Top New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

The start of each new year is a hopeful time. People vow to get to the gym more often or to finally quit smoking. But as winter turns to spring, even the most steadfast determination can begin to wane, and resolutions often get sidelined. The same is true in remodeling. There always seem to be things on our wish lists that we never get around to.

We spoke with three experts to identify the home improvement projects most of us think about but rarely tackle. And we got tips on how to finally get these projects done.


1. Making Our Homes More Energy Efficient

Bob Vila knows a thing or two about the home improvement projects people dream about. One that he hears mentioned frequently is increasing a home’s energy efficiency. “People often ask me about energy conservation methods, from installing a programmable thermostat to adding insulation in an attic to replacing old windows and doors,” he says.

Why It’s Important: Boosting your home’s energy efficiency saves you money—a common resolution in and of itself!

What Holds Us Back: Budget concerns can be roadblocks to success, Bob points out, but they don’t have to be. “There are $50,000 window replacements, but there are also options as inexpensive as a tube of caulking to seal out drafts.”

How To Get It Done: “Take a realistic look at your finances and start with what you can afford,” Bob advises. “For larger projects, you may have to adjust your priorities in order to save money, like taking a one week vacation instead of two weeks.”

2. Remodeling a Kitchen or Bath

Modernizing an outdated kitchen or bath is a project that Amy Matthews, licensed contractor and host of DIY Network’s hit show “Sweat Equity,” is asked about time and again.

Why It’s Important: Aside from the aesthetic qualities, a beautiful new kitchen or bath can increase the value of your home.

What Holds Us Back: “I think people feel overwhelmed by the scope of these projects,” Amy reflects. “There are other rooms you can renovate for less money, but kitchens and baths can involve plumbing, gas lines, fixtures—they are expensive places to fix.”

How To Get It Done: “Begin by making a detailed plan of your dream room, but be realistic about the costs,” Amy says. To have the stove of your dreams, for example, you may need to compromise on cabinets—or the other way around. “A good contractor will be able to help you adjust your plan to fit your budget.”

3. Conquering Clutter

“Getting rid of clutter and finally getting organized is always on our readers’ list of New Year’s resolutions,” reports Amy Panos, Senior Editor for Home Design at Better Homes & Gardens.

Why It’s Important: Clutter-free spaces not only help you save time by making it easier to find what you need, they also foster an overall sense of serenity in your home.

What Holds Us Back: The urge to get it done all at once. “Remember, you didn’t accumulate the clutter in a day, and you’re not going to organize your whole house in a day,” Amy says.

How To Get It Done: Start small. “Think about the three areas that, if you could get them organized, would make the biggest difference in your daily life,” Amy suggests. “Work on one of them each month, even if it’s only for an hour a week. Focus on one and work on it until you finish, then move on to the next one. Let success breed success.”

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article source: bobvila.com

Home Remodeling Tax Cuts

As the year is coming to an end, you are may be looking for ways to lower your energy bills. There are many solutions for you; the U.S. offers many tax credits for energy-saving home improvements. Unfortunately, you will need to act fast, some expire on December 31st.

What improvements are covered by the expiring credits?
Homeowners can get a tax credit for installing:

• Specific wood or pellet stoves
• Energy-efficient furnaces
• Water heaters and air-conditioning systems
• Insulated roofs, windows and doors
• Wall and ceiling insulation.

The tax credit covers 30% of the purchase costs, up to $1,500. For a complete list, check the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov.
Is the installation cost covered?
The cost of putting in heating and air-conditioning systems, water heaters and biomass stoves is covered. Unfortunately, installing new windows, doors, roofs and insulation is not covered.

Can I use the tax credits for improvements in a vacation home?
The improvements qualify for an existing home that is your primary residence, even if it is a houseboat or mobile home. But rentals, vacation homes and new construction are not eligible.

With time short, what improvements make the most sense?
Upgrading your heating and cooling can save as much as 50% of the average home's energy bill. If your furnace or boiler is more than 10 years old, this may be the ideal time to replace it.

What improvements can be done relatively cheaply?
Adding insulation is the cheapest choice for home renovation. The most low cost choice is to just insulate the area where your family spends most of their waking hours. The cost will be low and your family will be much more comfortable. Also insulation is a do-it-yourself project, meaning you can save on labor costs.

Am I going to have trouble finding a contractor on short notice?
In the current recession, many contractors will be available. You can find qualified contractors at the website of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at, www.nari.org. Many of the contractors have knowledge of the tax cuts and have the equipment and materials ready.

Will a new dishwasher get me some tax credits?
Unfortunately, appliances do not qualify, but appliances carrying the Energy Star seal will help reduce your energy bill. Many states and local utilities are offering direct rebates on some appliances. To check if programs are available in your state go to www.energysavers.gov.

Might the program be reinstated for future tax years?
Legislation has been introduced to extend the tax credits, but experts have said it is unlikely that Congress will pass it before the end of the year.
Will I be able to handle this on my tax return without having to call on an expert?
The form is simple. You will need to save the manufacturer's certificate that states the equipment or service is eligible under the program. If not available with the product, the certificates can also be found on the websites of the manufacturers.

Are there any tax incentives for rooftop solar-power systems?
Federal tax credits for solar-energy, small residential wind turbines and geothermal pump systems cover 30% of all costs, installation included, with no cost limit. Also, these apply to primary homes, vacation homes and new construction. The best part is that these do not expire until 2016.