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With our industry slowing down, now is the perfect time for a little relief, so take advantage of the new federal tax credits available, and make your customers aware of these credits as a selling feature:

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

Windows and Doors
Insulation
Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
HVAC
Water Heaters (non-solar)
Biomass Stoves

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:

Geothermal Heat Pumps
Solar Panels
Solar Water Heaters
Small Wind Energy Systems
Fuel Cells
Cars

Tax Credits for Home Builders
Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings
For More Information

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Getting Prospects to Commit- Key to Success in Remodeling

Home builders who are pursuing remodeling jobs to make up for some of the slack in their business need to pay special attention to how they sell their jobs, or they may run into trouble in getting a commitment from their prospective customers.

Winging it can be a counterproductive approach to selling remodeling jobs, Mattson advised, and remodelers need to be on their guard for prospects who can easily turn an introductory meeting into an opportunity to receive a free consultation - without making any commitment to continue further. "Sell up-front, present in the back," said Mattson. "Once the buyer sees what you have, the game's over."

Before a scheduled meeting, the remodeler should call the customer to validate the time and ensure that the hour is still good.

This is how the meeting should proceed:

• Tell the prospect the purpose of the meeting and why you are there.
• Set the agenda by telling the home owner the two or three things you want to make sure are covered during the meeting.

Read more...

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Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding has become a popular alternative to many other sidings. It requires very little maintenance and has a very natural look. It can resemble stucco, wood clapboards or cedar shingles, depending on how the panels are textured. Fiber cement is also fire-resistant and durable, sometimes having 50-year guarantees.

Choosing fiber-cement siding for a home is the best practice for good-looking, quality, cost-effective siding. With a few exceptions, installing fiber-cement siding is just like installing wood siding.

Here are some general points you should know about its installation:

• Prolong the life of the siding by coating the back side of it with a sealing primer, which will prevent water from wicking on the back side and causing paint from peeling on the front.
• You can fasten the siding over wood framing using hand- or air-driven galvanized nails or wood screws, or use self-tapping screws for installation over metal studs.

Click here to read more...

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Featured Product – James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie Siding Products are durable, long lasting and backed by one of the best warranties in the Building Materials Industry - 50-year limited transferable warranty, and the ColorPlus Collection comes with a 15 year finish warranty. James Hardie siding cuts, handles and nails like wood. It installs just as quickly and has the same beauty as wood but is much stronger and stiffer.

Some common questions about James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding:

Q. How do your prices compare to the prices of brick and vinyl?
A: While prices vary from market to market, this is how HardiePlank® siding compares in installed price with its competitors:
More expensive than Vinyl
Less expensive than Brick
Equal or less than Hardboard Siding
Less expensive than Synthetic Stucco

Q. Do I have to paint HardiePlank® siding?
A: Yes, HardiePlank® lap siding must be painted or you may order many James Hardie® products with ColorPlus® Technology. If painting, 100% acrylic topcoats are recommended. Do not paint when wet. Back rolling is recommended if the siding is sprayed. Within 180 days for primed product and 90 days for unprimed.

If you have any questions or would like more information, samples or pricing on this product, please contact an Evanston Lumber Sales Representative (847) 864-7700, or click here to contact us.

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Upcoming Seminar

Fiber Cement - What Everyone Should Know - AIA Approved
When: March 12th
12pm-2pm

Where: Tommy Nevin's Pub
1450 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL

Click here for driving directions.

Seating is limited, so RSVP NOW to guarantee a seat!

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Closeout Skylights

Velux QVE 156 Skylight
Qty: 1
Price: $600.00

Velux VS101 Skylight
Qty: 1
Price: $200.00

To place an order or set up delivery CALL NOW (847) 864-7700
Also, to view our entire list of closeout items, visit our closeout section.

* Please note: Closeout items subject to prior sale and in limited quantity

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Employee Spotlight

Name: Kathy Harrer
Years of Service: 5 yrs.
Position: Kitchen & Bath Designer

Q: What do you like best about working at Evanston Lumber Design Center?
A: I enjoy working for a family owned business. It creates a more personal and comfortable atmosphere. Also, I am surrounded with great people, co-workers and customers alike. It's all the people that make it a great place to work!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
A: I volunteer my time for organizations that can really make a difference in our world.

Q: Tell us about your family
A: I am married to a truck driver, and while I have no children of my own, I am 1 of 8 children, and I have 14 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews along with 2 step children and 1 new step-grandchild.

Q: What is a little known fact about you?
A: I hope to buy a motorcycle in the near future - I used to ride a lot in my younger days.

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