Home Improvement Projects to Use Your Tax Return On
Forward-thinking Austin residents have probably already filed their 2016 taxes and might have already cashed their return checks. But before you begin going through that return like a kid in a candy store, think about where you could spend that money that will give you the biggest benefit. The answer to that for many in Austin will be to invest that money back in their home.
To aid in planning your tax refund investment, here are some of the most beneficial home improvement projects that you can do. From installing shutters and floors to putting in new appliances, these suggestions will help you get the most out of your tax return.
Get New Floors This Spring
Awesome new floors are some of the best gifts you can give your Austin home this spring. Complementing your yearly spring cleaning, new flooring can totally change the look and feel of your house for the new season. Just think about how a new carpet or hardwood floor might look in one of the rooms in your house.
Getting new floors is an awesome tax refund project because it naturally increases your home’s value. It’s a fact that certain flooring like hardwood and natural tile can increase a home’s resale value, while a beautiful new carpet or laminate floor 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 Coverings
Similar to new flooring, the right window treatment can totally change the style of your home. But tax time is an even better time to think about window treatments, as the weather changes with each day and you begin to open your windows more often. Two of our favorite window treatments for springtime are plantation shutters and shades.
Certain window treatments can even net you more money in your pocket during tax season. Polywood® plantation shutters provide such great energy efficiency that as a bonus to saving you on your monthly heating bills, Polywood shutters make you eligible for energy tax credits. If new window treatments are your gift to your house with your tax return, be sure to consider energy efficiency and home value in addition to their looks.
Choose New Appliances With Your Tax Refund
After new window treatments like shutters or putting in new flooring, what’s the next best home project you can do? For the majority of Austin homeowners, the answer is investing in new appliances. Like window treatments and floors, new appliances can be an eye-catching fashion statement and bring the look of your home up to date.
Begin with the appliances in your kitchen. The fridge, microwave, and range are some of best appliances to start with when thinking about replacements, since they’re 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 ultra-modern while remaining relatively neutral, so even if you install new countertops or choose a new color scheme, that stainless steel will complement the decor just as well.
