Windows and Doors Toronto - HRTC Means Buyer Beware

The federal government's Home Renovation Tax Credit expires early in 2010. Buyers are rushing to get the credit and renovators are competing heavily for their business. More than ever, it means buyer beware, according to a leading Toronto window and door expert.

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) September 30, 2009 -- Homeowners taking advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), which expires in February, 2010, should exercise extra caution when choosing renovators and products says a leading Toronto and GTA residential window and door specialist.

Windows and Doors Toronto

The HRTC is a great chance for people to save on home improvements

But we're noticing a bit of a rush to take advantage of the Tax Credit and it means people might make hasty decisions that end up costing them more than the money they save.

You can get two types of seals on new windows, one is an organic, rubber-based compound; the other is a synthetic elastomer

Both meet CSA and Energy Star standards when they're new, but there's an almost 10% chance the rubber seal will fail in 15 years and that's way too soon. The elastomer can last five or six times longer.

Because of the deadline, many homeowners are hurrying to get the work done in time. Renovators are concerned that, because of the deadline, everyone will renovate this year, and next year will be slower, so they want to get as much of the business as possible.

Ask the renovator lots of questions; talk to friends; search the internet. You don't want to buy a heap of trouble just to get the tax credit.

Biberberg uses examples from his own industry to show his point. "You can get two types of seals on new windows, one is an organic, rubber-based compound; the other is a synthetic elastomer," explains Biberberg. "Both meet CSA and Energy Star standards when they're new, but there's an almost 10% chance the rubber seal will fail in 15 years and that's way too soon. The elastomer can last five or six times longer."

In an effort to get more HRTC related business, renovators are looking for ways to reduce prices and may offer less expensive products. In the case of windows, that can mean units with rubber seals. Homeowners, preoccupied with getting the tax credit, may not take the time to understand the difference between products and choose those, like rubber-sealed windows, that might not be the best choice.

The HRTC is available for most home renovations completed before February 1, 2010, and that's the root of the problem, according to Biberberg. "Because of the deadline, many homeowners are hurrying to get the work done in time. Renovators are concerned that, because of the deadline, everyone will renovate this year, and next year will be slower, so they want to get as much of the business as possible."

Biberberg urges homeowners not to make quick decisions and be sure to do their research. "Ask the renovator lots of questions; talk to friends; search the internet. You don't want to buy a heap of trouble just to get the tax credit."

About Thermo-Bilt Windows & Doors
Thermo-Bilt has been a trusted replacement windows and door specialist in Toronto and the GTA for almost 20 years. Thermo-Bilt also offers storm doors, porch enclosures, patio doors and entrance door hardware and locksets. Thermo-Bilt works exclusively with leading Toronto-area window manufacturer, Hometech, to supply top quality replacement windows sealed with polyisobutylene, a safe, long-lasting synthetic sealant.

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