Posted By Clark on 05/31/2009 4:47 PM
I don't understand the reasoning behind the 2009 clarification of tax law in this matter. If you buy an energy efficient house from a builder, which proper documentation, he can claim the $2000 tax credit and pass the net savings (after deducting the HERS inspection fees) on to you. But, if you build the house yourself as the owner, you don't qualify for the credit. Where is the difference in incentive? If the IRS would just credit me at tax time for the cost of the HERS inspections (I was quoted $600), I would opt for the Energy Star certification. As is, I dropped my plans to do so. What am I missing?
Who builds the vast majority of homes, owner/builders or contractors? Who needs prodding the most to move toward energy efficient construction? Who is focused almost solely on the profit margin of the completed project? Who has the greater lobbying power on Capitol Hill? Reasoning??? No one ever suggested there is reasoning behind what Congress does, or doesn't do!!!!!!
What you may be missing is an understanding of how Congress works, or doesn't work!
Be aware that owner/builders are such a small segment of the housing industry that when it comes to national policy they don't really exist.