They say that April showers bring May flowers, but the month also brings tax returns. In a recent report, Forbes offers some home improvement options for your tax refund. The windfall from Uncle Sam may provide homeowners with the perfect opportunity to do some home improvements. Leigh McAlpin, principal of Dwelling Interiors & Design in Charleston, S.C., said the money can offer a great opportunity to enhance your home.
“While it’s typically not sufficient to fund major home improvement projects such as a new addition or a kitchen renovation, it can often provide enough cash to accomplish a wide range of home up-fits and improvements.”
No amount is too small to improve your home, from organization to a fresh coat of paint, there are a number of projects that can help improve the livability of your home and offer more curb appeal should you decide to put it on the market. Even with $500, doing the work yourself can save a lot of money. Sarah Roussos-Karakaian, co-owner of Nestrs, a construction, design, and organizing company in New York, told Forbes that a quick coat of paint on the baseboards can do wonders.
“The top of the baseboard where the molding meets the wall gets really dirty over time. Caulking and giving it a fresh coat of paint can bring your walls back to life.”
With $1,000, replacing a water heater, fixing a ceiling or targeting another issue can be a viable options, according to J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman.
“If you still have popcorn ceilings, hire a professional to scrape them smooth. Then look for DIY projects like installing crown molding or box beams for a fresh look.”
At the $2,000 level, you can change your style with new fixtures. Roussos-Karakaian said switching fixtures can change a room. You also can switch to LED lights.
“LEDs are really affordable right now. They come in warm and cool colors and all sorts of wattages.”
If your return is in excess of $3,000, you can do improvements with an eye on getting a return on your investment. These projects can include adding a back-splash in the kitchen or adding a new sliding glass door. Sassano told Forbes French doors can improve a home.
“Consider turning two [adjacent] windows into an opening for beautiful French or sliding glass doors. Full-view glass doors can brighten up any space and help bring the outside in. And modern doors are energy-efficient, which cuts down on heating and cooling costs.”
For returns in excess of $5,000 a project that will enhance your enjoyment of your home can be a perfect option. This can include a privacy fence or outdoor kitchen.
