Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A&E Design: A Kitchen Transformation

At A&E Construction, we want your project to turn out exactly as you envisioned it. Our design team works diligently to transform your room into an efficient and beautiful space. Check out our remodeling steps for more information on the A&E design process including detailed proposals, site visits and superior client communication.
See the process unfold below:
Kitchen Before
After the initial consultation, we will create a custom design that will best fit the renovations you are looking to perform on your home.


We will provide a floor plan depicting the proposed renovations along with a 3D rendering giving you a sense of what the room will potentially look like. A&E’s innovative designs will enhance your room functionally and aesthetically to meet your expectations.


At the top of the post and below are images of the completed kitchen remodeling featuring a granite island, custom wood cabinetry and a new open floor plan for easy access. Check out our design gallery for a portfolio of our work and most recent projects. 

Friday, March 25, 2011

Dormer Addition: A Day in Review

5 p.m. Dormer Addition Weather Tight

Last week we began a dormer addition project in Pennington, NJ.  Check out the dormer addition from start to finish right here.  

Before Addition
12 p.m. In progress











With excellent planning, committed employees and dedicated subcontractors we were able to construct the new gable dormer addition and secure the exterior from the weather elements by staying late to clean and protect the area from the ensuing rain later that night.
7 a.m. Interior Before Renovation



12 p.m. Interior During Renovation



We work hard to create a beautiful dormer accent that will look like it’s been a part of your house all along.  While maintaining the continuity of style with the rest of the house and creating additional natural light, A&E’s dormer designs are a great addition to your home on both the interior and the exterior.  


The interior of the new dormer expands the floor plan creating a larger bedroom space.  The windows were held approximately 36" off the floor to allow for a bed to tuck under the window sills.  

5 p.m. Interior Cleaned and Weather Tight 

Finally, some ideas for dormer additions range from making a beautiful reading spot to adding more natural lighting in your bedroom.  Whatever your choice may be, you will love the window view!


Be sure to check back with us for additional updates to the new dormer addition project. And check out our portfolio for an array of before and after pictures featuring our additions and renovation.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Your Guide to Efficiency Incentives

To follow up on our last blog, we have a few more pointers for getting an A&E energy audit.  But first, we'd like to give you more information on improving energy efficiency in your home while benefiting from the 2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency. Here's a few highlights from A&E's energy guide:

1. Insulation and Doors:

The tax credit includes 10% of the cost up to $500. This tax credit can be applied to average bulk installation products but can also include air seal products. For windows, this credit is capped at $200.
Efficient window and door insulation can lead to energy savings,
 increased natural lighting and qualify your home for tax credits.
2. Gas, Propane, Oil Furnace:

Choose high energy factor hot water 
heaters with superior thermal efficiency to 
improve your home's consumed energy.  
Your furnace can qualify for a tax credit of $150.  By utilizing the tax credit, you can increase efficiency by making them 15% more efficient than standard furnaces.

Saving money on energy bills while decreasing your impact on the environment are two worthwhile savings in and of themselves.

3. A/C Units and Water Heaters:

A/C units and water heaters qualify for a $300 tax credit.  Both units make a huge difference in the comfort quality of your home in addition to the fact that water heating can account for between 14 and 25% of consumed energy in your home.

Check out our FAQ page for a detailed list of questions you may have regarding the 2011 Tax Credits as well as other efficiency incentives. You can also contact us to schedule an A&E energy audit to begin tax rebated improvements on your home's energy efficiency.
Questionnaire Form

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Energy Audits with A&E Construction!

Now is the best time to make your home energy efficient and enhance the comfort of your living space while saving money with the generous incentives from the 2011 New Jersey Home Performance with Energy Star program (HpwES).

Listed below are the requirements and incentives for the 2011 HPwES Program.


Tier 1 Requirements:                                         
  • Estimated total energy savings (TES) of at least 10% and less than 20%: Install air sealing and/or insulation, with the option of installing duct sealing and duct insulation measures.
           Incentives:
  • $1,000 cash rebate, not to exceed 50% of cost of the measures used to calculate TES. No loan option available.



    Tier 2 Requirements:                                         
    •  Estimated TES of at least 20% and less than 25%:Install air sealing, insulation, HVAC, DHW and/or other eligible measures. (Measures NOT eligible are appliances, lighting, doors and windows)
               Incentives:
    • $3,000 cash rebate, not to exceed 50% of cost of the measures used to calculate TES, 
      And 0% interest loan up to $10,000 available through Energy Finance Solutions (EFS).



        Tier 3 Requirements:                                         
        •  Estimated TES of at least 25% or greater: Install air sealing, insulation, HVAC, DHW and other eligible measures. (Measures NOT eligible are appliances, lighting, doors and windows)
                   Incentives:
        • $4,000 cash rebate, not to exceed 50% of cost of the measures used to calculate TES, 
          And 0% interest loan up to $10,000 available through Energy Finance Solutions (EFS).


              Here's a potential savings example to consider with the HPwES program:

              The Jones family has an A&E audit performed and audit information shows a potential energy savings of 25% or greater. The Jones family qualifies for a 50% cash rebate, up to $4,000* and a 0% interest loan from the NJHPwES program.


              The first step to energy savings and HPwES rebates is to schedule an audit and learn more about what you can do reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on your utility bills.


              Be sure to contact us or check out our Clean Energy Page for any other questions and tips on preparing for your energy audit.