Tax time is coming up soon and it brings with it the benefit, for some, of a tax return. According to the IRS, Americans receive up to $3,000 on average in their tax return check. While there might be a new technological “doo-dad,” a clothing shopping spree, a vacation, or other luxuries on your mind for your money, many Americans are opting to put their money where their heart is: their homes.
When a person invests any money in their home, whether it be adding decorative touches like backsplash tiling in the kitchen, new lighting fixtures, or large projects like completely reflooring their home or installing a pool, every upgrade means an increase in the overall value of the house.
Knowing what improvements to make depends largely on how long you intend to stay in the home. Regardless of your intentions, the prevailing opinion by experts is to focus on the exterior of the home in the form of large-scale projects over more superficial additions like decoration-centered remodeling. If you have nothing that needs immediate fixing on your home, the most popular home improvement options that most people are choosing this tax return season are the following:
#1. Windows
If eyes are the windows to the soul, as many believe, then the windows are the eyes of the house. Your windows can be functional and stylish at the same time, providing anything you might wish for, but there are many things to take into consideration when selecting a window concept for your home but most importantly: are you replacing the whole window plus frame entirely or just the glass and working parts?
While replacing the frame of the window entirely is more expensive than just the glass and “innards” of a window, the frame can incur significant damage over time and often gets overlooked. Window sills, particularly, suffer damage the most but are rarely attended to during a replacement process. If you are considering gutting the whole window and frame and replacing the entire unit, make sure to use an experienced window installation professional.
As far as cost, the lowest figure for a full replacement of windows on the whole house is on the lower end of 5 figures. You can cut down on the expense by hiring a handyman, but professionals are always the best to work with because their work is guaranteed and most likely backed by a warranty. At Mr. Roof, we offer some of the best warranties in the industry because we stand behind our work.
#2. Siding
Whether you just want your home to have a face-lift or you are repairing damage (warping, mold, dry rot, peeling paint, etc.), purchasing new siding for your home is a major decision and there are many factors to consider. Like windows, siding is potentially both an aesthetically pleasing choice as well as a functional one.
Many feel a fresh coat of paint is just as good, but this is not true. Siding is far more durable and will last for a much longer time than paint, which can chip and wear down over time from inclement weather. As an investment, it’s one of the best. You can recover approximately 93% of what you spent on the project when selling the house, according to BestPickReports.com.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that beholder might be your Homeowners’ Association (HOA). Make sure to check bylaws and statutes for your neighborhood when picking siding material and color in case there are any rules against certain hues. There are some neighborhoods that have a specific palette from which to choose. It’s harder to ask for forgiveness rather than permission when making a major change to your home like siding.
#3. Roofing
Of all the home repairs and upgrades listed, the roof is the most important, which is why it is last on the list. While most people will not have friends and neighbors over when they replace their roof to show it off, it is a vital part of the home. If you doubt its significance, try to imagine your house with a leak in the roof and you understand immediately why it’s so important.
Replacing a roof adds significant value to the home and a roof’s age is often the deciding factor for people when buying a house; knowing you have to replace a roof within a few years because of its advanced age would make anyone wary about purchasing a home.
Region is the most important aspect when selecting roof material because certain areas require certain roof characteristics. The most common types of roofing are:
- Asphalt shingle – this is the most cost-effective option and generally can last a long time. A drawback many homeowners
find is that it looks flat and unattractive and, if a dark color, can heat up quickly in the sun, making the house too hot.
- Wood shingle – where asphalt is relatively inexpensive and low on the beauty factor, wood shingles are the total opposite because they tend to be higher priced but definitely more pleasing to the eye. Someone who lives in an area with a danger of fire damage should never choose a wooden roof, due to its combustibility.
- Slate – This is an extremely high-end and visually appealing option with a price tag to match. It is also very heavy and slippery to walk on, therefore hard to repair when damaged.
- Composition slate – These are synthetic material tiles and a green option with 95% of its composition being recyclable materials. This option is gathering popularity because of its sustainable properties, durability, and it’s light weight.
- Metal – Also very durable, metal roofing can come in a variety of materials from aluminum to steel to copper to zinc and mixed-metal alloys. While it is more expensive and requires a specialist to install or repair it, it is a highly durable (making them cost-effective) and attractive option on any home.
If you choose to use your hard-earned tax refund on a roof this year, make sure to call Mr. Roof, the leading roofing experts. Mr. Roof has single handedly been making customers smile with quick and professional service backed by a lifetime transferable warranty – one warranty, no gaps. Call or schedule a free estimate online to talk to our staff about starting a plan for a new roof today
