PEGASUS Design-To-Build LLC blog

Saving Money with Clean and Green Energy - PEGASUS Design-to-Build

Admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT

Home owners can save money by using energy efficient and clean energy technologies in their home renovations. Not only do these technologies cost less to operate over time, but there are a number of financial incentives and tax advantages when you include green energy technologies in your home improvement project.

Massachusetts has many financial incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Mass Save, a program run by the electric and gas utilities, has long provided significant financial incentives for using energy efficient technologies including lighting, insulation, high-efficiency heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heating equipment, and windows. Starting in 2019, the program will provide incentives for some new technologies, including cold climate air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and connected thermostats, as well as a new whole-building performance incentive to encourage very efficient (passive house) and all-electric new construction or significant renovation projects. Mass Save also provides the HEAT loan, a 0% loan of up to $25,000 for energy improvements.

In addition to the utility-run programs, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offers rebates for clean heating technologies (air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, efficient wood stoves, solar hot water systems), and solar systems. There is also a statewide income tax credit, and in many areas, production-based payments for solar photovoltaic systems under the state’s SMART program.

Finally, the federal tax credit for residential clean energy investments has been extended until at least 2021. This credit covers equipment and installation costs for technologies such as ENERGY STAR appliances, solar PV, solar hot water, geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and fuel cells. The tax credit has no dollar limit and can be carried forward to future tax years. For projects completed in 2019, the credit amount is 30%, but will decline year after year until 2021, when it is set to expire. Remember to always ask your accountant for specifics around tax issues.

The best way to maximize these financial rewards is to talk with your designer/contractor and incorporate your clean and green energy goals early in the design of your project.

Resources:

Mass Save Renovations and Additions (https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/renovations-and-additions/)

Mass Save HEAT Loan (https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/heat-loan-program/)

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Residential Incentives Information (https://www.masscec.com/get-clean-energy/residential)

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Solar Incentives Information (https://www.masscec.com/solar-incentives-and-programs)

What is a Passive House? (http://www.phius.org/what-is-passive-building)

DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org/)

U.S. Department of Energy Federal Tax Credit information (https://www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit)

EnergyStar Financial Incentives Information (https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits)

by Arah Schuur

727 Main Street Grand Opening! - PEGASUS Design-to-Build

Admin — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT

It is with much excitement that Pegasus Design-to-build has opened its new office at 727 Main Street in Melrose, MA!

Pegasus Design-to-Build was lucky enough to host an opening party to celebrate this milestone for the company. We hosted current and past clients, members of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts State Representatives, employees, family and friends. We feel very fortunate to have such unwavering support and hope to continue to add value to our community!

Steps for a Successful Kitchen Design - PEGASUS Design-to-Build

Admin — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Is the thought of undergoing a full kitchen design and remodeling project overwhelming? Here are some tips that will help with your kitchen design.

Your Experience and Priorities

Successful kitchen design starts with your experience with your existing kitchen. What works, what is missing, what are the “must haves” for your new kitchen. By compiling a list of priorities for your kitchen design you ensure that your new kitchen works for your family. Start clipping pictures – a folder full of kitchen designs and ideas that you like is a great place to start.

Priorities for your new kitchen go beyond the obvious (more counter space and storage) and should include answers to questions like:

How many people will be cooking
What is your cooking style
Will you use the new kitchen space for other functions (entertaining, homework, dining)
How will your kitchen tie into the rest of your house
Are there any special requirements for appliances
What is your kitchen remodel budget

The Kitchen Design

Armed with your list of priorities you are ready to start considering designs. Working with a kitchen designer you begin to match your priorities with the new design for your kitchen remodeling project. During the initial design stages your designer will ensure that your kitchen encompasses basic kitchen design guidelines such as:

The work triangle
Designated areas for food prep, cleanup etc
Clearance space required
Adequate storage and counter space
Is a kitchen seating area required
Cabinet design and styles
Appliances and fixtures
Lighting

With your priorities, your kitchen designer can pull together a kitchen plan that meets your needs. As you work with your designer to finalize the designs for your new space you will finalize products, cabinet styles and finishes for your new space. The initial planning and preparation that have gone into your kitchen design allows for the preparation of a detailed estimate and construction schedule. If you are working with a firm that offers design and construction services you can have the whole process managed in one place.

PEGASUS Design To Build Receives Best Of Houzz 2017 Award - PEGASUS Design-to-Build

Admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve received “Best Of” award from the users of Houzz.com. Here’s the press release!

PEGASUS Design-To-Build of Melrose, MA

Awarded Best Of Houzz 2017

Melrose, MA February 23, 2017 – PEGASUS Design To Build of Melrose, MA has won “Best Of Design on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The design build remodeling firm of 15 years was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2017” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“We’re happy to see that our clients are as happy with our work as we are to do the work for them, we will do our best to make sure that we keep meeting the high standards this award demands.”

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