On Wednesday, BIBCA reaffirmed our continued support of the SAVE Act. On behalf of our hundreds of members, this grass-roots organization has once again stepped up to endorse this important piece of legislation.
The SAVE Act [S. 1106], introduced on June 6, 2013 by Senators Bennet (D-Colo.) and Isakson (R-Ga.), is legislation to improve the accuracy of mortgage underwriting used by federal mortgage agencies by including a home's expected energy cost savings when determining the value and affordability of energy efficient homes. Utility bills are usually larger than either real estate taxes or homeowners insurance, but they are currently ignored in mortgage underwriting.
The SAVE Act would help revitalize the hardest hit sectors of the economy by providing lower rate mortgage financing for cost effective energy improvements; giving homebuilders and homeowners the option to recover the cost of efficiency investments; and enabling better federal mortgage underwriting while lowering utility bills for American households.
Benefits include:
- No cost to the taxpayers. The bill does not add to the current deficit or rely on taxes or fees; instead it removes current obstacles holding back more efficient building and remodeling of our homes.
- Remove an impediment to home energy efficiency from federal mortgage policy. Investments in energy efficiency can offer impressive returns to homeowners, paying for themselves in utility bill savings while also increasing a home’s comfort and mitigating the risks of energy price volatility.
- Drive business and job growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors. By removing barriers to energy efficiency investments by home owners and builders, the SAVE Act will increase the supply of and demand for energy-efficient new homes and improvements, putting people in the construction, remodeling, and manufacturing sectors back to work.
- Lower utility bills for American households. The typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,500 on home energy bills each year. A small upfront investment in energy efficiency upgrades could reduce a home’s energy bills by 30% or more and protect against energy price shocks, all while improving the comfort and value of the home.
- Expand the accessibility and affordability of energy efficient homes. The SAVE Act would allow American home owners to finance cost-effective home energy upgrades as part of their traditional mortgage, improving access to the comfort and money-saving benefits of efficiency without increasing the cost of homeownership. The result is better and cheaper access to capital to invest in making homes better.
- Appeals to a broad, diverse coalition. The bill brings together a broad and diverse coalition of supporters ranging from the National Association of Realtors and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance to Save Energy.
Bipartisan, sensible, and right in line with our energy-efficiency priorities. It's a win win win - What more could we ask for?
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Steve Chisholm
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FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
9 Townsend West
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Direct: 603-324-7734 l Fax: 603-324-7701 l Email: steve.chisholm@flir.com
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CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT
My condo's HOA will not allow insulating a wall from the outside; it must be done inside. Does this mean the whole wall must come down in order to insulate?
Sally
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT
A customer was surprised that there are STC requirements for mid-floor assemblies. On this project, we have the sub floor of 14 inch joists, resilient channel, 5/8 inch drywall. What would the STC be using BATTS, and what would it be installing BIBS?
Whether you're brand new to BIBS® or a seasoned veteran, sometimes a technical or business question comes up. We have a team of professionals with many years of experience installing BIBS® and they're ready and waiting to help you. BIBCA members along with the technical staff of our Industry Partners are committed to helping all BIBS® dealers reach the highest level of professionalism possible. Contact us now by using the link below, and you'll have help within 24 hours.
Click Here to submit your questions, or to be matched with a mentor.
Hands-on Learning Opportunity for HERS Raters:
Blow-in-Blanket ® System
The Blow-in-Blanket Contractors’ Association (BIBCA), Kinzler Companies, Hanson Homes, Inc. and RESNET are offering HERS raters a chance to learn more about the Blow-in-Blanket® System first hand by attending an on-site training in Ames, IA on May 8-9th. This session is offered FREE to all HERS raters and BIBS® dealers. The program is co-hosted by Kinzler Construction Services in connection with Hanson Homes, Inc. This quality training is made possible through our Industry Partners CertainTeed, Johns Manville, Knauf Insulation, and Service Partners.
At this official BIBCA training, raters will have the option to sit in on the entire training course or can just attend the ½ day hands-on session on the 9th. The hands-on segment of our training will include installation and density testing demonstrations, as well as infrared testing and machine demonstrations. This is the best insulation training in the industry, and it’s your chance to ask the real experts everything you want to know about BIBS®. Raters who wish to attend must be current members of RESNET, and confirm their attendance in advance to receive a free density test kit on site.
Certified training is mandatory for all Blow-in-Blanket® System installers and companies to remain a member of this raise-the-bar association, BIBCA. This training opportunity consists of classroom learning session from 3PM-7PM on the 8th and 8AM-12PM on the 9th and then a hands-on component at a job site, with Hanson Homes, Inc. from 1-5PM. Lunch will be provided on the 9th as well. Additional workshops are planned for 2013, including locations in TX, PA, and WA.
For more information or to reserve your seat, please email BIBCA directly: kristin@bibca.org.
***
CLICK HERE TO RESPOND. Do not reply to this email.
I will soon be putting my density kit to use.
If they blow 1# per cubic foot it is R-13 and 1.8 # it is R-15.
Can they blow a higher density to make the R-20 for the 2012 IECC in CZ four?
HERS RATER, KS
The response has been overwhelming to the press release sent today by RESNET. It is obvious that HERS Raters not only care about correct density, they care about whether a BIBS dealer is certified. If you'd like your local rater to receive a kit, please contact the office. Now is a good time to be sure that your membership is current! Check your status HERE. If you're not on the map, contact us to ensure your presence amongst raters.
April 8, 2013
RESNET and BIBCA Working Together to Ensure Proper Insulation Installations
RESNET and the Blow in Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) work together to make density kits readily available for raters to test loose-fill wall insulation installations.
Although loose-fill wall insulation systems are a desirable insulating method for achieving Grade I insulation jobs, the most common method of inspection for proper installation is visually. While obvious gaps or under-blown areas may be detected by sight, density testing is the only way to truly verify the job has been done.
For years, certified insulation installers of the Blow-in-Blanket® System (BIBS®) have used density kits to verify proper density of the installed wall insulation. These kits are now available at no cost to HERS Raters through their local certified BIBS® dealers.
With the constantly growing interest in conserving energy, making density kits more available to the HERS community makes a lot of sense, said Kristin Bennett, Executive Director of BIBCA. Energy raters are often the ones making sure the whole house will perform as planned and a light density wall just wont work like its supposed to. Weve partnered with RESNET because we know the value of teaming up raters with qualified installers. We want density checks, but we also want good relationships between raters and BIBS® installers
Raters should note that they will need to know both the material being used and the desired R-value, as there is some flexible in installation options. The most common density is 1.8 lbs/ft3, which will generally achieve an r-value of 15.
To find out more about the process or to get connected to their local certified BIBS® dealer, please contact the BIBCA office at (605) 949-2427, or email Kristin@bibca.org. For more information on BIBCA, visit www.bibca.org.
We are sad to lose one of our founding fathers.
Terry was born February 10th, 1937 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Nathaniel Gardner Jr. and Zelda Jacqueline Van Vleet Gardner. He grew up on the family farm in Osgood, ID where he learned to love horses and work with his hands. He attended grade school in Osgood and high school in Idaho Falls, but due to the early death of his father he was forced to quit and support the family by working on the farm.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Brown and together they had 3 children. They divorced 20 years later. In 1978 he married Betty Moulton Blake whom he loved to the last day of his life. He worked as a firefighter for the City of Idaho Falls where he loved his job and served for over 25 years. He retired from the Fire Department in 1984 with the rank of Battalion Chief. He was instrumental in creating the pension fund that Idaho firefighters enjoy today. Just before retiring from the fire department he started Quality Insulation and through his hard work and business ethic, it grew to be the largest insulation company in South East Idaho. He had dealings with international insulation companies and was highly influential in the insulation industry. He served as a board member in several national insulation organizations. His passion and drive was evident in every aspect of his life, and he developed many close friendships with co-workers, customers and fellow contractors.
Terry and Betty built a cabin in Island Park and spent many great years there enjoying the outdoors. Being at the cabin was Terry’s sanctuary. While there, he often pondered on God’s wondrous creations and was grateful for his way of life. Some of his favorite things were boating, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, building birdhouses and doing jigsaw puzzles. However his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends and rejoicing in their accomplishments.
Terry is survived by his wife Betty of Idaho Falls;
Sister, Sharon Nixon of Idaho Falls;
Daughter, Jeanne (Royce) Larsen of Fruitland, ID;
Son, Tony (Eva) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Mark (Deitra) Gardner of Idaho Falls;
Son, Hal (Iola) Blake of Idaho Falls;
He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Jay, Garry and Dennis; 2 sisters, Jacqueline and Diane; and son Dayle Blake.
His family would like to a send a special thank you to the staff at the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Terry had a special motto he gave them, “You take medicine to stay alive; you exercise to live.” They have it posted on their wall.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013, at Wood Funeral Home, Chapel of the Pines, 273 North Ridge Avenue with Bishop James Durrant officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery. Terry will be honored by the Idaho Falls Firefighters Pipes and Drums.
BIBCA will host the first of it's 2013 workshops in Ames, IA at the Kinzler Construction Services facility May 8-9th, 2013. This training is free to existing members, but you must RSVP to attend. Special thanks to KCS for co-hosting our best-of-the-best contractors as they maintain their certification.
SAVE THE DATE and watch for details!
Schedule:
May 8th, 2013
4:00 - 7:00 PM Classroom training (building science, BIBS)
May 9th, 2013
8:00 - 12:00 Classroom training, continued (building science, infrared training)
1:00 - 4:00 PM Hands-on installation training
RSVP: 605-949-2427
or
kristin@bibca.org
Have we got it right? We get thousands of visitors to this 'find a contractor' map each year. It's important that we have your information listed correctly as a BIBS dealer.
Please take a moment to review your listing. CLICK HERE TO SEE MAP.
Let us know if any changes or updates are needed. 605-949-2427.
Your partners in success,
BIBCA
Kristin Bennett, Executive Director
If you're not in the habit of photographing your work, you should be! There's nothing more beautiful than a perfectly installed BIBS wall. We'd like to showcase your work on our web site and in our social media. Do you have any interesting projects you've tackled? Tight spaces?
Send us your photos and we'll help promote your business with them. We are particularly interested in specialty applications and tricky spots; this is where BIBS really shines.
Do you offer thermal imaging services? We'd also like to see what you're doing with BIBS to paint a prettier thermal image.
These do not have to be professional-grade photos. Shoot a few and email them to kristin@bibca.org.
You could also text them to BIBCA at 605-949-2427. Check out the gallery of photos from Intermountain West Insulation.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR RESPONSE, DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL!
What is the STC Rating of a Standard Residential 2x4 Wall with 1/2” Drywall on both sides?
- R-11 Batts
- R-13 Batts
- R-19 Batts
- 3-1/2” BIBS
What is the STC Rating of a Standard Residential 2x6 Wall with 1/2” Drywall on both sides?
- R-19 Batts
- 5-1/2” BIBS
Thanks for your help,
Doug Kooyman, Kooyman Lumber
Still not sure about this deal? It's easy; all our members are eligible to eliminate the social media puzzle from your to do list. Common questions:
1. How does it work? You give us permission to set up social media for you, and you see increased business.
2. I don't have time for this!? We know, that's why we're doing it for you.
3. What about keeping it updated? We'll do that too. We will post updates to your Facebook page and Twitter feed 2x/week.
4. What if I am not a member next year? The sites remain, but ongoing posting and updates would be your responsibility.
5. What's the cost? $50 PER YEAR for premium members, $!00 for regular members.
6. How long does it take? We can typically have you set up within a day.
7. What if I don't have a web site? We will set one up for you FREE.
8. What if I don't even have an email address? We will set one up for you, but we will not check your email for you!
9. If you set it up, can I still make postings too? Yes. But when you don't have time, you'll know it's being taken care of by us too.
10. I offer a lot of products, not just BIBS. What about that? 90% of our members offer multiple products and services. If you are a member, we will make our regular building-science and energy efficiency postings. If you want to promote gutters, fireplaces, foam insulation - you can make those additional postings with no trouble. We'll even show you how.
11. My customers don't care about social media, right? Wrong.
12. I'm an Affiliate member, am I still eligible to have you set this up for me? Yes, but the cost is $200 instead of $100.
13. Can I talk to a current member who is participating? Absolutely. Call the office and we'll connect you with a board member who is utilizing this service.
14. What do the postings look like? Check out Henges Insulation Facebook page as an example.
15. Sign me up! Call 605-949-2427 and you'll be an internet sensation in one day!
There is no other membership group or organization who will make you this GENEROUS offer! Call today and find a whole new level of value in your membership!
Manufacturer warranties require proper installation to be valid. How do you prove proper installation of an insulation job? When it's BIBS® you do a density check, but DON'T STOP THERE! Document your work and your company information with our electrical box sticker. These stickers will be redesigned soon, and to blow through existing inventory we're offering a special deal on them.
We'll send 250 stickers to you for $50 (including shipping) regardless of whether you're a premium member or not. Call the BIBCA office to have your stickers shipped out today.
Got a good story to share on the value of these stickers? Let's hear it!
The full study is quite expensive, but there are some interesting facts just in the description!
This study analyzes the global insulation industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by material (e.g., foamed plastics, fiberglass, mineral wool), market (construction and industrial, HVAC, and OEM), world regional market and for major national markets. The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles industry players.
Demand to rise more than 5% annually through 2016
Global insulation consumption is forecast to rise more than five percent annually to approximately 29 billion square meters of R-1 value in 2016, a substantial acceleration from the 2006-2011 rate. In developing countries, insulation demand is expected to expand at a healthy pace due to rising building construction and industrial activity as well as growing per capita incomes that will lead to the adoption of modern building techniques and materials, including insulation. In most developed countries, insulation sales are expected to rebound after falling in 2008 and 2009 due to housing market collapses in several countries. In addition, governments will adopt new regulations concerning building insulation in an effort to reduce energy consumption, further boosting demand.
Building construction to be primary driver of demand
Solid residential building construction expenditure gains will be the primary driver of demand. In North America alone, insulation sales for residential applications will rise approximately nine percent annually between 2011 and 2016, primarily due to a recovery of the housing market in the US. In Western Europe, a rebound in several countries’ housing markets will cause insulation demand to post moderate gains through 2016, as opposed to the decline of the 2006-2011 period. In many West European countries, government efforts to encourage insulation use in order to lower energy consumption will also contribute to demand. In developing countries in the Asia/Pacific region, Africa/Mideast region, and Central and South America, rural-to-urban migration will stimulate building activity in urban areas, and therefore insulation demand. In some countries, the adoption of minimum insulation requirements will also contribute to demand. Demand for insulation in the industrial, HVAC, and OEM markets will be driven by expanding manufacturing activity, appliance output, and HVAC system installations.
Asia/Pacific region to be fastest growing market
The fastest growth in insulation demand through 2016 is forecast in the Asia/ Pacific region, due to advances in building construction activity as well as manufacturing and industrial output. More than 65 percent of new demand generated between 2011 and 2016 will be attributed to this region. Several Asia/ Pacific countries are expected to post solid growth, including China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Foamed plastic insulation to lead value gains
In value terms, worldwide insulation consumption is projected to advance roughly seven percent per annum through 2016, approaching $60 billion. The fastest growth is expected in the foamed plastic insulation segment, as these products will be used more frequently in construction applications because of their high insulation values, allowing them to capture market share from fiberglass and mineral wool insulation. Foamed plastic insulation is also used extensively in refrigerator and freezer manufacture, further boosting demand. Demand for fiberglass insulation will benefit from the rebounding residential construction market in North America, as the material is widely used in the US and Canada. Other insulation materials, such as cellulose, will also see strong gains, as environmentally friendly options continue to gain popularity.
Company Profiles
Profile global industry players including Johns Manville, Knauf Gips, Owens Corning, Rockwool, and Saint-Gobain
Additional Information
This comprehensive study analyzes the world market for thermal and acoustic insulation. Products include foamed plastic insulation (e.g., polyurethanes, polystyrenes, phenolics, polyimides, vinyl, and polyethylene), fiberglass insulation, mineral wool insulation (e.g., rock and slag wool), and others (e.g., cellulose, perlite, vermiculite). Foil and reflective insulation products are not covered by this study. Insulation markets include construction; industrial processes; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); and original equipment manufacturing (OEM).
Historical data for 2001, 2006, and 2011 and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 are provided. The term “demand” refers to apparent consumption and is defined as production (also referred to as “output,” “shipments,” or “supply”) from a country’s indigenous manufacturing facilities plus imports minus exports. “Demand” is used interchangeably with terms such as “market,” “sales,” and “consumption.” Data are presented in millions of square meters of R-1 value and millions of US dollars.
Note that the metric measures of thermal value used in this study cannot be converted to English units (those used in the US insulation study) simply by converting square meters to square feet. The metric version of thermal value defines heat transfer in metric units (watts) and is based on a material sample one meter thick; the English version of thermal value defines heat transfer in British thermal units and is based on a material sample one inch thick. Taking into account all of the differences in measurement, approximately 16.4 square
meters of R-1 value (metric system) is equal to 1,000 square feet of R-1 value (English system).
For individual countries, historical demand data were determined in the local currency and then converted to US dollars using the average annual exchange rate of that country’s currency to the US dollar as determined by the International Monetary Fund. Consequently, countries whose currencies appreciably changed in value relative to the US dollar from one presentation year to the next will have historical growth trends for insulation product demand that differ significantly from those measured in local currency terms. Forecasts for 2016 and 2021 assume no change in the exchange rate from 2011, and as a result reflect expected future growth in both local currency and US dollar terms.
In addition to providing a market outlook, the study identifies and profiles the major industry participants and discusses the key strategic competitive variables. The report is framed within the world insulation industry’s economic and market environments, and therefore environmental variables affecting demand are emphasized. World insulation market share data by company presented in the “Industry Structure” section are estimated based on consultation with multiple sources.
Data on global insulation demand are derived from differing sources and developed from statistical relationships. Variations are commonplace in this type of international reporting and, consequently, data presented in this study are historically consistent but may differ from other sources. Variances may occur because of definitional differences, inventory accumulations, and goodsin- transit. Tabular details may not always add to totals due to rounding. Ratios are rounded to the nearest significant digit. All dollar values cited for the industry are at the basic manufacturers’ level.
Macroeconomic and demographic indicators presented in this study were obtained from The Freedonia Group Consensus Forecasts dated June 2012. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) historical data are derived from the national income and products accounts from the Organisation for Economic Co- Operation and Development (OECD) for its member countries, from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for its member countries, and from the International Monetary Fund for its member countries that are not part of the OECD or EBRD. Sources of GDP estimates for other countries are based on information from the World Bank and a variety of sources including the countries’ statistical bureaus. GDP forecasts are developed from a consensus of public agencies and private firms.
All estimates of gross domestic product and components of GDP are done in terms of constant purchasing power parity in a benchmark year (2010) that is one year before the base year (2011) used in this study. Purchasing power parity GDP estimates for the benchmark year are obtained from the OECD; Eurostat; the World Bank; the International Monetary Fund; the US Central Intelligence Agency; and selected other sources. These purchasing power parity GDP estimates for the benchmark year are based on gross domestic product data expressed in the individual countries’ local currency, which are then converted to US dollars by valuing each country’s output at US prices in the benchmark year. This approach values the same physical output at a consistent price for all countries, thereby reducing the distorting influence of different price levels in the different countries.
The alternative approach of using exchange rates to convert local currency GDP to US dollars would tend to overvalue the output of countries with high average price levels and undervalue the output of countries with low average price levels, because exchange rate conversions only partially reflect the relative prices for goods and services that are domestically consumed and invested. Furthermore, factors other than relative prices, such as demand and supply in currency markets, interest rates, and capital flows, affect exchange rates.
Once the GDP values for a country are estimated for the benchmark year, we then calculate inflation-adjusted GDP for all other years for that country based on historical and forecast growth rates of GDP expressed in inflationadjusted units of that country’s local currency. This approach ensures that the GDP series for any given country is an accurate index of changes in inflationadjusted GDP for that country. However, it also implicitly assumes that the price structures across countries do not change from those of the benchmark year. Therefore, caution should be used in comparing the relative GDP of countries in years other than the benchmark year. If the ratio of prices across two countries in a given year differs from the ratio of prices across those countries in the benchmark year, then the change in the relative sizes of those two economies as measured will not accurately reflect changes in output.
The benchmark year is chosen to be one year prior to the base year for the study for reasons of data availability. One benefit of that choice is that the ratio of prices across countries in the base year is usually similar to that in the benchmark year. Therefore, the ratio of real GDP between two countries in the base year of 2011 is generally a reasonably accurate representation of the relative sizes of their economies.
A wide variety of primary and secondary sources were used in the compilation of this report. These include national government statistical agencies, trade associations, industry experts, financial sources, online databases, other Freedonia studies, and insulation company sources. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Union, and various national government statistical publications were among the public sector sources utilized.
Product Code: Freedonia Group159
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As part of our partnership with RESNET, BIBCA presents a technical course at their convention each year. Dean Moody did a spectacular job presenting a session on the importance of respecting trademarks. He also covered some building science segments of the BIBCA Training Program, and there was a great discussion amongst the raters in attendance on how to distinguish a certified installer. There were also a lot of questions about density, and several raters will be receiving a free density test kit if requested through their local certified dealer.
To view the presentation, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF.
President Dean Moody and Vice President Steve Malon at the IE3 Conference, pictured with BIBCA partner Fred Irvin of Brentwood Industries, manufacturer of Accuvent.
Can anyone advise on the STC (with BIBS) of a mid floor assembly that's 11 7/8-inch joists and 14-inch joist, 1/2 inch drywall and 1/2 inch OSB? I'd like to know how BIBS would perform in this assembly for sound control of a media room.
Guy Roline
Ecofoam Insolutions
BIBCA Friends,
I'll be taking a long-anticipated vacation from February 7 - February 19th. During this time, I will not have access to voice mail or email. But we don't want to leave you high and dry.
Emergency Contact: In the case of a genuine emergency, please contact Steve Malon, BIBCA Vice President, at 605-716-5152.
Social Media: we are now administrating 30 social media networks through the office. The wonders of technology allow me to preset the media postings, and they will go out next week as usual on Tuesday and Thursday. Have no fear, your online presence will be maintained in my absence! Haven't signed up yet? Let's talk when I return, you're really missing out!
We look forward to serving you in 2013,
Kristin Bennett, Executive Director
BIBCA
kristin@bibca.org
Today's the day. For the first time ever, BIBCA has offered an early renewal discount on annual dues for certified BIBS dealers. Dues must be paid by February 1st, so call the office today to make your renewal payment by phone. 605-949-2427. We look forward to serving you in 2013.
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONAL PACKAGE WE'RE OFFERING THIS YEAR!
Check out our classified ad page for a new listing
Got an ad of your own? Email it to kristin@bibca.org
The BIBCA PR/Marketing committee designed and approved a way for all BIBS dealers to tackle the dreaded, neglected social media efforts for their own companies. We've launched the most generous member service in our 30-year history, and dealers are jumping on board with this one.
We will set up, manage, and maintain a social network for you including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube at the cost of only
$50 for the year - Gold and Platinum members
$100 for the year - Silver members
This includes 2x/week updates to your sites, and zero hassles for you. You do not have to understand it, or even pay attention to it. All you have to do is enjoy the increased visibility it brings your company, and reap the rewards.
If you already have media tools set up, but nobody is making updates, that's ok. We will work with what you already have set up and make the weekly updates.
How is this possible? It seems too good to be true? This is only possible because of our Industry Partners; Service Partners, Johns Manville, CertainTeed, and Knauf Insulation. They have sponsored the cost of the program to help you grow your company.
Click here to download a sign-up form.
Call Kristin at 605-949-2427 with any questions, or email kristin@bibca.org
2013 is your year to get connected, don't put it off any more!
The Senate bill that finally passed the House by a 259-167 vote extended a number of federal tax code provisions that are important to home buyers, sellers, builders and real estate professionals.
The bill also made permanent the Bush-era reduced tax brackets for all but the highest income earners in the country, along with a permanent "patch" to the increasingly troublesome alternative minimum tax (AMT) that threatened millions of middle-income homeowners with higher taxes.
Here's a quick overview of what the legislation means for housing:
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief extended through 2013
For huge numbers of financially distressed owners of homes with underwater mortgages, this was the biggest issue in the entire fiscal cliff debate. The mortgage debt relief provisions in the tax code, first enacted in 2007, expired at midnight Dec. 31.
Had Congress not acted, the tax code would have reverted to its pre-2007 treatment of mortgage principal reductions or cancellations by lenders, whether through loan modifications, short sales, deeds-in-lieu or foreclosures: All principal balances written off would be treated as ordinary income to the homeowners who received them.
For illustration, if a lender wrote off $100,000 of debt to facilitate a short sale, the seller would be taxed on that $100,000 at regular marginal rates, just as if he or she had earned it as salary.
A return to taxation of principal reductions would have disrupted short sales -- a growing segment of the home real estate market -- in 2013, and almost certainly would have encouraged more distressed owners to opt for foreclosure and bankruptcy.
Deduction of mortgage insurance premiums
The bill retroactively extended this benefit to cover all of 2012, plus continues it through 2013. Qualified borrowers who pay private mortgage insurance premiums or guarantee fees on conventional, low down payment home loans, FHA, VA and Rural Housing mortgages will be able to write off those premiums along with their mortgage interest on federal tax returns. The retroactive feature is crucial because Congress had allowed this deduction to lapse at the end of 2011. There are limitations, however: The write-off is available only to borrowers who have an adjusted gross income below $110,000.
Tax credits for energy-efficiency home improvements
This benefit provides modest tax credits of $200 to $500 for owners who install energy-efficient windows, insulation and other upgrades designed to cut energy consumption. The bill covers improvements made during 2012 and 2013.
Tax credits for new energy-efficient new houses
This allows builders and contractors to claim a $2,000 tax credit on new homes constructed in 2012 and 2013 that meet federally specified energy-conservation standards. The bill also extends credits for U.S.-based manufacturers of energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers. As with other energy-related tax provisions, this had expired last year and will now be continued through 2013.
So what's negative in the fiscal cliff compromise bill for real estate?
Not a whole lot for homeowners who aren't in the highest income brackets. But for those who are, there are provisions that likely will inflict some pain.
Start with marginal tax rates and capital gains. If you earn $400,000 or more as a single filer or $450,000 as a joint filer, your new marginal federal tax rate is 39.6 percent.
You also get hit with a 20 percent rate on long-term capital gains, such as those from investment real estate and home sales that rack up gains beyond the $250,000/$500,000 thresholds.
Also, the new "Obamacare" 3.8 percent surcharge on certain investment income, which went into effect Jan. 1, could raise effective rates on capital gains for upper bracket households to 23.8 percent. As a result, some investors in rental property and commercial real estate may begin looking again to Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges to hang onto their profits.
For taxpayers in the 33 percent, 28 percent and lower marginal tax brackets, capital gains will continue to be taxed at 15 percent.
Perhaps the crucial question to ask about the new legislation is: What could have been in the fiscal cliff compromise package affecting real estate but wasn't included? That's easy: There are none of the "grand bargain" deduction limitations on mortgage interest and property taxes that had been proposed by tax system reform proponents.
But don't assume those proposals are moribund. Quite to the contrary, they are likely to arise again this spring and summer, when broader scale debates over the shape of the tax code get under way. Once that process starts, watch out: Home real estate tax preferences like the "MID" will be front and center on the chopping block.
Ken Harney writes an award-winning, nationally syndicated column, "The Nation's Housing," and is the author of two books on real estate and mortgage finance.
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Good Morning,
I would like to know BIBS Air Infiltration Rating or ACH, Air Changes per Hour. Can anyone give me feedback on what it is, or how I can calculate it? I recall that the Perm (permeability) Rating for BIBS is better than Open Cell Foam but I do not know what that is or if it is the same thing.
I am working with a local HVAC Contractor to promote BIBS locally. He has the Air Infiltration Rating for batts and spray foams. Also, he did not realize that the BIBS Perm Rating is better than Open Cell Foam. He uses software to calculate the size of the HVAC equipment, to forecast utility bills and etc.
Doug Kooyman
