Home Improvement Projects for Your Tax Return
Savvy Tampa homeowners have probably already filed their taxes for 2016 and may have even cashed their return checks. But before you begin going through that return like a kid in a candy store, consider where you can spend that money that will benefit you in the long run. The answer to that for many in Tampa is to invest in their home.
To help you plan your tax refund investment, we’ve put together a few of the most beneficial home projects that you can do. From installing floors and shutters to putting in new appliances, these suggestions can help you get the most out of your tax refund.
Get New Floors This Spring
A dazzling new floor is one of the best gifts you can give your Tampa home with your refund. In addition to your annual spring cleaning, new floors can completely transform the look and feel of your house for the new season. Just imagine how a new hardwood or tile floor could look in one of the rooms in your home.
Getting new floors is an awesome tax refund project because it naturally increases your home’s value. It’s proven that certain flooring like real hardwood and stone or tile can increase a home’s appraisal value, while a beautiful new carpet or vinyl floor can decrease time spent on the market if you’re thinking of listing your home on the market any time in the future.
Spring Into New Window Treatments
Similar to new flooring, the right window treatment can totally change your home’s style. But tax time is an even better time to think about window treatments, as the weather starts changing as each day passes and you start opening up your windows more. Some of our favorite window treatments for the spring include plantation shutters and shades.
Certain window treatments can even net you 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 present to yourself with your tax return, make sure to think about home value and energy efficiency as well as their looks.
Invest in Newer Appliances
Next to new window treatments such as shutters or putting in a new hardwood floor, what’s the next best home project to invest in? For most Tampa homeowners, that answer would be investing in new appliances. As with window treatments and floors, new appliances can make a bold fashion statement and bring the look of your home up to date.
Start with the appliances in your kitchen. Your refrigerator, dishwasher, and range are some of best appliances to start with when thinking about replacements, as those are typically the most-used and most visible. Be sure that any new appliance you purchase has a complementary look. For instance, stainless steel appliances look modern while still being relatively neutral, so even if you redo your counters or want to change up your colors, that stainless steel will complement the decor just as effectively.
