Governor David A. Patterson has announced that Amanda’s Law take effect as of today, Feb 22, 2010. The bill was signed into law in August of last year.

It is named for Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, New York who died while sleeping at a friends house on January 17, 2009 as a result of a carbon monoxide leak from a defective furnace.

The law requires that all homes in New York State that burn fuel which could result in carbon monoxide production must have a carbon monoxide detector.

The alarm must be installed on the lowest floor of the home having a sleeping area, and must be clearly audible from all sleeping areas with the doors closed.

Carbon monoxide is produced when any type of fuel burns incompletely. Depending on the levels in the environment, it can take minutes or hours to become deadly.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless making detection of it in a home impossible without a warning device.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic that of the flu. They include fatigue, dizziness, impaired memory and judgment, headache, nausea and vomiting eventually leading to nervous system damage, cardiac trauma, brain damage, coma and death.

By the time someone realizes there is a problem they are frequently too incapacitated to get out of the home safely and get the help they need.

Under the new law homes built before January 1, 2008 can have battery-powered CO alarms. Homes built after this date must have alarm systems hard-wired into the building.

Amanda’s Law also make contractors responsible for installing a CO detector in a home when replacing a furnace or hot water tank if the home is not already equipped.

Governor Patterson and the OFPC would also like to remind homeowners that in addition to installing a CO detector, they should take the following actions to ensure they are reducing their risks and keeping themselves and their families safe.

• Test / replace detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Have a qualified technician inspect and clean heating systems, chimneys, vents and flues annually
• Examine vents and chimneys regularly. Check for rust, soot and debris as well as improper connections
• Never allow a vehicle to run in an attached garage
• Never run a fuel powered motor indoors
• Never use your homes gas oven as a heat source
• Always use barbecue grills outdoors, not in a garage or house
• Don’t forget to install smoke alarms on every level of the house and near sleeping areas

With the changes that have taken place in the real estate market over the last few years, it is more important than ever to look closely at and choose wisely  any remodeling projects you may be considering.

The average return on value for a remodeling project declined from 87% in 2005 to 64% in 2009. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure the maximum return on your remodeling investment.

1. Repair rather that upgrade:
Having many upgrades in your home can enhance the enjoyment of the home as well as attract buyers. However, defects caused by improper maintenance of your home can quickly become a major financial burden for you in addition to eliminating the interest of any potential buyer. No one wants own or purchase a home with issues.

By neglecting to disclose defects to your potential buyer, you are putting yourself at risk to pay a penalty. This, in addition to having to foot the bill for the repair, will only add to the time and expense of closing a potential deal.

If need be, have a home inspection. Address any problems that the report reveals. By performing routine maintenance you will ensure the comfort and safety of your home as well as making it more attractive to buyers.

2. Remodel existing space rather than adding square footage:
The current trend in real estate favors quality over quantity. A multi-use great room for example, is more desirable than a formal living room and separate family room.

Consider finishing a basement or attic. Keep an open floor plan idea in mind as you visualize reconfiguring the space you use now into more user friendly square footage.

3. Don’t over-remodel or upgrade:
When planning a project, keep the neighborhood in mind. Your amenities should be comparable to the other homes on the block, especially if you are planning on selling.

If your plans are to stay in your home for more than five years, now may be an excellent time to consider doing that home improvement project you’ve been putting off. Home improvement contractors are hungry for work and are willing to offer more competitive pricing just to keep their workers busy. Getting multiple bids may translate into a real bargain for you. But, as always, don’t base your decision solely on price. Always ask for and check references.

If you plan on moving within 3 to 5 years experts agree that you should not take on the expense of a major project. The risk is just too high that your investment, aside from necessary repairs and cosmetic work, could be lost while the real estate markets continues to struggle.

4. Think Eco friendly and Tech infrastructure:
Green features save you energy and money, as well as making the home more desirable to todays eco-friendly home buyers.

Take advantage of federal tax credits, plus local rebates and tax incentives (see dsireusa.org) by replacing worn appliances with new Energy Star appliances and adding extra wall insulation.

If you do open a wall for a construction project, consider adding extra cable and Ethernet ports. At a cost of about $80 per room, you will ensure your home will have the capability to utilize new technologies that come along.

Do some research and carefully consider your goals when planning a remodel project. Make an informed decision in order to benefit your individual situation and maximize the return on your investment.