What did you do with your tax return this year? Maybe a quick vacation to reward yourself for actually getting your taxes in on time? A down payment on a new car? Or did that refund just…disappear into your daily expenses?
We think the best use for your refund is to target improvements that will enhance your home’s value. The average tax refund is $3,000, but even if your return was less than the average, there are plenty of quick fixes to make you feel good.
With spring here and summer not so far behind, let’s go outside for some tax return projects that will make your home a welcome site. Houselogic.com has some great ideas.
For about $3,000 you can add a soft glow to your home with outdoor lighting. One of the most important techniques to increase curb appeal and safety, outdoor lighting enhances your home’s architectural features that welcome guests into your home. The cost would include 7 LED lighting fixtures with a transformer to convert household current into low-voltage and two motion detectors.
Going around back, take a look at your patio. Outdoor living is in now, and a $3,000 patio makeover could add 30-60% on your investment. A professionally installed 12 by 16 foot brick or paver patio will give you plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors in addition to the increased value.
Taking into consideration the recent run of very bad weather, you might give some thought to a portable generator system to keep you up and running when the power goes out. Depending on kilowatt model, a generator ranges from $500-$2,500. Investing part of your tax return in a generator will help you continue with a few electrical essentials until the power goes back on.
And you’ll have a bit of money left over for a pizza party on your new patio!
