Hi, so I just got my tax return back and while I'm using a good chunk of it to pay off bills and credit cards, I'd like to throw some back at my house for home improvements.

I don't really know where to start though as this is my first home. Besides getting it painted or getting new blinds, I'm at a loss of what to do.

Any suggestions on things I can do to improve the value of my house? I can really only work on the inside of the house.

5/5/2009 10:10:35 AM

ceiling fans?

5/5/2009 10:13:49 AM

general updating?

kitchen and bath fixtures? cabinet hardware? replacing the outlets, switches and covers so the wiring looks new?

the best ROI is in kitchens, baths, and closets.

i want a fancy closet system to make better use of my master closet space

5/5/2009 10:31:39 AM

Hardwood floors in kitchen/dining area

5/5/2009 10:31:45 AM

Kitchen/bath updates usually get you the most bang for your buck on resale.

Depending on the state of your floors, you can upgrade there as well. Depending on your yard/landscaping, that might need some work too.

Have you really not thought about what you would like to do to your house before? I have been in my house for 3 years now and I still have a list of 20+ projects I want to do, but don't have the time or money yet.

5/5/2009 10:58:32 AM

Crown molding is usually a good bet if you don't already have it.

The gov is also giving the 30% tax credit on energy efficient appliances/windows/doors as well so if you're thinking about upgrading any of those, the next year or so would be the time.

5/5/2009 11:09:47 AM

PM sent

5/5/2009 11:31:59 AM

I'm (probably) using mine to expand my concrete slab into a proper patio. Because of "the times", contractors are pretty cheap these days (at least that's what I'm hearing).

5/5/2009 11:33:37 AM

^ Yeah, some of them are so hungry they are not charging for anything but labor, materials, and consumables.

Not the best business model, but if someone wants to lose money to have work to do, I would take advantage of it.

*Not all contractors are doing this. If you want something done that is above your comfort zone, it is best to get quotes from AT LEAST 3 reputable contractors. The more quotes or proposals you get, the better your scope coverage.

If you want some referrals, PM me. I know some GREAT hardscape contractors.

5/5/2009 11:37:43 AM

Don't mean to hijack the thread or anything, but does anyone know of a good contractor(s) to call for a quote on a new deck?

5/5/2009 11:52:04 AM

PM sent

5/5/2009 11:59:03 AM

maybe get a steam cleaner to remove all the nasty stains in your carpet

5/5/2009 12:53:21 PM

This may be a little easier if we had an idea of a budget in mind. $500, $1000, $5000?

5/5/2009 7:15:45 PM

Do you have photos of the areas in your house that you're thinking about doing work to?

If you already have a decent kitchen but, say, have orange carpet in your bedroom, we might be suggesting the wrong stuff to you.

How old is your house? How's the siding holding up? How about your electricity bills? How's the insulation on the top/under your house?

As for ideas of simple fixes that improve the value, I'm guessing you've got a couple grand back on your tax rebate. For a couple grand you could tile some floors (replace linoleum), or add insulation (in your attic/under your house), or update old appliances, or fix some of the siding on your house...

5/5/2009 11:54:32 PM

get the home improvements that give tax credits

5/5/2009 11:59:58 PM

^ good idea. If you put a solar energy system in your home the government will pay for 35% of it.

http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/incentive2.cfm?Incentive_Code=NC20F&state=NC&CurrentPageID=1&RE=1&EE=1

[Edited on May 6, 2009 at 12:33 AM. Reason : link]

5/6/2009 12:33:46 AM