Reinvesting in Your Home *

 

Home improvement projects are always desirable, and now there are ways to make them more affordable. Between your tax refund and new tax credits included with the stimulus package, now is a good time to start that home improvement project you’ve always been considering.

 

There are plenty of reasons to improve your home – to maintain structural integrity, amp up your resale value or just create a beautiful, more functional space for you and your family to enjoy. Current housing and economic trends may leave you wondering which projects are really worth your time and money.

 

Like many investments, the return on home improvement is higher the longer you hold on to your home. But whether you’re selling or staying put, some projects are always worth doing:

 

Maintain your HVAC: No one wants heating problems in the dead of winter or cooling problems when it’s 100 degrees. Stay on top of heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance for smooth transitions from season to season.

 

Maintain your Roof: Buyers expect a home with a solid structure first and foremost. When re-roofing, consider the life-cycle cost of your roofing. A composition roof is less expensive and easy to repair, but requires more maintenance and has a shorter life expectancy than wood or metal roofing.

 

Replace your Siding: This consistently rates among projects with the highest return on investment – an important consideration when selling your home. The look of new siding also makes a great first impression on potential buyers, and is important for protecting your home from weather, impact and pests.

 

Replace Windows: Duel and triple-pane windows are a smart way to maximize your heating and cooling dollars and reduce noise.

 

Remodel Bathroom and Kitchen: You don’t have to spend a year’s salary to make big improvements in two of the most important rooms in your home. Replacing countertops, cabinetry, faucets and toilet seats will create a brighter, cleaner space that you or potential buyers will appreciate.

 

Paint: Updating the look of walls, doors and trim is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to instantly refresh the look of your home – plus it improves the home’s curb appeal.

 

Update your Flooring: Like painting, new floors give your home a major facelift that instantly appeals to buyers. These days, there are more options than ever: from environmentally friendly bamboo to cost-effective laminate to luxurious radiant flooring.

 

*QualitySmith.com