They should always be used outdoors and placed away from open windows.
* Never use a portable generator indoors or in any enclosed space, such as a garage.
* Be careful when you refuel generators to avoid starting a fire or getting burned.
* Be sure the generator is connected correctly.
* Never try to power the house wiring by “backfeeding” the generator into a wall outlet. This can put utility workers and neighbors in danger.
* After starting a generator wait 10 seconds for the power to stabilize. Then plug in your appliances. This helps avoid electrical shocks.
For more information and resources on how to stay safe during the winter season, visit www.mysafehome.org, and for tips on saving money and energy, visit lowes.com/energy.
-----
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don't miss out on these tax credits
(ARA) - A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.
Understanding the qualifications for home-related credits can be confusing and intimidating. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT, breaks them down.
"If you've never owned or haven't owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase date, you may qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. The purchase date must fall after April 8, 2009 and before May 1, 2010, with closing to take place before July 1, 2010. It's equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. You only have to repay the money if the home ceases to be your primary residence or is sold within three years of purchase," says Dolmage.
Property cannot be acquired from a relative, and married taxpayers must both qualify as first-time homebuyers if filing jointly. The credit can be claimed on a 2009 return or an amended 2008 return.
The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the credit's closing date from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, and added rules for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, including:
* You must be at least 18 on the purchase date (only one spouse must be 18) and cannot be claimed as a dependent.
* Purchase price cannot exceed $800,000.
* If the sale doesn't close by April 30, 2010, you may still qualify if there's a binding contract to purchase by that date. The sale must close before July 1, 2010, and the credit cannot be claimed before the closing date.
Purchase date and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine credit phase out. If the purchase date was before Nov. 7, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). If you have an MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers), you're eligible for reduced credit. Higher incomes do not qualify.
If the purchase date is after Nov. 6, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI of up to $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers). If your MAGI falls between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers), you could receive a reduced credit. Higher incomes don't qualify.
"Current homeowners looking for a different or new home may also qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit," Dolmage says. "The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act modified the credit to allow for up to $6,500 if you purchase a replacement home before April 30, 2010. You must have lived in the same principal residence for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date of the replacement home."
In addition:
* You must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010, and close on it before July 1, 2010.
* The credit phases out for those with an MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers).
* 2009 purchases must be claimed on a 2009 return; 2010 purchases can be claimed on a 2009 or 2010 return.
All homeowners can claim tax credits for green improvements. The Residential Energy Property Credit is worth 30 percent, up to $1,500, for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment, like solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines can be claimed under the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property, with no limit on the maximum amount of the credit available.
New tax laws also include breaks for children, college expenses, new vehicles, unemployment and several other areas. Information about all 2009 tax law changes can be found at www.IRS.gov.
"You can see exactly how the changes will affect your 2009 taxes with TaxACT Free Federal Edition," Dolmage adds." With TaxACT, all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their IRS return for free. Go to www.TaxACT.com to get started."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Understanding the qualifications for home-related credits can be confusing and intimidating. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT, breaks them down.
"If you've never owned or haven't owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase date, you may qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. The purchase date must fall after April 8, 2009 and before May 1, 2010, with closing to take place before July 1, 2010. It's equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. You only have to repay the money if the home ceases to be your primary residence or is sold within three years of purchase," says Dolmage.
Property cannot be acquired from a relative, and married taxpayers must both qualify as first-time homebuyers if filing jointly. The credit can be claimed on a 2009 return or an amended 2008 return.
The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the credit's closing date from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, and added rules for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, including:
* You must be at least 18 on the purchase date (only one spouse must be 18) and cannot be claimed as a dependent.
* Purchase price cannot exceed $800,000.
* If the sale doesn't close by April 30, 2010, you may still qualify if there's a binding contract to purchase by that date. The sale must close before July 1, 2010, and the credit cannot be claimed before the closing date.
Purchase date and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine credit phase out. If the purchase date was before Nov. 7, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). If you have an MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers), you're eligible for reduced credit. Higher incomes do not qualify.
If the purchase date is after Nov. 6, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI of up to $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers). If your MAGI falls between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers), you could receive a reduced credit. Higher incomes don't qualify.
"Current homeowners looking for a different or new home may also qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit," Dolmage says. "The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act modified the credit to allow for up to $6,500 if you purchase a replacement home before April 30, 2010. You must have lived in the same principal residence for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date of the replacement home."
In addition:
* You must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010, and close on it before July 1, 2010.
* The credit phases out for those with an MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers).
* 2009 purchases must be claimed on a 2009 return; 2010 purchases can be claimed on a 2009 or 2010 return.
All homeowners can claim tax credits for green improvements. The Residential Energy Property Credit is worth 30 percent, up to $1,500, for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment, like solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines can be claimed under the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property, with no limit on the maximum amount of the credit available.
New tax laws also include breaks for children, college expenses, new vehicles, unemployment and several other areas. Information about all 2009 tax law changes can be found at www.IRS.gov.
"You can see exactly how the changes will affect your 2009 taxes with TaxACT Free Federal Edition," Dolmage adds." With TaxACT, all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their IRS return for free. Go to www.TaxACT.com to get started."
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The 2009 Fall Atlanta Home Show Opens Friday, Sept. 25 at the Cobb Galleria Centre
/PRNewswire/ -- The Fall Atlanta Home Show (www.AtlantaHomeShow.com) will open its doors to the public on Friday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. This annual event showcases the latest and most innovative home remodeling features, products and trends. In addition, homeowners can see new products demonstrated and meet the professionals who offer them. The 2009 Fall Atlanta Home Show will be open through Sunday, Sept. 25-27 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in northwest Atlanta.
The Atlanta Home Show's 2009 theme is "Make Your Home New Again" and the Show will feature exhibits from hundreds of local home improvement companies, along with seminars by well-known experts on a variety of home remodeling topics, as well as cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. It is a SEMCO production, and sponsors and promotional partners include Viking, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.
"Now, more than ever, families are looking for new, affordable home improvement ideas, as well as ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Whether you are beautifying your home for sale, updating your current home to serve the needs of a changing family, or making accommodations for an aging family member, the Atlanta Home Show offers innovative advice and products," said Show Director Michael Schoppenhorst of SEMCO Productions.
Speakers include Shane Tallant and Joe Washington of HGTV, popular Atlanta radio hosts Walter Reeves and Dave Baker and Georgia's only Next Food Network Star finalist Chef Hans Rueffert. A list of exhibitors, along with onsite live radio broadcasts and the daily speakers schedule can be found at www.AtlantaHomeShow.com.
On Friday, September 25 ONLY, professionals who work in the real estate industry will receive free admission by showing their business cards at the door.
The Fall Atlanta Home Show will be open Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27, 2009. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and older will be admitted for FREE. The Cobb Galleria Centre (www.cobbgalleria.com) is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. On-site parking is free.
-----
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Arts Across Georgia
The Atlanta Home Show's 2009 theme is "Make Your Home New Again" and the Show will feature exhibits from hundreds of local home improvement companies, along with seminars by well-known experts on a variety of home remodeling topics, as well as cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. It is a SEMCO production, and sponsors and promotional partners include Viking, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.
"Now, more than ever, families are looking for new, affordable home improvement ideas, as well as ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Whether you are beautifying your home for sale, updating your current home to serve the needs of a changing family, or making accommodations for an aging family member, the Atlanta Home Show offers innovative advice and products," said Show Director Michael Schoppenhorst of SEMCO Productions.
Speakers include Shane Tallant and Joe Washington of HGTV, popular Atlanta radio hosts Walter Reeves and Dave Baker and Georgia's only Next Food Network Star finalist Chef Hans Rueffert. A list of exhibitors, along with onsite live radio broadcasts and the daily speakers schedule can be found at www.AtlantaHomeShow.com.
On Friday, September 25 ONLY, professionals who work in the real estate industry will receive free admission by showing their business cards at the door.
The Fall Atlanta Home Show will be open Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27, 2009. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and older will be admitted for FREE. The Cobb Galleria Centre (www.cobbgalleria.com) is located at Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. On-site parking is free.
-----
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