Tax Return Makeovers By Kenya Woodard

By Author: Manuel Jones
Total Articles: 3
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January 1 means more than the start of a new year. It’s also a countdown until the end of the month when employers are mandated to send out tax forms so employees can file for their returns. That windfall of money offers a nice influx of cash that goes toward paying down debt (30 percent) or savings and investment accounts (28 percent), according to a survey by Bankrate.com.

The average tax return in Florida is roughly $2,877, not far off from the national average of $2,895, according to Business Insider. If you’re looking to use those dollars to spruce up your home, you might come up short: HomeAdvisor.com reports that the average home improvement project cost around $6,649.

But fear not! Below are some recommended upgrades that won’t break your budget:

Bathroom makeover. The busiest room in the house can look worn down over time. Fixtures fade, the mirror cracks, and grout’s stained. A quick trip to the hardware store can make the difference between a rundown commode and one that’s showroom new. Replace the faucet handles and purchase new shower accessories for fast changes. If you’re feeling ...
... adventurous, try replacing the tile or install a new sink.

Kitchen makeover. The possibilities are endless – and cheap – in this room. Like the bathroom, try switching out the faucet handles or replacing the backsplash, or installing new flooring. Or maybe it’s time to replace some appliances. Sometimes a new stove or mixer can spruce up the kitchen. But if you really want to transform this space, try replacing or repainting cabinets. Or brighten up the walls with a fresh coat of white or yellow paint.

Living room. New flooring can be installed relatively cheaply here. If the furniture is a bit rundown, try slipping on covers and throw blankets for a like-new feel. Rebricking or paneling over the fireplace – the centerpiece of the room – can add an instant and highly visible improvement. Install new window blinds, paint a feature wall, or transform a corner into a cozy reading nook also are easy changes.

Bedroom makeover. If the room dedicated to sleep and comfort looks like anything but in your house, a few easy fixes include painting a feature wall, changing out the blinds, or adding a new bedspread. But if you want to step it up, try installing a new closet layout, creating a new bed frame, or upgrading the ceiling fan.

Patio. Perhaps the biggest change you can make in this area is adding a gazebo. But don’t stop there! A new patio set works nicely here too, as does new lighting, and a new grill. If you really want to go all out, try some light re-landscaping including sodding or seeding patchy areas of grass, adding lighted pathways, and planting bushes and shrubbery.

Of course, if you need assistance with any of the above projects, visit J Edwards Construction Grup at www.jedwardsconstruction.net or call us at (727) 263-0789 and speak with someone today about your home improvement needs.

January 1 means more than the start of a new year. It’s also a countdown until the end of the month when employers are mandated to send out tax forms so employees can file for their returns. That windfall of money offers a nice influx of cash that goes toward paying down debt (30 percent) or savings and investment accounts (28 percent), according to a survey by Bankrate.com.