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The roof window from Velux offers features including electronic rain sensors and solar-powered remote controls.

Some ideas for your reno tax credit

As it has not yet technically passed into law, the Home Renovation Tax Credit could, theoretically, get scuppered. But it's hard to imagine the parliamentary permutations that could bring about that scenario.

A call to the Canada Revenue Agency was reassuring; the 2009 tax forms being prepared include the tax credit. Besides, no right-thinking representative of the people would dare stand in the way of such a popular program, which home improvement retailers say has fuelled healthy sales of both material and installed sales during a tough year.

Renovations are eligible for a maximum credit of $1,350 when they are of "an enduring nature" that is "integral to the dwelling." Generally speaking, that means that if what you do becomes a permanent part of your home, it qualifies. For example, blinds, shutters and shades attached directly to the window frame qualify, but soft furnishings, such as draperies, do not. For more details, go to the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Time is running out, though. The credit applies only to work performed or goods purchased before Feb. 1, 2010. Just in case you can't think of ways to spend money on your home, here are few products that qualify that are worth considering.

Whether the tax credit is responsible for record sales last year for Velux, makers of sun tunnels, roof windows and skylights, is hard to say. The explosion of sales could also reflect the fact that Canadians are discovering how practical and beautiful these items are, and the role they can play in reducing energy costs and greening the home.

Skylights began sprouting on rooftops like mushrooms in the 1980s. But many found the acrylic bubbles ugly, and they gained a reputation for clouding and leaking. That's not the case with Velux's higher-end products, which include skylights and roof windows with such clever features as electronic rain sensors and solar-powered remote controls. The roof windows and vented skylights not only flood a room with natural light, but allow gases, moisture and heat to escape. For more information and a list of dealers, go to www.velux.ca.

Windows and doors are also selling well, as they too fit the criteria for the HRTC. Many also qualify for energy retrofit grants, which makes them especially appealing to consumers, says Brad West, Canadian marketing manager for door and window manufacturer Jeld-Wen. To help consumers in various jurisdictions find which programs they qualify for, his company created www.eco-reno.ca/home. The site also has good product information and useful tips on things like how to measure correctly for windows and doors.

Flooring is another category that's doing a brisk business, according to several retailers with whom I spoke. Hardwood and laminates are very hot, which may explain some of the deals you can currently find on broadloom. Lowe's, for example, has a $189 promotion (until Nov. 22) for basic carpet installation for up to three rooms (no stairs or hallways) with the purchase of 15-foot in stock or special order broadloom and padding.

Hot tubs are also doing extremely well, says Trevor Wasney, president of Arctic Spas Oakville, which sells hot tubs made in a facility in Thorsby, Alta. Wasney is also enjoying a stellar year; sales are up 36 per cent, a gain he attributes in part to improved product.

"Hot tubs are way more energy efficient than they used to be, and the advent of salt systems means they are now pretty much maintenance free," he says.

There are also lots of bells and whistles, such as waterproof television sets that can be attached to a bracket on the tub. One of Wasney's newest models, the Arctic Ocean, combines a small swimming pool with hot tub. It measures 4.3 metres by 2.4 metres and has a cover that allows either the pool or tub area to be used separately – a feature that adds to the energy efficiency. There are seven Arctic Spas locations across the GTA. For more information, go to www.arcticspasonline.com.

While you may not have the time nor money to have a stone fireplace added to your home, you could consider adding manufactured facing stone to an existing fireplace. Stone Rox is a veneer manufactured stone, made in Stouffville. Because it's thinner (between 2.5 centimetres to 3.8 centimetres) than traditional stone (that can typically measure up to about 10 centimetres), it's lighter (about 3.6 to 4.5 kilograms per square foot).

That makes it more affordable and, according to its maker, easier to maintain than natural stone. It comes in seven styles, which can be used alone or mixed for a custom look.

For more information and a list of dealers, go to www.stonerox.com.

For more ideas about how to take advantage of the HRTC, go to my blog at www.thestar.blogs.com/onthehouse.

Email Vicky at vswriter@sympatico.ca.