Home Remodeling Projects to Use Your Tax Return On
Smart Chicago homeowners have already filed their 2016 taxes and may have already used their refund checks. But before you begin burning through that refund like a kid in a toy store, think about where you can use that money that will benefit you the most. The answer to that for many in Chicago will be to invest in their home.
To aid in planning your tax return investment, below are some of the most beneficial home projects that you can do. From putting in floors and shutters to purchasing modern appliances, these suggestions will get you the most out of your tax refund.
Get New Floors This Spring
Awesome new floors are some of the best things you can give your Chicago home this spring. In addition to your annual spring cleaning, new flooring can completely change the look and feel of your home for the new season. Just think about how a new hardwood or tile floor might look in one of the rooms in your home.
New flooring is a great tax return project because it can increase your home’s value. It’s proven that certain flooring like real hardwood and stone or tile can up the appraisal value of a home, while a stylish new carpet, vinyl, or laminate can decrease time spent on the market if you’re thinking of listing your home on the market in the near future.
Spring Into New Window Treatments
As with new flooring, a new window treatment can totally change your home’s style. But tax season is an even better time to consider new window treatments, as the weather starts changing with each day and you start opening up your windows more. Two of our favorite window treatments for the spring are plantation shutters and shades.
Certain window treatments can help you get even more money back on your next return. Polywood® plantation shutters are such an energy efficient window treatment that in addition to lowering your monthly AC bills, they qualify you for energy tax credits. If new window treatments are your gift to your home with your tax refund, be sure to consider energy efficiency and home value in addition to their looks.
Invest in New Appliances With Your Tax Refund
After new window treatments like shutters or putting in a new hardwood floor, what’s the next best home project to invest in? For the majority of Chicago homeowners, the answer is investing in new appliances. Like window treatments and floors, new appliances can make a bold fashion statement and bring the look of your home up to date.
Begin with your kitchen appliances. The refrigerator, microwave, and range are some of best places to start when thinking about replacements, since those are frequently the most-used and most often seen. Be sure that any new appliance you choose has a neutral look. For example, stainless steel appliances look modern while remaining relatively neutral, so even if you refinish your counters or choose a new color scheme, your appliances complement the decor just the same.
