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 Wondering
How to $pend Your Tax Refund? $pend Wisely, and Invest It into
Your Home.
(ARA) - Spring is finally here, and if you're one of the lucky
ones, so is your tax refund. With the extra money in your pocket
and sun on your back, it's the perfect time to consider giving
your home a makeover. Each year, every home needs some maintenance,
and most folks do at least one major home improvement project
per year. In fact, it is estimated that homeowners spent more
than $180 billion on home improvements alone in 1998, according
to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Investing in your home
is no longer a trend, but a way of life.
For most of us, homes are not only where we live, but also our
single largest investment. As a living space, its design and
condition affect our lives daily. As an investment, its value
in the marketplace is something we seek to preserve and enhance.
When considering repair and improvement projects, it's best
to consider both. David Bowen, president of Western Pacific
Construction, believes that people should approach their home
as an investment, and more importantly, it should be something
they can be proud of and enjoy every day.
Whatever your intentions for improving and maintaining your
home, now is the time to get started. "Our business increases
significantly around tax time," said Bowen. "People get their
bigger projects lined up early so they are first on the contractor's
schedule." According to Bowen, the larger projects people typically
plan are kitchen remodels, additions, decks, interior and exterior
painting, as well as basement refinishes. The smaller jobs range
from house cleaning and painting to plumbing and electrical
work. "For larger projects, consulting with a designer or architect
can be a great starting point for some creative inspiration,"
added Bowen.
For those of you who haven't talked to a professional yet, Bowen
advises making drawings and a list of your home improvements,
so when you speak with the professional, he or she will have
a good idea of the scope of the project, as well as the estimated
budget. "This enables the consumer to get the biggest bang for
their buck when the contractor arrives," added Bowen. He also
suggests using a reputable contractor referral service like
ServiceMagic.com to begin. "This service prescreens its contractors
for proper licensing, clean legal background, bankruptcy checks
and Better Business Bureau history," said Bowen. "This can give
you a quick and confident start, and you can be comforted in
knowing that the contractor you choose is capable and wants
to do the job."
Whether you are planning a large or small project, spring is
a good time to get organized. One approach experts suggest is
to start outside and begin at the top of the house and work
your way to the bottom. Then move inside and do the same thing.
If you're not expecting a great windfall this tax season, here
are some more cost-effective home improvement or maintenance
projects that you may want to consider doing, or hiring a professional
to do for you:
For the Outside:
- Inspect your roof for winter damage such as leaks, missing
or broken shingles or tiles.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves and other debris will
prevent water from flowing freely.
- Paint the exterior. What areas need paint? How about a new
trim color?
- Remove storm windows or doors and replace with clean screens.
- Replace the front door. It can create a dramatic difference
in your home's appearance.
- Give your home a facelift with attractive enhancements such
as new awnings and large planters overflowing with flowers.
- Plant new flowers and shrubs. It is amazing how they can add
energy and life to the leftover winter blahs.
- Spread mulch around shrubs and flowerbeds to give your yard
and garden a manicured look-and save time weeding.
- Build a deck to enhance your outdoor living experience.
- Install a hot tub or cover your patio.
- Clean and seal your deck to prepare for outdoor dining and
entertaining.
- Make plans to install a new sprinkler system, walkway or fence.
- Ensure that the downspouts are directing water away from the
foundation of your house.
- Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
- Make sure the tank on your gas grill is full so you are ready
for a barbecue and guests.
For the Inside:
- Install a skylight in your kitchen. This will save electricity
by shedding natural light throughout the day.
- Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Paint a few rooms to give your whole house a clean and refreshing
feeling. Although the white-walled appearance remains popular,
the current trend across the nation is bold and beautiful. Pick
one or two rooms and paint a wall red, raspberry or deep blue.
- Install new countertops in your kitchen.
- Refinish your cabinets or install new ones. Oak is popular,
affordable and durable.
- Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly.
- Have your air conditioner or evaporative cooler serviced and
replace all filters.
- Have your air ducts and vents professionally cleaned.
- Get your carpets professionally cleaned, or change your look
entirely in a room or two by installing wood or tile floors.
- Check for termites and insects, and call an exterminator if
needed.
And last but not least, make a list of the projects that you
can do yourself and those that should be tackled by a professional.
Instead of playing telephone tag, consider going online to expedite
the process. Visit sites like
ServiceMagic.com to quickly get connected with prescreened,
customer-rated contractors ready to work for you. ServiceMagic
can also provide you with valuable tips, guides and expert advice
on hundreds of home-related topics. This will help you to be
more informed when making decisions for your home.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com,
e-mail: info@aracontent.com
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